Peery Splits The Uprights Against Fordham To Keep Lehigh Perfect

By Chuck Burton

Publisher/Managing Editor

College Sports Journal

 

BETHLEHEM, PA. — In the game of football, it's not easy being the placekicker.

Frequently, it comes all down to you – the guy with the relatively-clean uniform, who trots in from the sidelines, to attempt to deliver the game-winning points.

He's the guy who could come in, at the peak of the offense's big drive, and get "iced", the guy whothe guy who could come in, at the peak of the offense's big drive, and get "iced", the guy who shanks the kick, who keeps the breath of hope alive for the other team.

The kicker is the ultimate finisher – one way or another.

With two seconds left on the clock, senior place kicker Jake Peery, a perfect 4-for-4 on kicks on the afternoon, lined up on the 13 yard line — the exact spot where he nailed a 23 yard field goal midway through the second quarter.

Hero or goat. There was no third option.

It was clear that the soft-spoken Baltimore, Maryland native was at a loss for words in the postseason celebration and the postgame interviews, after he was mobbed by teammates after his 23-yard boot gave Lehigh a last-gasp 34-31 win.

It yet another cardiac win for the Mountain Hawks in a season that has already featured more than their fair share thus far in the 2012 season.
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