The Columbia Lions played fervently during this year’s Homecoming game, but ultimately did not secure a win against the Penn Quakers.

On Saturday, October 18th, Columbia Football (1-4, 0-2) faced off against the Penn Quakers (4-1, 2-0) in their highly anticipated Homecoming game. Alumni, families, and bright-eyed students all took to the stands to cheer on the Lions, hopeful for a Homecoming win that would be Columbia’s first since 2021. The Lions have seemingly been on a path of success, achieving a 5-2 conference record in 2024 that established them as Ivy League Champions. With this fresh victory in mind, attendees remained hopeful that this game would solidify their first Ivy League win in the 2025 season. Unfortunately, this year the Lions fell short against the Quakers, but their determination and energy on the field was as unwavering as ever. 

With a final score of 35-21, the game was neck and neck up to the third quarter. Running Back Michael Walters (CC ‘29) scored the first touchdown of the game during the first quarter and consistently rushed impressive lengths to give the team an edge. This was a great game for Walters, as he accomplished a team high of 61 yards that brought the Lions to new heights. During this first quarter, Columbia had strong defense overall, forcing two Penn turnovers. Defensive Back Caleb Solomon (CC ‘28) stopped Penn’s opening drive at the 40 yard line, and soon afterward Terrell Battle (CC ‘27) made an impressive interception that marked his first career pick and solidified Columbia with their second down and eight—their second attempt to gain 10 yards, with eight yards left to go—on the 38 yard line. Columbia ended quarter one with a lead of 7-0 that left attendees at the edge of their seats.

Moving onto the second quarter with a humble but hopeful lead, a great pass by quarterback Caleb Sanchez (CC ‘28) to Beckett Robinson (CC ‘29) secured Columbia five yards to the 30-yard line. Overall, Sanchez had one of the best performances of his career, completing 27 out of 47 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Though the Lions took a few fouls this quarter that frustrated fans and impeded the team’s success, a fumble by Penn was swiftly recovered by Levi Robins (CC ‘27). The Quakers started to creep on the Lions’ lead and tied the score at 7-7 with 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter. Thankfully, the worry did not last for long, as another 32-yard pass by Sanchez to Robinson landed Columbia with their second touchdown and reaffirmed their lead in the game. The second quarter ended with a 14-point tie due to a touchdown by Penn with two minutes left in the quarter, but efforts by the Lions did not yet cease.

Following a third touchdown by Penn in the first half of the third quarter, Columbia was feeling the pressure. Walters rushed a whopping 15 yards to secure the first down. The Lions began to find their rhythm again, showcasing great teamwork with a 25 yard pass caught by Titus Evans (CC ‘27). The stands were left in suspense after another 24 yard pass between Sanchez and Evans was interfered by Penn. Ultimately, the Quakers took the foul and a two yard pass to Hutch Crow (CC ‘28) brought Columbia into the endzone once again. The field goal taken by Hugo Merry (CC ‘27) was cleared, giving the Lions just the boost they needed to fall back into a 21-21 tie with the Quakers.

Unfortunately, this momentum did not last, and Penn took the lead through the end of the third quarter and into the fourth. Two touchdowns from Penn and several incomplete passes by the Lions contributed to the Lions’ struggle to come back from Penn’s advancing lead. Regardless, the game will remain a highlight of the season for the way in which the Lions put up their best efforts. The team truly gave it their all, hitting many milestones to be proud of. It is no question that the team’s passionate efforts came from a place of wanting to make themselves and their fans proud. Even without a Homecoming win this year, the pride for our Columbia Lions will carry on. Make sure to stay tuned on ESPNU to see the Lions in Hanover this Friday, October 24th, taking on Dartmouth’s Big Green.

Homecoming Game via Author