Jordan Barnett led the Shepherd University offense, in rushing with 96 yards in a league victory over Lock Haven University at Coach Monte Cater Field on Saturday. David Pennock

SHEPHERDSTOWN — What was once a large lead for playing-well Shepherd University turned troublesome, when previously moribund Lock Haven quickly rallied in the second half to score five touchdowns before falling just short of the Rams in losing a yardage-filled 45-38 verdict at sun splashed Monte Cater Field on Saturday.

The near-perfect Rams bolted a 31-3 lead at halftime.

Nothing was the same thereafter.

Once Bald Eagle quarterback Jack Ostrowsky knew his protection was going to allow him to plant his feet, step forward and find open receivers, he brought Lock Haven screaming back after the once prosperous Shepherd lead.

Shepherd’s three-man rush could disrupt nothing throughout a touchdown happy second half.

Shepherd University running back Malaki Brown plays in Saturday's home game against Lock Haven University. David Pennock

Ostrowsky completed 31-of-50 passes for 470 yards and four touchdowns, but Shepherd’s overpowering first half had it in a sturdy position to eventually close out the PSAC East Division win.

In finally counting all the offensive yardage the teams literally amassed, Shepherd totaled 519 yards of total offense and the always-chasing Bald Eagles had 497 offensive yards. Limiting Lock Haven to just 27 rushing yards certainly helped the now 4-1 Rams, who travel to West Chester for tomorrow’s noontime game.

Shepherd’s six TDs were scored by Jordan Barnett (2), Malakai Brown (2) Cam Dorner and Grant Swinehart.

The 4,197 onlookers mostly basked in Shepherd’s 28-point halftime cushion. But then nobody could bask in the second half as Lock Haven completely reversed what momentum was present. It took two more scores in the last half by the Rams to finally secure the seven-point victory that kept them unbeaten in the league’s East Division.

Shepherd dominated time of possession with its unerring ground game. Barnett crashed through the interior of the Bald Eagle defense for 96 yards, Swinehart gouged out 75 yards and the Rams claimed 37:18 in time of possession to the Bad Eagles’ scant 22:48 possession time.

Shepherd University was able to drain the clock in the fourth quarter on Saturday afternoon, as Lock Haven University was making a comeback, due to running back Grant Swinehart. David Pennock

The once-formidable lead had been crafted, because the Rams had no turnovers and very few penalties in the eye-opening first half. Ram quarterback Lek Powell was 12-for-14 throwing and Dorner had four first-half catches.

All that was needed, when Ostrowsky and company made their hard charging chase after the Ram lead.

Shepherd’s lead actually went to 38-3 before Lock Haven entirely changed the game’s complexion by notching 35 of the game’s last 42 points.

Forty-five points was enough. Lock Haven’s chameleon-like reversal might be talked about for years to come. But the first-half misfortunes will never again be mentioned.

At 4-1, the Rams keep the sizzle to their season.

One-win West Chester comes next. And later on there will be nationally-ranked Kutztown and playing-well East Stroudsburg.