MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College flag football team earned a split on Saturday, securing a decisive 13-0 victory over Lancaster Bible College before suffering 52-0 defeat to Penn State-Harrisburg in United East Conference play on Saturday.

Game One – Cedar Crest 13, Lancaster Bible 0

The game against the Chargers was marked by the Falcons' strong defensive performance, highlighted by a second-quarter surge that saw them score both of their touchdowns through the air. Cedar Crest defense played a crucial role, intercepting Lancaster Bible three times and limiting their total offense to just 79 yards.

The Falcons began the first quarter with key defensive stops from juniors Kenny Akinsehinwa (Windsor Mill, Md./Prince & Princess International School) and Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek), effectively containing the Chargers' offensive attempts. After a promising drive, Cedar Crest ended the quarter without a score, tied at 0-0.

In the second quarter, the Falcons' defense forced a turnover on downs, leading to a touchdown pass from senior Erika Butler (Philadelphia, Pa./String Theory Performing Arts) to sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) for 18 yards. The defense continued to shine, with first-year Hailey Wolbeck (Hemet, Calif./Western Center Academy) intercepting a pass from first-year Abi Arnold . Butler then connected with Kerdock again for another touchdown, although the extra point was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 13-0. Cedar Crest maintained strong defensive pressure throughout the remainder of the game, with Akinsehinwa's interception solidifying their lead.

The third quarter saw the Falcons begin with offensive momentum, highlighted by Butler's 26-yard pass to Kerdock. However, Lancaster Bible's offensive attempts were thwarted by solid defensive plays from Rios and Akinsehinwa. The quarter concluded with Cedar Crest leading 13-0.

In the fourth quarter, Cedar Crest struggled to capitalize on opportunities created by their defense, including a late interception return by Kerdock.

Kerdock had a standout performance for the Falcons, recording 92 receiving yards on six receptions and scoring one touchdown. Butler contributed significantly with two passing touchdowns and 115 yards, completing 11-of-24 passing. Akinsehinwa excelled defensively, securing an interception and recording three tackles.

Game Two – Penn State Harrisburg 52, Cedar Crest 0

Cedar Crest struggled against Penn State Harrisburg, managing just 16 total yards and five first downs. The Falcons faced challenges in the passing game, completing only four passes while throwing five interceptions. The Lions capitalized on turnovers, scoring eight touchdowns, including one from an interception return.
 
Cedar Crest began their first quarter with possession but were unable to score, with a challenging series leading to a punt. Penn State Harrisburg took advantage of the situation, with graduate student Jordan Carpenter (Chester, Va.) returning a punt for a touchdown, followed by a score from first-year Grace Kurtz (Lancaster, Pa. ) after another interception by the Falcons. Cedar Crest ended the quarter trailing 13-0.

The second quarter continued the downward trend for the Falcons as turnovers plagued their efforts. A return touchdown from Carpenter and a safety extended the Lions' lead to 33-0 by halftime. Despite some promising plays, including a brief connection between first-year Gigi Martin (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) and Kerdock, Cedar Crest struggled to gain any consistent offensive rhythm.

The third quarter saw the Falcons face more adversity, with Butler encountering defensive pressure, leading to another interception. Penn State Harrisburg capitalized on this, scoring again with just seconds left in the quarter, making it 46-0.

In the fourth quarter, despite some defensive efforts, including a key interception by Butler, the Cedar Crest offense could not find its footing. They ended the game without changing the scoreboard, concluding the match with a 52-0 loss.

Defensively, Rios recorded three interceptions for the Falcons, while Akinsehinwa led the team with three total tackles. Kerdock added to the defensive strength with three tackles and made three receptions for 34 yards. Wolbeck was pivotal on defense, finishing with seven total tackles.

Cedar Crest (1-2 overall, 1-2 United East) stays on the road for contests at Lancaster Bible College on Saturday, March 28 against the host Chargers at 11:00 a.m. followed by a matchup against Keystone College at 12:30 p.m.