UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events on Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Misericordia Cougars suffered their first loss in the MAC this season, falling to the Eastern Eagles 28-21 at Mangelsdorf Field. This defeat not only snaps Misericordia’s five-game conference winning streak but also puts them at a critical 5-2 overall and 5-1 in the MAC.
With just 3:44 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Cougars were trailing by seven points and seemed poised for another dramatic comeback. However, a crucial fumble halted their momentum, allowing Eastern to recover and run out the clock, sealing their victory.
Misericordia’s Steve Cushing, in his first year as head coach, expressed pride in his team’s effort despite the loss. “We knew this was going to be a really good game. They just made one more play than us,” he stated.
The game kicked off with high stakes, as Eastern entered averaging 30.3 points per game. The Eagles quickly established a lead with a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Brett Nabb. The Cougars responded with a 75-yard drive, culminating in a 6-yard touchdown run by Jacob Hunter, tying the game at 7-7.
The second half saw both teams trading touchdowns, but Eastern managed to maintain their edge. A pivotal fourth-down conversion from their own 35-yard line set the stage for a crucial 28-14 lead after a halfback option pass. The Cougars fought back, with Kasiah Poole scoring a 1-yard touchdown to narrow the gap, yet it wasn’t enough.
With the loss, Misericordia is left to regroup as they prepare for a matchup against FDU-Florham next week. “The big message is to come back next week and stay inspired,” Cushing emphasized, urging his players to focus on their upcoming challenges.
As both teams move forward, Eastern’s victory places them in a strong position within the MAC, holding the tiebreaker over Misericordia for potential playoff standings. The Eagles will look to build on this momentum as they face Widener next week, while Misericordia aims to bounce back and prove their resilience.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the upcoming games that will shape the remainder of the season!
