King's College Athletics

WILKES-BARRE, PA (September 11, 2026) -- The King's College football team battled back from a 19-point deficit but ultimately fell to Stevenson University, 26-21, Friday night at McCarthy Stadium. The Monarchs move to 0-1 on the season, while the Mustangs advance to 2-0 in 2026.

Stevenson jumped out to a 19-0 lead in the first half, scoring on a pair of explosive rushing touchdowns and two field goals. King's answered late in the second quarter with a 13-play, 51-yard drive capped by sophomore running back Reynaldo Carter's one-yard touchdown run with 4:01 remaining in the half.

The touchdown marked Carter's first career touchdown and the Monarchs' first touchdown of the 2026 season. Carter also recorded his first career 100-yard rushing game, finishing with a career-high 132 yards on 21 carries. His 30-yard rush in the third quarter helped set up King's second touchdown of the night.

King's carried its momentum into the second half, scoring twice in the third quarter to pull within five. Jaelin Mims connected with Nick Hoffman for a 14-yard touchdown before finding Joey Hebling for a 30-yard score just over two minutes later. The Monarchs entered the fourth quarter trailing 26-21 after scoring 21 unanswered points.

The King's defense kept the game within reach in the second half, as Connor Hughes recorded two interceptions. The Monarchs also held Stevenson to 4-of-13 on third down and forced a turnover on downs in the third quarter.

King's finished with 310 total yards, including 176 passing yards and 134 rushing yards. Stevenson totaled 431 yards, with 240 rushing yards and 191 passing yards. The Monarchs ran 67 offensive plays compared to 59 for the Mustangs and converted 5-of-16 third-down opportunities. King's were also 2-for-2 on fourth down.

Despite the comeback effort, the Monarchs were unable to find the go-ahead score in the fourth quarter. King's had one final possession with a minute remaining, but a Stevenson interception sealed the 26-21 final.

The Monarchs will look to bounce back next Saturday, September 19, when they travel to Alvernia for their first road contest of the 2026 season.