Lehigh Football's 2023 Season Review: Key Games and Player Highlights
Looking back at Lehigh Football's 2023 season, I can't help but feel a mix of pride and what-ifs. As someone who's followed this program for over a decade, I've seen our share of rebuilding years, but this one felt different right from the start. The energy around the team during preseason was palpable, especially with how Coach Cone handled player integration. I remember hearing about his approach to team chemistry and thinking, "This could be our year to surprise some people."
That preseason chemistry building proved crucial in our early games. When we faced off against Villanova in September, the team looked like they'd been playing together for years rather than weeks. Coach Cone's philosophy about player immersion really showed its value during that game. I was particularly impressed with how quarterback Dante Perri connected with his receivers - you could see the trust they'd built during those intense training sessions. Perri finished that game with 287 passing yards and three touchdowns, numbers that would set the tone for his breakout season. What stood out to me wasn't just the statistics but the way the offense moved as a single unit, something we hadn't seen consistently in previous seasons.
The real turning point came during the October stretch against rivals Colgate and Lafayette. I've always believed that you measure a team's character by how they perform in rivalry games, and this squad showed tremendous heart. The defense, led by senior linebacker Mike DeNucci, created eight turnovers across those two contests. DeNucci's leadership reminded me of some of the great Lehigh defenders from the early 2010s - he had that same intensity and football IQ that elevates everyone around him. His 14 tackles against Lafayette were particularly memorable, including that crucial fourth-quarter stop that essentially sealed the game.
What struck me most about this season was how the team handled adversity. When we lost starting running back Jack DiPietro to injury in November, many wondered if our offensive production would suffer. Instead, we saw sophomore Rashawn Allen step up in a big way, rushing for over 100 yards in two of the final three games. That kind of next-man-up mentality doesn't develop overnight - it comes from the culture Coach Cone has built. I recall talking to several players after the season, and they consistently mentioned how the coaching staff's approach to team chemistry made them feel connected even when facing challenges.
The New Zealand game preparation that Cone referenced was particularly fascinating to observe. Having watched numerous Lehigh seasons unfold, I can say with confidence that the international exposure and unique bonding experiences provided something special this year. The team returned with a cohesion that translated directly to on-field performance, especially in close games where communication under pressure made the difference. We won three games by a touchdown or less this season, compared to just one such victory last year.
As I reflect on the 2023 campaign, what stands out isn't just the 6-5 record or the individual achievements, but the foundation that's been laid for future success. The player development we witnessed, particularly among our sophomore class, suggests that the best is yet to come. While we fell just short of the playoff berth many of us hoped for, the progress made this season gives me genuine optimism about where this program is headed. The chemistry and resilience displayed throughout the year have set a new standard for Lehigh Football, one that I believe will pay dividends in seasons to come.
