Lehigh Faces Richmond With Patriot League Title and Playoff Spot in Reach

The other side of the equation is just as blunt. "If we run the table, we win the conference and we're going back to the playoffs," Ayache said.

It is Lehigh's first trip to Richmond since it beat the Spiders in the 2024 FCS playoffs.

Recovering from a two-game skid

Lehigh opened the season with six wins, then lost two straight. It has since won two in a row, including a 31-30 result over Bucknell.

Last week's 33-7 win over Colgate was the team's best performance of that stretch. The Mountain Hawks rushed for 305 yards, with senior Luke Yoder gaining 181 yards and scoring two touchdowns. The defense held Colgate to 230 total yards and 11 first downs.

Ayache blamed the slide on a lack of focus after the fast start. "I just think guys got a little complacent," he said. "When you're 6-0 you start looking ahead."

He said a loss or two cleared that out, and the coaching staff made sure it stayed that way. The team went back to basics and game-planned more for each opponent.

Local ties

Ayache is a Bethlehem Catholic alumnus. His younger brother Jonathon plays for the Golden Hawks, who hosted Allentown Central Catholic in a District 11 4A semifinal on Saturday afternoon. Lehigh has already made Jonathon an offer.

Another brother, Emile, is a freshman defensive lineman at the University of New Haven.

Ayache said 20 to 30 family and friends come to every Lehigh home game. A former Bethlehem Catholic teammate, first-year player Cayden Vassa, has seen action at safety since first-team all-league selection Nick Peltekian was injured in the game at Cornell.

Lehigh coach Rich Nagy praised Ayache's work up front. "He's doing a great job and is an unbelievable football player," Nagy said.

Ayache said his father, who also played at Bethlehem Catholic, calls all his sons champ. "I know how proud of us he is," he said.