The annual matchup between Elizabethtown College and Messiah University has all the aspects a rivalry needs. There’s stands filled with the Blue Jay and Falcon faithful, music to excite the crowd for the awaited matchup and showers of cheers and marshmallows — marshmallows that have fueled the nature of the rivalry for the last 44 years.
As Messiah had lost their last two matchups moving into the game, Elizabethtown looked to capitalize on their shortcomings and grant themselves a win before conference play in a few weeks. Messiah hoped to bounce back and regain some ground in the Division III Top 25 poll.
As the whistle blew to begin the first half, hundreds of marshmallows covered the sideline and rained down on the players. Elizabethtown took control early with a shot on goal by sophomore Sean Reiber. However, Messiah quickly capitalized in the 10th minute on an Elizabethtown pass back to the defense that was intercepted by sophomore forward Sam Phillips who put the first goal of the game into the back of the net.
Messiah maintained control of the ball in the attacking third for the majority of the first half, giving Elizabethtown pressure on the defensive end. However, many clearances were made by Elizabethtown’s back line. Messiah put away the game’s second goal on a pass across the six-yard box from sophomore Sam Phillips to fifth-year midfielder Josh Bratager in the 25th minute.
Elizabethtown had many chances to attempt to create a resurgence for the team, but the Messiah defense held strong, making tackles and blocking shots to maintain their lead.
Messiah found their third goal of the game in the 43rd minute off a perfectly placed corner kick by fifth-year midfielder Jarec Morlote into the box where sophomore defender Matt Griffin soared over the defense with a header.
“I talked to our guys at halftime,” Elizabethtown Coach Scheffey said at the break. “They’ll continue to fight and battle to compete for the second 45 minutes.” In the second half, Messiah mainly dominated the possession battle but many chances were created for both Elizabethtown and Messiah. The game’s final goal was scored from a pass by junior defender Jordan Gilman by an outside-the-foot shot by Jarec Morlote.
“They’re a very good team and a fun environment to play in,” Scheffey said. “We talked about response throughout the year, and it’s about how we come back and continue to work.”
Messiah’s Coach McCarty said that a key piece in the win was freshman Grant Schreiner.
“He did a good job breaking pressure early tonight, and I’m proud of our backs,” Schreiner said. “We’ve given up a lot of goals this year and [Elizabethtown] had chances early, so we are fortunate to get the shutout.”
Elizabethtown moves to 2-3-1 on the season and Messiah moves to 4-2.
