Heartbreak: Hens lose National Championship game

Despite a dominating first half and a strong start to the second half, the University of Delaware Blue Hens could not hold off a late charge by Eastern Washington.

A missed extra point after the Hens first touchdown in the first quarter allowed Eastern Washington to take the lead after three unanswered touchdowns late in the game.  The final score, Eastern Washington 20, Delaware 19.

As the Eastern Washington Eagles made their game winning touchdown drive, there was a dispute over whether they were able to make a first down after going for it on fourht down.  The referees reset the spot of the ball after reviewing the video tape, but even with the respot, the Eagles still earned the first down.  They scored just a few plays later to take the lead for good.

The loss is a disappointing end to what had been a great season for the Blue Hens and Head Coach K.C. Keeler.  It was Delaware’s third trip to the championship game since 2003 when they won the title.  The 2007 ended in the same result as tonight, with a Blue Hen loss.

Vice President Joe Biden was among the many U.D. supporters in the stands.  After the game he congratulated the teams:

“I congratulate the University of Delaware and Eastern Washington for their talent, hard work and dedication in achieving the championship game. Although I am disappointed that my alma mater, the University of Delaware Blue Hens, didn’t capture the title this year, I am proud of both teams for making it this far. I congratulate the Eastern Washington Eagles on their well-deserved victory.”