DOYLESTOWN, Pa.—The Lycoming Warrior football team suffered a disappointing loss at Delaware Valley on Saturday afternoon. The 17-16 defeat followed seven consecutive Lycoming victories, dating back to last season when the Warriors won their final five contests. After opening 2006 with back-to-back wins, Coach Frank Girardi’s team could not outlast Delaware Valley, who took its only lead late in the fourth quarter and held on for the victory.

Early in the game, the Warriors found a rhythm, hitting senior receivers Chris Beissel (Leesport, Pa.), Jeremy Ebert (Hawley, Pa.) and Tony Kopp (Saint Mary’s, Pa.) with a combination of curls and crossing routes. With 2 minutes left in the first quarter, Lycoming drew first blood with a 4 yard touchdown pass to Kopp. The extra point was subsequently blocked by the Aggies.

Rushing yards were hard to come by, as both defenses dominated the run. Lycoming gained only 17 rushing yards in the second quarter, while Delaware Valley produced minus 11. However, the Warriors continued to connect on mid-range passes, moving the ball down the field. Only a missed field goal by Lycoming and several untimely penalties kept the score 6-0 at halftime.

To open the second half, Lycoming drove 53 yards to set up a 34 yard field goal by Mike Monastra (Havertown, Pa.). But Delaware Valley responded by delivering a 20 yard touchdown pass to cut Lyco’s lead to 2 points. Not to be outdone, the Warriors answered right back with a 3 play, 60 yard drive, culminating in a 20 yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Glenn Smith (Watsontown, Pa.).

Smith strengthened his bid for all-conference recognition by completing 25 of 37 passes for 232 yards on the afternoon, including one touchdown through the air and one on the ground. Even with minus 34 yards on five sacks, Smith also recorded a team high 35 rushing yards.

On the final play of the third quarter, Delaware Valley kicked a 27 yard field goal to make the score 16-10. After a three-and-out Warrior series, the Aggies wore Lycoming down with a methodical 67 yard touchdown drive. Lycoming seemingly found new life when Chris Tribanas (Lansdale, Pa.) recovered a Delaware Valley fumble with 2 minutes remaining. But a sack and an interception thwarted the Warriors’ hopes and the hometown Aggies emerged victorious.

The Warriors continue MAC action next weekend as they host FDU-Florham at 1:30 p.m. at David Person Field. It is Family Weekend.