Northern Lehigh opened the 2026 season in dramatic fashion Friday night.
Senior kicker Anthony Hanna drilled a 27-yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Bulldogs to a thrilling 17-14 victory over Executive Education Academy.
Northern Lehigh appeared to be in control after building a 14-0 halftime lead, but Executive Education battled all the way back and tied the game with just 2:46 remaining. That set the stage for Hanna, who delivered the biggest kick of the night and sent the Bulldogs home with a season-opening victory.
Karetsky Scores Twice in First Half
Northern Lehigh struck first behind Colin Karetsky.
The Bulldogs put together a long first-quarter drive before Karetsky finished it with a five-yard touchdown run with 2:55 remaining. Hanna added the extra point to give Northern Lehigh a 7-0 advantage.
The Bulldogs added another touchdown just before halftime.
Quarterback Garrett Smoyer connected with Karetsky for a long touchdown pass with just 47 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Hanna’s extra point made it 14-0 at the break.
Karetsky accounted for both of Northern Lehigh’s touchdowns in the first half, while Smoyer helped direct an offense that was able to put together sustained drives.
Executive Education Rallies
The Raptors began their comeback in the third quarter.
Ayden Ramos broke loose for a 50-yard touchdown run with 6:16 remaining in the quarter. The extra-point attempt failed, leaving Northern Lehigh ahead 14-6.
Northern Lehigh’s defense came up with several key stops throughout the second half, including a blocked punt that gave the Bulldogs excellent field position. But the Bulldogs couldn’t turn the opportunity into points, keeping Executive Education within striking distance.
The Raptors finally pulled even late in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Shawntez Whitsitt scored on a four-yard touchdown run with 2:46 remaining. Whitsitt then connected with Shakiyl Reid Jr. on the two-point conversion to tie the game at 14.
After leading by two touchdowns at halftime, Northern Lehigh suddenly needed one final drive to avoid letting the game slip away.
Hanna Delivers at the Buzzer
Smoyer and the Bulldogs responded.
Northern Lehigh moved down the field on its final possession, converting a pair of important third downs and driving deep into Executive Education territory.
A penalty pushed the Bulldogs back, but Northern Lehigh was able to stop the clock with two seconds remaining.
That brought Hanna onto the field.
With the game on the line, the senior kicker calmly connected on the 27-yard field goal as time expired, giving Northern Lehigh the 17-14 victory and setting off a celebration by the Bulldogs.
It was a fitting finish for a Northern Lehigh team that was forced to respond after watching a 14-point halftime advantage disappear.
The Bulldogs improve to 1-0 and will face a major early-season test next week when they travel to Northwestern Lehigh.
Scoring Summary
FINAL: Northern Lehigh 17, Executive Education Academy 14
| Teams |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
Final |
| Northern Lehigh |
7 |
7 |
0 |
3 |
17 |
| Executive Education Academy |
0 |
0 |
6 |
8 |
14 |
First Quarter
2:55 — NL: Colin Karetsky 5-yard run (Anthony Hanna kick),
Second Quarter
0:47 — NL: Colin Karetsky TD reception from Garrett Smoyer (Anthony Hanna kick)
Third Quarter
6:16 — EEA: Ayden Ramos 50-yard run (kick failed)
Fourth Quarter
2:46 — EEA: Shawntez Whitsitt 4-yard run (Shakiyl Reid Jr. pass from Whitsitt)
0:00 — NL: Anthony Hanna 27-yard field goal
Stars of the game
Northern Lehigh
Garrett Smoyer 16 carries for 98 yard rushing and 10 of 19 passing for 156 yards and 1 TD
Chris Frame 11 carries for 53 yards and 5 catches for 83 yards
Colin Karetsky rushing touchdown and 3 catches for 51 yards and a TD
Anthony Hanna game winning kick (27 yards)
Executive Education Academy
Ayden Ramos 7 carries for 60 yards and a TD and 4 catches for 89 yards
Shawntez Whitsitt 14 carries for 77 yards and a TD and 10 of 15 passes for 127 yards
