Lock Haven football is gearing up for its season opener against Shippensburg on August 29, after marking its first winning season in 44 years last fall. The team, under first-year head coach Joe Battaglia, was ranked seventh in the PSAC Western Division in the recently released preseason coaches' poll. This marks Lock Haven's return to the PSAC West for the first time since 2012, although games against new member Lackawanna will not count toward standings or awards this season. With a 6-5 overall finish last year, the Bald Eagles aim to build on their late-season momentum.

By the Numbers
  • Lock Haven finished the 2025 season with a 6-5 record, their first winning season since 1981.
  • They were ranked seventh in the 2026 PSAC Western Division preseason poll.
State of Play
  • Lock Haven returns to the PSAC West after a successful 2025 season.
  • First-year head coach Joe Battaglia successfully led the team to a winning record.
What's Next

The Bald Eagles will open their 2026 season against Shippensburg, with hopes of leveraging their recent successes to improve their standing in the conference. Fans will be watching to see if the team can maintain the momentum from last year's late-season performance.

Bottom Line

Lock Haven's resurgence marks a pivotal moment in the program's history, creating optimism for the upcoming season as they build on a foundation of improvement and competitive spirit.