November 15, 2012

Lafayette-Lehigh: A Historic Rivalry in Images

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College football’s most-played rivalry dates back to 1884, when Lafayette shut out Lehigh 50-0 in Easton. The two teams met twice a year from 1884-1901 (three times in 1891) and once a year since then with the exception of 1896, when a player eligibility dispute cancelled the game. The Leopards lead the series 76-66-5.

This photo gallery chronicles some of the rivalry’s historic moments.

View and share more images of the rivalry on Flickr

The 1896 football team posted an 11-0-1 record – highlighted by 10 shutouts – en route to Lafayette’s first national championship. Coached by Parke Davis, the Leopards outscored their opponents 240-10 during the 12-game slate.
George B. Walbridge, Class of 1898, left, was captain of the 1896 team and right halfback, and Charles R. Rinehart, Class of 1898, was captain of the 1897 team and quarterback.
A 28-6 victory at Lehigh concluded a 9-0 season and a national title for the 1921 team.
The 1926 undefeated football team beat Lehigh 35-0.
Head coach Steve Hokuf and the Leopards celebrate after winning the game in 1955.
The Lafayette band in 1962
The Lafayette Marching Band in 1963
Lafayette quarterback George Hossenlopp ’65, center, receives the trophy for being named the outstanding player in the 100th Lafayette-Lehigh game in 1964 from John B. Hench ’65, president of the Lafayette Student Council. At right is Rodger Digilio, president of the Lehigh Student Council.
Head coach Kenneth Bunn and defensive coordinator Marv Braden led the Leopards in 1964.
Terry Burton '65, l-r, Hunt Garbee '56, Joe Emig '59, Dave Patterson '59, Dan Edson '68, Dave Davis '59, Bob Harkel '49, and George Bergstrom '70 pose before the 1968 game.
The 1968 game
Head coach Harry Gamble watches from the sideline during the 1969 game.
Rick Nowell '71 (84) kicks the field goal that beat Lehigh in 1970.
Cheerleaders and the Leopard from the 1970s
Fans pack the stadium in 1977.
Lafayette-Lehigh powder puff game in 1979
Coach Bill Russo is carried off the field after Lafayette beat Lehigh in 1981. Gary Yogan ’84 and Joe Calhoun '83 are in foreground.
Ed Opatkiewicz ’82 (88) and Rodger Shepko ’84 (40) celebrate after a touchdown in the 1981 game.
The Lick Lehigh Pep Rally in 1982
Erik Marsh ’95 carries the ball.
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