Lehigh University Mountain Hawks Open Strong with Top-25 Win

By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | August 30, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography

Bethlehem, Pa. – Lehigh opened its 2025 season with a statement, knocking off No. 25 Richmond 21-14 at Goodman Stadium on Saturday in the Kickoff Weekend matchup. The victory was the Mountain Hawks’ first season-opening win since 2018.

Sophomore Jaden Green was the difference maker, scoring twice, a 13-yard screen pass before halftime to tie the game and a four-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter to seal it. Green finished with 88 rushing yards and 135 all-purpose yards.

The Lehigh defense turned in a gritty performance, allowing just 181 yards and one offensive touchdown. Senior linebacker Brycen Edwards paced the effort with eight tackles, a TFL, and a key fourth-quarter pass breakup. Sophomore defensive back Mekhai Smith added a late interception that shut the door on the Spiders’ comeback bid.

Quarterback Hayden Johnson (Manheim) threw for 135 yards and two scores, including a 29-yard strike to Geoffrey Jamiel early in the third quarter that briefly gave Lehigh the lead before a Richmond kickoff return tied things up. From there, the Mountain Hawks’ defense and ground game carried them home.

Lehigh (1-0) piled up 298 yards of offense, 163 on the ground, while forcing Richmond into critical mistakes – including a bad snap that erased a red-zone chance and a missed field goal in the second quarter.

As SportzWire expands coverage into the Lehigh Valley and District 1 college football scene, fans can follow familiar names from area high schools now making their mark with the Mountain Hawks, including Connor Hilling of Valley View, Aaron Crossley and Joseph Marranca of Wyoming Area, Jacob Albaugh of Delaware Valley, Matt McGowan of Hazleton Area, and Jamaire Harden and Connor Poole of Williamsport.

The Mountain Hawks return to Goodman Stadium next Saturday for University Day/Hall of Fame Weekend when they host Sacred Heart at noon.

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