Chargers football team fell short in their season opener at Indiana University in Pennsylvania, on Saturday, Sept. 8. 

The Chargers let in two touchdowns before getting themselves on the board. Although New Haven led in both rushing and passing yards on the day, they were unable to cut their deficits and fell to the Indiana Crimson Hawks, 13-24.

New Haven won the coin toss and took possession of the ball. After a slow start, Ju’an Williams caught a pass to move the chains and get a first down for the Chargers. Wasting little time, New Haven advanced the ball down the field, but were unable to convert in the red zone because of early penalties. After a Chargers punt, IUP’s Duane Brown was able to catch a 47-yard pass for a touchdown on the second play of the drive, putting the Hawks up 7-0 in the first quarter.

By the end of the half, New Haven was losing by ten points. However, Brett Huber from the Chargers snagged a short pass from quarterback, Nick Robins, to give Robins his first and only passing touchdown of the game.

New Haven switched between two upperclassmen quarterback’s in their first appearance of the season, Robins and Christian Lupoli. Robins, who threw three interceptions, struggled to connect with his wide receivers.

With 11 penalties, losing 102 yards, the Chargers battled with calls on both sides of the line of scrimmage, which stalled out their offensive drives. Penalties set the Chargers back all game and proved to be detrimental. 

Kicker Michael Staleny was a key player for New Haven this game as he went 3-3, scoring an extra point in the second quarter and then a 21-yard field goal in the third quarter, leaving the Chargers trailing by seven. Staleny stepped up as his team was only able to convert one touchdown all game.

In the beginning of the fourth quarter, the score remained 17-10, IUP. Staleny followed his first field goal with another in the fourth quarter, pushing the Chargers another three points closer. However, the Crimson Hawks had an answer, as they scored a touchdown with 9:07 left for the final points of the game.

The Chargers will take on the Stonehill Skyhawks next Saturday, Sept. 14,  at W.B. Mason Stadium in North Easton, Massachusetts. New Haven will have their home opener the following week Sept. 21, against American International College at 1 p.m.