NEW YORK (Interstat) — The Lehigh Mountain Hawks, defying pregame projections and a double-digit point spread, delivered a commanding 31-7 victory over the Columbia Lions on Saturday at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium to remain undefeated.

The game, played on October 11, 2025, was a stark contrast to expectations. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 26-25 win for Columbia, which was also installed as a 10-point favorite. Instead, Lehigh improved to 6-0 while Columbia fell to 1-2.

Lehigh’s offense was methodical and explosive, scoring in every quarter. They opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run by quarterback Matt Machalik. The Mountain Hawks extended their lead to 17-0 by halftime, adding a 7-yard touchdown run from Luke Yoder and a 38-yard field goal from Nick Garrido as time expired in the second quarter.

The third quarter saw Lehigh put the game out of reach. On their first possession, quarterback Hayden Johnson connected with receiver Geoffrey Jamiel for a 63-yard touchdown pass. Later in the quarter, Machalik punched in his second touchdown of the day from 2 yards out, pushing the lead to 31-0.

Columbia avoided the shutout later in the third quarter when quarterback Xander Menapace found a streaking Titus Evans for a 74-yard touchdown pass. That would be the Lions’ only bright spot on the scoreboard.

Johnson, a junior from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was the engine for the Mountain Hawks’ offense. He completed 17 of 23 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown while also rushing eight times for 68 yards. His primary target was Jamiel, who hauled in nine catches for 182 yards and a touchdown. Yoder contributed 67 rushing yards and a score on 13 carries, and Machalik was a force near the goal line, rushing for two touchdowns.

For Columbia, Menapace finished 11 of 21 for 178 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Evans was his top receiver, catching six passes for 111 yards and the Lions’ lone touchdown. The Columbia running game was stifled, managing just 18 net yards.

The Lehigh defense was disruptive, sacking Columbia quarterbacks five times and intercepting two passes. Mason Moore and Luke Denny each recorded an interception for the Mountain Hawks.

Columbia punter Tommy Sleeman was a frequent presence on the field, punting eight times for 343 yards as the Lions’ offense repeatedly stalled.

The total points scored, 38, went under the pregame over/under line of 47.5. Lehigh will look to continue its perfect season when it travels to face Fordham on October 25. Columbia will host Penn on October 18.