By: Jennifer Jones
Director of Sports Information
jonesj@juniata.edu • juniatasports.net
Photo: Jennifer Jones
HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Juniata College football is back home for its final regular season game and what better way to close out this historic run than against the Eagles biggest rival. Juniata hosts Susquehanna University this Saturday, Nov. 16 at noon for the annual Battle for the Goalpost in Knox Stadium. It is also senior day for the Eagles and they will take time to honor their 11 seniors prior to kickoff.
Series History
This is the 74th meeting of these two programs in a rivalry that dates back to 1923. Susquehanna leads the all-time series 38-32-3, but Juniata is 20-15-3 all-time at home against the Crusaders. The Eagles' last win against Susquehanna was in Knox Stadium. They pulled out the 17-16 win in 2011 off a field goal with 2.9 seconds remaining. The last time Susquehanna won in Huntingdon was back in 2009.
Goal Post Game
The Juniata-Susquehanna Battle for the Goalpost dates back over 50 years. The winner takes not only bragging rights for at least the next 12 months, but a six-foot high portion of the wooden goalposts from Susquehanna's Stagg Field. The goalpost was taken back to Huntingdon following Juniata's 12-7 win over the Crusaders back in 1952. The following year, it officially became a symbol of the friendly rivalry between the two teams. Susquehanna leads the goalpost series 28-23-1.
Last Meeting
The Juniata football team's first win streak in nearly a decade ended with a 21-0 loss to Centennial Conference rival Susquehanna in their annual "Battle for the Goalpost" game. With the win, the Crusaders take ownership of the trophy, a six-foot portion of the wooden goalposts from Susquehanna's Stagg Field, and bragging rights until the teams meet again next year. Juniata (3-7, 2-7 Centennial) won the battle in 2011 and are now 1-1 against the Crusaders under Head Coach Tim Launtz. The game concluded the Eagles' most successful season in recent history.
Eagles Soaring High
Juniata sits tied for third place in the Centennial Conference with only one game remaining in the regular season. This is the highest the Eagles have been ranked in the league since joining in 2007. The 2013 squad has already earned the most of any Eagle program since 1999 and have a chance to tie the most wins since 1990.
Rebuilding The Program
The Juniata football class of 2013 has made the second biggest turnaround in program history during their career. Only one other class has gone from a winless season, to one of such success in their four years, the 1949 team seniors. They will graduate with at least 10 career wins under their belts, more than any class since 2004.
Ball Hogs
The Eagles have gone undefeated (3-0) when winning the time of possession battle.
Toss Up
Juniata has done better this season after losing the coin toss. They are 4-0 when it has gone the opponents way.
Getting it Done on the Ground
Juniata has to control the ground in order to increase its chances of success this season. The Eagles are undefeated (6-0) when they outrush opponents and are 4-0 when allowing fewer than 100 rushing yards.
Follow Your Eagles! Stay up-to-date on your Juniata College Eagles by logging onto www.juniatasports.net. And don't forget to follow us on twitter (@JuniataEagles) and on Facebook (Juniata Eagles).
