Football - Week 1
Week 1 Football Notes (pdf)
The PSAC football season kicks off this weekend with 15 games over the course of three days. Of those 15 games, 14 are non-conference games, while one is a PSAC "crossover" matching up a member of the Eastern Division with the Western Division. The schedule kicks off with six games on Thursday night, two more on Friday night, and then seven contests on Saturday.
PSAC Football - Week One Notes - 8/25/09
PSAC Tops Both Preseason Polls With Number of Teams
The PSAC was well represented in both the D2football.com and AFCA Preseason Top 25 polls. The PSAC had five teams in the D2football.com poll and four teams in the AFCA poll, tops for any league in both polls. The PSAC spent all of last season either with the most of tied for the most schools of any league in both polls all throughout the year. California, Bloomsburg, West Chester and Edinboro were all ranked in both polls while IUP was ranked in the D2football.com poll. The Crimson Hawks received votes in the AFCA poll while East Stroudsburg also received votes in both polls.
Listed at right is a breakdown by conference of each school listed in each poll.
Top Stat Performers Return
The PSAC had several individuals rank at or near the top of the nation in a couple of statistical categories last year. Some of those individuals return this year. Craig Burgess of IUP and Jeremy Ditzler of Gannon ranked second and fifth, respectively, in field goals per game at 1.60 and 1.36. IUP’s Akwasi Owusu-Ansah returns after ranking second in the country last year in interceptions per game with 0.80, picking off eight passes total, and teammate Tobias Robinson was eight in rushing yards per game at 120.30.
East Stroudsburg’s Matt Freed was sixth in the country in tackles with 11.45 per game. Bloomsburg’s Jesse Cooper returns after ranking sixth in the nation in average kickoff return distance at 30.65 yards per return last year, including one for a touchdown. Edinboro’s Trevor Harris was ranked eighth in passing efficiency with 161.09. Slippery Rock’s Kyle Witman ranked sixth in punting average at 42.45 yards per punt. The nation’s top punter from last year, ESU’s Nick Krut, graduated after averaging 46.04 ypp. Finally, Kutztown’s Kendell Coleman ranked third in the nation in average punt return with 16.31 yards per return.
PSAC in Non-Conference Action
The PSAC will play 15 non-conference games this year, including 14 in Week 1. Among the conferences that this year’s non-conference opponents will come from include the Northeast 10, WVIAC, CIAA, GLIAC and one independent. Listed below is the conference breakdown of each of this week’s non-conference opponents, followed by the PSAC’s record last year in non-conference action.
Northeast 10 (4) - Southern Connecticut State (IUP); Assumption (Millersville); American International (C.W. Post); St. Anselm (Kutztown)
WVIAC (3) - Fairmont State (Clarion); Shepherd (Shippensburg); West Liberty State (Edinboro)
CIAA (3) - Virginia Union (East Stroudsburg); Lincoln (Cheyney); Bowie State (Slippery Rock)
GLIAC (3) - Saginaw Valley State (California); Ashland (Bloomsburg); Wayne State (Mercyhurst)
Independents (1) - Lake Erie (Gannon)
Last Year - 6-9 overall (6-8 vs. Division II)
WVIAC: 1-4 (Wins - Edinboro over West Liberty State; Losses - Fairmont State over Clarion, Glenville State over Lock Haven, Shepherd over Shippensburg, Seton Hill over Slippery Rock)
Northeast 10: 1-2 (Wins - Kutztown over St. Anselm; Losses - AIC over C.W. Post, Bentley over Millersville
GLIAC: 1-1 (Wins - Bloomsburg over Ashland; Losses - Wayne State over Mercyhurst)
CIAA: 1-1 (Wins - East Stroudsburg over Virginia Union; Losses - Bowie State over Cheyney)
Independent: 2-0 (Wins - Gannon over Lake Erie, California over Lake Erie)
FCS (CAA): 0-1 (Losses - Delaware over West Chester
Streaks
There are a couple of streaks that are active entering the 2009 season, some of which teams want to keep going, and others that teams want to break. West Chester enters the season with a 16-game winning streak in PSAC East play, while California enters the year with a 13-game winning streak in PSAC West play. On the opposite end, Cheyney will be looking to break a 16-game losing streak in PSAC East play and a 17-game losing streak overall. Lock Haven will be looking to break a seven-game losing streak in PSAC West play and an 11-game losing streak overall.
Bloomsburg, West Chester Fare Well Against PSAC East
The PSAC East has been dominated recently by Bloomsburg and West Chester. Both schools have put together a pair of impressive streaks. West Chester currently has a 16-game winning streak in PSAC East play and the Golden Rams have won 31 straight PSAC East game against opponents other than Bloomsburg. Their last loss to a PSAC East opponent other than Bloomsburg was to East Stroudsburg on October 25, 2003. Bloomsburg, meanwhile has won 26 straight PSAC East games against opponents other than West Chester. The Huskies’ last loss to a PSAC East opponent other than West Chester was also to East Stroudsburg, a 30-24 loss in Week 5 of the 2004 season.
Team Notes
Bloomsburg Huskies
Bloomsburg’s opener vs. 15th-ranked Ashland is a rematch of last season's 49-42 come-from-behind Bloomsburg victory…The Huskies were down 35-14 at halftime before the comeback…The Huskies open the season ranked 11th in D2Football.com poll and 13th in AFCA poll…The opener will be first night game ever played at Redman Stadium…The Huskies are 5-1 in season openers since 2003, with lone loss coming to Div. I FCS James Madison, 14-3, back in 2006…Since 2000, BU is 17-15 against ranked opponents, including a 10-5 mark at home…Senior quarterback Dan Latorre enters the season third all-time in school history in both passing yards (5,658) and passing touchdowns (49)…He needs 1,817 passing yards and 22 passing touchdowns to become the all-time leader…Latorre had a BU quarterback record 545 rushing yards in 2008…Head coach Danny Hale starts the season as BU's all-time leader in career victories with 136-46-1 (.745) record.
California Vulcans
Cal U opens the 2009 campaign on Thursday night, hosting Saginaw Valley ... The Vulcans have won seven of their last eight season-openers ... Cal U is 6-1 in season-openers under head coach John Luckhardt ... The Vulcans are 1-3-1 against schools that are currently members of the GLIAC and has not faced a GLIAC school since the 1991 season ... The Vulcans have won 41 of their last 48 games overall, dating to the start of the 2005 season ... Cal U has posted a 25-2 record in regular season games dating back to the 2006 campaign ... The Vulcans are ranked as high as fifth in the nation by Lindy's, while also being ranked in the Top 25 by AFCA, D2Football.com, Sporting News and USA Today ... The Vulcans return all five starting offensive lineman from last season ... As a group, they started 69 of a possible 70 games last year.
Cheyney Wolves
The Wade Wilson Classic has grown over the years and typically matches Cheyney with another historical black college...Last year the Wolves battled Bowie State before falling 56-21...The Classic is named for former Cheyney University President, Dr. Wade Wilson (1968-81)...Besides President, Dr. Wilson was an alum, former football player and Athletic Hall of Fame Member...The last time the Wolves won the Wade Wilson Classic was in 2005. Cheyney defeated St. Paul's 13-10...The last time Cheyney won the season opener was 2000. The Wolves defeated Glenville State 32-22...It's been more than 60 years since Cheyney and Lincoln have met on the grid iron...The last meeting between the schools, each claiming to be the oldest historical black college, was during the 1946 season. The Lions prevailed 72-13...Today's contest has been dubbed "The Battle of the First."
Clarion Golden Eagles
Although the squad is still relatively young, gone are the days like 2007 when as many as 30 freshmen played in every game. Clarion will have 21 sophomores, 14 juniors and 5 seniors reporting to camp...Many of the sophomores have had a red-shirt year and are entering their third year with the blue and gold...Senior quarterback Tyler Huether returns to direct the offense.I n his three-year career he has hit on 299 of 610 passes for 3,642 yards and 20 TDs, plus rushed for 685 yards and 5 TDs...Junior all-purpose back Alfonso Hoggard will primarily be a back this year...The Golden Eagles will have one of the most talented receiving corps in the PSAC with All-Region players Jacques Robinson and Matt Foradora in the lineup...Robinson, a third team Super Region 1 selection in 2008 at wide receiver, led the PSAC's regular season with 70 catches (3rd best at Clarion) for 849 yards and 8 td's as a sophomore.
C.W. Post Pioneers
C.W. Post enters its second season playing in the prestigious Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and after experiencing its first run through, the Pioneers are determined to shed their newcomer status and contend for a conference title... Head coach Bryan Collins, in his 12th season at the helm of the squad and the all-time winningest coach at C.W. Post, is ready along with his staff to steer the Pioneers back to prominence and back to the top of Division II football...The Pioneers open their season at home against American International on Aug. 29 and look to avenge a 45-19 loss at the hands of the Yellow Jackets in their season-opener in 2008. C.W. Post leads the all-time series 13-10 and last captured a win on Oct. 28, 2006 (22-13)...The Pioneers return all-conference players in senior wide receiver Chris Harris, senior outside linebacker Tayrance Smith and redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Xavier Brown.
East Stroudsburg Warriors
The Warriors return just nine starters under 36th-year head coach Denny Douds (218 career wins, PSAC record)...Junior QB Matt Marshall will make his third career head start at Virginia Union after throwing for 679 yards and 7 TD in two starts last season...Junior WR Jeff Giglio had 15 catches, 383 yards and 5 TD from Marshall... Senior WR Sam Shuman has 106 career catches for 1,633 yards... Senior Morgan Thomas will make his 31st career start but first ever at left tackle... Junior OLB Matt Freed, an All-American with 126 tackles as a sophomore, is the only returner among ESU's top five tacklers...A total of 15 true or redshirt freshmen are among the 48 players on the week one depth chart...ESU upset then-No. 25 Virginia Union 14-11 in last year's season opener.
Edinboro Fighting Scots
Edinboro opens 2009 with four straight home games and five in the first six games...The Fighting Scots debut against West Liberty for the second consecutive season…The Scots tied the school record for wins in a season with nine a year ago. They are ranked 21st in the AFCA preseason poll. In addition, they are fifth in the Sporting News poll, 21st according to Lindy's and D2Football.com, and 22nd in the USA Today poll...Senior QB Trevor Harris has set every Edinboro career passing and total offense record, and looks to climb in the PSAC records. He is ranked 11th in career passing yards (8,595 yards) and ninth in career total offense (9,017 yards). In addition, he is ninth in career touchdown passes (76), sixth in career pass completions (697), and 13th in career pass attempts (1,062)…Greg Sondag will play both fullback and linebacker...A former All-PSAC selection on defense, he will line up on offense when the Scots employ a fullback.
Gannon Golden Knights
Gannon hosts Lake Erie in its first Thursday night home game since 2005. The Golden Knights defeated rival Mercyhurst 35-26 before an overflow crowd at Gannon University Field that night. The squad posted a come-from-behind 43-37 overtime victory at Mercyhurst on a Thursday night in 2004...Juniors Bob Bartley and Zach Boedicker have been competing for the starting job at quarterback after splitting time the last two seasons. Bartley ranks fifth all-time at Gannon in passing yards while Boedicker sits in ninth place...Senior tailback Jon Richardson enters the season seventh all-time at Gannon with 1,847 career rushing yards. He needs 157 yards to move into sixth place...Preseason All-American kicker Jeremy Ditzler needs four field goals to move into second place all-time at Gannon and 10 to tie the school's all-time record...Gannon has won three of its last five season openers.
IUP Crimson Hawks
IUP opens its 2009 season Friday at Southern Connecticut State in the first meeting between the two teams since 1989...IUP has won all four games in the series...The Crimson Hawks have not played a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in the 20 years since last facing the Owls, not including New Haven which just recently joined the league...IUP has won 16 of its past 20 season openers...QB Andrew Krewatch enters his senior season as the school's all-time career leader in pass completions with 561 and attempts with 983 and needs 1,147 yards and 22 touchdowns to establish new records in those categories...TB Tobias Robinson returns after a sophomore season in which he led the PSAC and ranked eighth in the nation in rushing with an average of 120.3 yards per game...The Crimson Hawks play their home opener September 5 vs. C.W. Post.
Kutztown Golden Bears
Under head coach Raymond Monica, Kutztown is 2-1 in season openers...The Golden Bears defeated Clarion 27-10 (2006) and Saint Anselm 35-0 (2008) and lost to Southern Connecticut State 52-30 (2007)...The Golden Bears have scored 30 or more points in their last two season-openers...Kutztown will be looking to win its season opener in consecutive years for the first time since it won three straight openers from 2001-03: Elizabeth City State, 40-12 (2001), Elizabeth City State, 34-13 (2002) and Virginia State, 34-6 (2003)...During the decade of the 2000s, KU is 5-4 in season-openers...Center Evan Reese will make his 23rd consecutive start for KU.
Lock Haven Bald Eagles
The Bald Eagles kick off the 2009 season on Thursday at home against No. 20 West Chester with no where to go, but up, as Lock Haven comes off its first winless season since 1951...LHU has 19 starters returning, the most ever under fifth-year head coach John Klacik...Ibrahim Smith needs four rushing touchdowns to become 10th on the all-time list for career rushing touchdowns. He needs 49 rushing attempts to become 10th on the all-time career rushing attempts list and 273 yards rushing to become 10th on the all time rushing list for LHU...Aaron Pryor needs 102 kick return yards to become 3rd all-time on career kick return yards passing and three kick returns to become 3rd all time in career kick returns...Lock Haven has had 26 consecutive losing seasons and is one losing-season away from tying the all-time NCAA record held by Mansfield with 27.
Mercyhurst Lakers
Mercyhurst opens the season on the road for the 16th time in program history, including the third time against Wayne State... The Lakers hold an all-time record of 20-8 in season openers but have not fared well in recent years. Head coach Marty Schaetzle is 3-4 in the season opener during his tenure at Mercyhurst...Senior RB Ben Jennings needs just 87 yards to own the 10th-best career mark in Mercyhurst history. He also needs just 93 yards to reach 1,000 for his career as he enters 2009 with 907 yards on 162 attempts...Senior WR Josh Szeluga also looks to break into the Lakers top 10. He owns the 12th-best mark in receptions (73) while he ranks 15th in receiving yards (894)...Linebackers Charlie Gleisner and Bryan Boyce should figure to move up several spots on the all-time tackling lists as well. Gleisner currently ranks 16th with 229 total tackles and Boyce has 170 total stops.
Millersville Marauders
Millersville football is entering the 113th season of its history at is celebrating the 120th anniversary of its inception. All-time, the Marauders have compiled 453 wins and a .530 winning percentage. Head coach Greg Colby is beginning his second year at the helm. In 2008, the team suffered the only 10-loss season in school history. However, with 13 returning starters, including eight on offense, the Marauders have increased expectations. The running game should be strong with the return of Brad Lantz from injury. He needs just 49 yards for 2,000 in his career. Cardoza Jacks rushed for over 700 yards last year and set a school record for carries in a game (44) vs. Cheyney. QB Bill Shirk threw 14 TD's and helped the offense average nearly 23 points per game as the starter. WR Jamal Smith is Shirk's main target after finishing second on the team in catches with 31 in just eight starts after making the switch from QB.
Shippensburg Red Raiders
Senior SE Mike Harris, a member of the 2009 D2Football.com All-PSAC Preseason First Team, enters the season just 49 receptions short of the Shippensburg career record...Through three seasons, Harris has already established himself as one of the best wide receivers in school history with 135 receptions, 1,982 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. He is already ranked fourth in school history for career receptions and receiving yards...Last year, the split end became one of just two players in school history to total over 1,000 receiving yards in a season. Harris had 66 receptions and 1,014 yards and ranked second in the PSAC in both categories...Junior TB Kevin Marshall recorded the 10th-highest total in school history for season all-purpose yardage last year...In consecutive games last season, Marshall recorded the fifth and seventh-highest single-game all-purpose yardage marks with 270 and 263 yards respectively against East Stroudsburg and Millersville.
Slippery Rock - The Rock
The Rock hosts Bowie State in its season opener, which will be the first of six home games...The Rock plays five of their first seven games at home...Rock beat Bowie State 35-7 in a Week 3 game in 2007, the only previous meeting with the Bulldogs...Junior PK C.J. Bahr enters the season with 45 straight PATs made. He was 35-of-35 in 2008...Bahr ranks 19th on SRU's career scoring list with 133 points. He needs 35 points to break into the top 10...Junior RB Ryan Lehmeier is 23rd in career scoring with 120 points and needs 12 points to join the top 20...Lehmeier is one of only four players in Rock history to have rushed for 200 or more yards in three separate games...Senior P Kyle Witman enters the 2009 season with 21 punts of 50 or more yards. He hit a career-best 65-yarder at Clarion last fall.
West Chester Golden Rams
West Chester enters the 2009 campaign as two-time defending PSAC Eastern Division champions. However, the Golden Rams were picked second in the preseason coaches' poll to arch-rival Bloomsburg...West Chester is ranked 20th nationally in the AFCA preseason coaches' poll...The Golden Rams bring a 16-game regular-season winning streak against Eastern Division competition into the new year...No PSAC East school other than Bloomsburg has beaten West Chester in 31 tries dating back to 2003...Senior TE Ryan Paulson was a first team All-America selection by D2Football.com...Senior LB Mike Dell was a second-team All-America pick as well... Senior LT Brian Staerk was an honorable mention All-America selection by College Draft Scout in May...West Chester's opener with Lock Haven marks the second straight year the two have played early in the season. They met in Week 2 last year.
Game Previews
#15/13 Ashland (0-0, 0-0) at #13/11 Bloomsburg (0-0, 0-0)
Aug. 27 - 6:00 p.m.
Bloomsburg, Pa.
Redman Stadium (5,000)
Radio/Internet: WHLM AM 930/whlm.com
Ashland Returning Leaders
Rushing: Dawon Harvey (169 car., 741 yds., 4.4 ypc, 92.6 ypg, 8 TD)
D’Marris McCoy (123 car., 547 yds., 4.4 ypc, 45.6 ypg, 9 TD)
Passing: Billy Cundiff (279-414-8, 3776 yds., 67.4 pct., 290.5 ypg, 37 TD)
Receiving: Nick Bellanco (72 rec., 1101 yds., 15.3 ypc, 84.7 ypg, 9 TD)
Joe Horn (69 rec., 1065 yds., 15.4 ypc, 88.8 ypg, 9 TD)
Bloomsburg Returning Leaders
Rushing: Derrick Price (218 car., 1279 yds., 5.9 ypc, 106.6 ypg, 7 TD)
Kenny Domzalski (162 car., 878 yds., 5.4 ypc, 73.2 ypg, 3 TD)
Dan Latorre (84 car., 545 yds., 6.5 ypc, 41.9 ypg, 8 TD)
Stefan Adams (70 car., 326 yds., 4.7 ypc, 25.1 ypg, 11 TD)
Passing: Dan Latorre (112-203-4, 1617 yds., 55.2 pct., 19 TD, 124.4 ypg)
Receiving: Ben Weaber (11 rec., 114 yds., 10.4 ypc, 14.2 ypg, 1 TD
Jordan Weisman (9 rec., 146 yds., 16.2 ypc, 11.2 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks Ashland Bloomsburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 34.8/2nd; 29.5/9th 31.3/6th; 17.1/3rd
Rush Offense/Defense 145.8/7th; 200.3/12th 266.2/1st; 122.2/4th
Pass Offense/Defense 295.9/1st; 216.2/10th 128.5/14th; 184.5/7th
Total Offense/Defense 441.7/1st; 416.5/11th 394.7/6th; 306.6/4th
Coaches
Ashland: Lee Ownes (7th yr., 35-20 career record)
Bloomsburg: Danny Hale (17th yr.; 176-59-1 career record; 136-46-1 at BU)
What to Expect
If the game is anything like last year’s shootout, expect a high-scoring game with plenty of offense and not much defense. Last year, in the season opener at Ashland, Bloomsburg rallied back from a 21-point halftime deficit and outscored the Eagles 35-7 in the second half en route to a 49-42 win as then-freshman Kenny Domzalski ran for the winning touchdown with under a minute to play.
While Bloomsburg’s defensive performance in that game was not indicative of how its defense turned out for the year, Ashland struggled on defense for much of the year, as its offense outscored a lot of teams en route to a 9-4 finish. Bloomsburg, although it will have to break in three new starters on the offensive line, returns its top four rushers from last year, and will likely run the ball right at Ashland’s defense, which placed last in the GLIAC in rush defense last year. Domzalski returns as does last year’s PSAC East Freshman of the Year, Derrick Price. The Huskies do not often throw the ball when the running game is working well, and do not have much experience returning in the passing game, but if they do choose to throw, Ashland was 10th in the GLIAC in pass defense a year ago.
Most of the key components from Ashland’s high-powered offense return from last year, led by quarterback Billy Cundiff, who threw for 37 touchdowns. Two 1,000-yard receivers also return in Nick Bellanco and Joe Horn and leading rusher Dawon Harvey also returns. Bloomsburg ranked around the middle of the PSAC last year in passing offense and it has some experience returning in the defensive backfield, led by senior cornerback Jesse Cooper. The Huskies will likely need to slow down the Eagles’ passing game.
Special teams could also play an important role, as both teams have experienced kick returners as Cooper handles the duties for Bloom and both Harvey and Horn have done so for Ashland. The Eagles will break in a new kicker for this year, however, while Bloom’s Jon Koenig is one of the top kickers in the PSAC.
Series/Game Notes
Last year’s 49-42 Bloomsburg victory was the first-ever meeting between the two schools...Both teams qualified for the NCAA playoffs last year with both losing in their respective regional finals...This will mark the first-ever night game at Redman Stadium....Ashland was picked to finish second in the GLIAC while the Huskies were chosen as the PSAC East favorites in each league’s preseason poll.
#20/20 West Chester (0-0, 0-0) at Lock Haven (0-0, 0-0)
Aug. 27 - 6:00 p.m.
Lock Haven, Pa.
Hubert Jack Stadium (3,500)
Radio/Internet: havensports.com/WCUR FM 91.7/ wcur.fm/
www.redzonemedia.com/
West Chester Returning Leaders
Rushing: Jackson Fagan (160 car., 979 yds., 6.1 ypc, 75.3 ypg, 7 TD)
D’Andre Webb (47 car., 435 yds., 9.3 ypc, 87.0 ypg, 5 TD)
Passing: Joe Wright (203-349-12, 3336 yds., 58.2 pct., 256.6 ypg, 28 TD)
Receiving: Steve Miller (39 rec., 685 yds., 17.6 ypc, 57.1 ypg, 3 TD)
Ryan Paulson (37 rec., 583 yds., 15.8 ypc, 48.6 ypg, 8 TD)
Lock Haven Returning Leaders
Rushing: Ibrahim Smith (120 car., 270 yds., 2.2 ypc, 27.0 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: Jarryd Burkett (89-183-10, 595 yds., 48.6 pct., 3 TD, 54.1 ypg)
Receiving: Phil Hostetler (12 rec., 54 yds., 4.5 ypc, 5.4 ypg, 0 TD)
Ibrahim Smith (11 rec., 78 yds., 7.1 ypc, 7.8 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks West Chester Lock Haven
Scoring Offense/Defense 34.5/4th; 22.2/7th 7.8/16th; 37.2/14th
Rush Offense/Defense 152.9/10th; 154.0/9th 52.5/16th; 232.4/14th
Pass Offense/Defense 273.0/2nd; 191.7/8th 94.9/16th; 206.3/13th
Total Offense/Defense 425.9/4th; 345.7/9th 147.5/16th; 438.6/14th
Coaches
West Chester: Bill Zwaan (7th yr., 108-36 career record, 54-22 at WCU)
Lock Haven: John Klacik (5th yr.; 5-39 career record)
What to Expect
Both teams return a large number of starters from last year. However, the difference is that West Chester went 9-4 and qualified for the NCAA playoffs for the fifth straight year while Lock Haven went winless on the year. While West Chester will be looking to extend its streak, Lock Haven will be looking to break in a new offense that was installed in time for the final game of last season and saw the Bald Eagles score a season-high 28 points.
Lock Haven is breaking in a new spread offense that it hopes will increase its offensive production, which ranked last in the conference last year. Under center could be any of three quarterbacks. Sophomore Jarryd Burkett has the most experience, having started 10 games last year. Although the Bald Eagles return 10 starters on offense, their leading returning rusher had just 27 ypg while their leading returning receiver had just 5.4 ypg. Though the new offense brings hope, they will have to open up against a defense that contains some of the biggest playmakers in the PSAC. Although the Golden Rams ranked only around the middle of the league in defense last year, they return PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year Mike Dell as well as a very experienced linebacking core. The cornerbacks are quick and athletic and the returnees on the defensive line such as end Travis Ford-Bey are capable of reeking havoc in the backfield.
On paper, West Chester’s offense against Lock Haven’s defense is a mismatch, as sixth-year senior quarterback Joe Wright returns to lead the second-best passing game in the PSAC from last year. Wright, who individually led the league in passing yards, will have several weapons as his disposal, including Steve Miller and Ryan Paulson, the second and third-leading receivers from last year. The backfield is also loaded, with leading returner Jackson Fagan being joined by a couple of standouts in D’Andre Webb and Lee Hopkins, both of which missed a large chunk of the year with injuries last year.
On special teams, West Chester has a quick returner in Dan DePalma while Lock Haven has high hopes for Nick Keefer in the same role. Both teams will be breaking in new starting kickers and punters.
Series/Game Notes
West Chester leads the series 18-6-1, winning last year’s meeting 37-6 at home...Prior to last year, the teams hadn’t met since 1991, which was LHU’s last win...This is only the teams’ fourth meeting in the last 49 years...WCU was picked second in the PSAC East while LHU was picked last in the West.
Saginaw Valley State at #8/9 California
Aug. 27 - 7:00 p.m.
California, Pa.
Adamson Stadium (6,500)
TV: B2livetv.com/CUTV
Radio/Internet: WCAL 91.9 FM
Saginaw Valley State Returning Leaders
Rushing: Brandon Hayes (22 car., 107 yds., 4.9 ypc, 17.8 ypg, 1 TD)
Ronald Spears (34 car., 106 yds., 3.1 ypc, 15.1 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Dan Stiefel (181-334-12, 2113 yds., 54.2 pct., 211.3 ypg, 14 TD)
Receiving: Galen Stone (47 rec., 631 yds., 13.4 ypc, 63.1 ypg, 8 TD)
Michael Meade (24 rec., 240 yds., 10.0 ypc, 48.0 ypg, 0 TD)
California Returning Leaders
Rushing: Windell Brown (93 car., 593 yds., 6.4 ypc, 42.4 ypg, 7 TD)
Freddie Bacco (63 car., 376 yds., 6.0 ypc, 26.9 ypg, 6 TD)
Passing: None
Receiving: A.J. Jackson (43 rec., 706 yds., 16.4 ypc, 54.3 ypg, 10 TD)
Josh Gumbert (31 rec., 397 yds., 12.8 ypc, 30.5 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks Saginaw Valley State California
Scoring Offense/Defense 26.2/5th; 22.4/5th 35.6/2nd; 20.1/5th
Rush Offense/Defense 137.9/9th; 141.2/5th 189.5/4th; 150.9/7th
Pass Offense/Defense 216.3/4th; 178.3/4th 239.9/5th; 161.5/4th
Total Offense/Defense 354.2/6th; 319.5/3rd 429.4/3rd; 312.4/5th
Coaches
Saginaw Valley State: Jim Collins (2nd year, 73-54 career record, 7-3 at SVSU)
California: John Luckhardt (8th yr.; 194-61-2 career record; 57-24 at Cal)
What to Expect
Saginaw Valley State finished in a three-way tie for third place last year in the GLIAC under first year head coach Jim Collins, so the Cardinals are a team on the rise. California will be looking for its third straight appearance in the NCAA semifinals, so the Vulcans appear a bit further along than the Cardinals right now.
That being said, Cal will be breaking in a new quarterback, likely Josh Portis, who transferred in from Maryland one year after Kevin McCabe came in from Virginia. Portis is more of a two-way threat than McCabe, who was mainly a pocket passer. That should add another dimension to the Vulcan offense, which is already potent without a dual-threat QB. Even without Portis, the Vulcans already have a balanced offense that can either run or throw the ball with success. Windell Brown and Freddie Bacco, both of whom averaged more than 6.0 yards per carry last year, are the top returners in the backfield while A.J. Jackson is the top returning threat in the passing game, which adds former All-PSAC East receiver Dominique Curry, who transferred to Cal from Cheyney after finishing his basketball career there last year. SVSU had a decent defense last year, one that was similar to Cal in terms of numbers. They were third in the GLIAC in total defense, so the Cardinals do have the potential to give Cal some problems.
Like the Vulcans, the Cardinals will have to replace a 1,000-yard rusher from last year. Their top returning rushers each gained only just over 100 yards on the season, so their strength, at least heading into the season, likely lies in the passing game, led by quarterback Dan Stiefel and leading receiver Galen Stone. Stiefel showed that he was prone to the interception, however, as he threw 12 picks last year compared to only 14 touchdowns. Cal’s experienced defensive backfield, led by Terrence Johnson, may look to exploit that, while the veteran defensive line, led by Willie Walker and Brandon Gordon, will look to shut down the inexperienced run game by the Cardinals, forcing them to throw.
On special teams, Cal returns all of its return specialists, led by Bacco, while SVSU returns its top kickoff return specialist and its punter, but must replace its kicker and top punt return specialist. That should give C al an early edge there.
Series/Game Notes
This will be the first-ever meeting between California and Saginaw Valley State...SVSU was picked fifth in the GLIAC preseason poll while Cal was chosen first in the PSAC West...SVSU received votes in the D2football.com preseason poll.
Clarion at Fairmont State
Aug. 27 - 7:00 p.m.
Fairmont, W.Va.
Duvall-Rosier Field (5,000)
Radio/Internet: WCCR 92.7 FM/WKQW 96.3 FM/www.redzonemedia.com
Clarion Returning Leaders
Rushing: Tyler Huether (57 car., 262 yds., 4.6 ypc, 26.2 ypg, 1 TD)
Alfonso Hoggard (44 car., 180 yds., 4.1 ypc, 16.4 ypg)
Passing: Tyler Huether (90-162-5, 1028 yds., 55.6 pct., 102.8 ypg, 7 TD)
Receiving: Jaques Robinson (70 rec., 849 yds., 12.1 ypc, 77.2 ypg, 8 TD)
Alfonso Hoggard (41 rec., 472 yds., 11.5 ypc, 42.9 ypg, 2 TD)
Matt Foradora (37 rec., 367 yds., 9.9 ypc, 36.7 ypg, 3 TD)
Fairmont State Returning Leaders
Rushing: Omoniyi Bakare (130 car., 679 yds., 5.2 ypc, 67.9 ypg, 6 TD)
Doug Brazill (99 car., 452 yds., 4.6 ypc, 64.6 ypg, 1 TD)
Vick Bradford (94 car., 364 yds., 3.9 ypc, 36.4 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Vick Bradford (77-169-8, 1117 yds., 45.6 pct., 15 TD, 111.7 ypg)
Receiving: Perry Baker (34 rec., 589 yds., 17.3 ypc, 53.5 ypg, 9 TD)
Travis Hawthorne (29 rec., 355 yds., 12.2 ypc, 32.3 ypg, 3 TD)
Conference Ranks Clarion Fairmont State
Scoring Offense/Defense 20.9/12th; 37.0/13th 24.2/7th; 23.2/3rd
Rush Offense/Defense 119.9/13th; 204.4/13th 185.6/3rd; 149.9/5th
Pass Offense/Defense 200.5/7th; 183.4/6th 141.4/8th; 181.9/5th
Total Offense/Defense 320.5/11th; 387.7/13th 327.0/7th; 331.8/4th
Coaches
Clarion: Jay Foster (4th yr., 4-29 career record)
Fairmont State: Mike Lopez (3rd yr.; 11-11 career record; 8th yr. at FSU overall)
What to Expect
This is a matchup of two teams that have been young recently but for the first time in a couple of years, have experienced teams. Both quarterbacks are in their third year as starters, each having split time as starters in either one or both of the last two years. Just like the last two games, it could be another close one.
Clarion’s defense improved last year over the 2007 version, particularly its pass defense, but the Golden Eagles still had trouble stopping the run. With three returning experienced starters on the defensive line, they will likely need to do so to have an advantage over Fairmont State, as the run looks to be the Eagles’ strength. They return their top three rushers, including dual-threat quarterback Vick Bradford. Leading rusher Omoniyi Bakare had just 679 total yards last year but averaged an impressive 5.2 ypc, while second-leading rusher Doug Brazill was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2007. Clarion will need to assert its advantage on defense in the passing game, led by junior safeties Nick Sipes and Shawn Sopic. FSU threw for only 141 ypg last year, and if Clarion can hold the Eagles to a similar number, that makes their run defense all the more important.
On offense, Clarion developed into an outstanding passing team last year and all of the top cogs from that attack return for this year, led by Jaques Robinson, who was second in the PSAC in receptions last year. Tight end Matt Foradora is also a reliable target, while all-purpose athlete Alfonso Hoggard will likely shift into the backfield this year to fill the void at running back. Fairmont State had a decent defense last year, ranking third in the WVIAC in scoring defense but more around the middle in yardage allowed. Quarterback Tyler Huether, a two-way threat, will likely look for Robinson often and Hoggard, a receiver the last two years, will also likely catch some passes out of the backfield.
Both teams have talented and experienced kick returners, Hoggard for Clarion and Zach Page for FSU. Both teams also return their kickers from last year. CU’s Robert Mamula hit on 66.7 percent of his field goals last year while FSU’s Alex Ashley was only accurate on 57.1 percent of his attempts.
Series/Game Notes
Clarion leads the series 9-5...This will mark the third straight year the teams have played, also having met from 1982-91 and 1994-95...Clarion’s last win over FSU was in 1995...Clarion has a 21-8 all-time record against WVIAC teams...The last two meetings between Clarion and FSU have been decided by a total of 10 points, with both having come down to the final possession, both FSU wins.
East Stroudsburg (0-0, 0-0) at Virginia Union (0-0, 0-0)
Aug. 27 - 7:00 p.m.
Richmond, Va.
Hovey Stadium (10,000)
Radio/Internet: WVPO 840 AM/www.redzonemedia.com
East Stroudsburg Returning Leaders
Rushing: Russell Johnson (81 car., 245 yds., 3.0 ypc, 27.2 ypg, 3 TD)
Matt Marshall (30 car., 43 yds., 1.4 ypc, 11.3 ypg)
Passing: Matt Marshall (50-87-6, 937 yds., 57.5 pct., 234.2 ypg, 9 TD)
Receiving: Jeff Giglio (41 rec., 749 yds., 18.3 ypc, 68.1 ypg, 10 TD)
Sam Shuman (39 rec., 627 yds., 16.1 ypc, 57.0 ypg, 3 TD)
Ed Kiser (24 rec., 444 yds., 18.5 ypc, 40.4 ypg, 3 TD)
Virginia Union Returning Leaders
Rushing: Tarian Donaldson (95 car., 731 yds., 7.7 ypc, 81.2 ypg, 1 TD)
Chris Smith (60 car., 296 yds., 4.9 ypc, 37.0 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Cheston Hickman (10-20-0, 64 yds., 43.5 pct., 0 TD, 9.1 ypg)
Receiving: Joseph Jean-Pierre (7 rec., 78 yds., 11.1 ypc, 13.0 ypg)
Andre Winston (5 rec., 61 yds., 12.2 ypc, 10.2 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks East Stroudsburg Virginia Union
Scoring Offense/Defense 35.2/3rd; 23.8/8th 27.7/4th; 15.9/2nd
Rush Offense/Defense 118.2/14th; 167.5/12th 213.7/1st; 102.9/3rd
Pass Offense/Defense 298.9/1st; 199.8/12th 137.7/8th; 141.2/3rd
Total Offense/Defense 417.1/5th; 367.3/10th 351.4/4th; 244.1/2nd
Coaches
East Stroudsburg: Denny Douds (36th yr., 218-142-3 career record)
Virginia Union: Michael Bailey (1st yr., 0-0 career record)
What to Expect
Last year’s game between these two squads was a defensive struggle. Turnovers played a key role in deciding the game, as the Warriors took advantage of a pair of Virginia Union turnovers the last of which led to ESU’s game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter. This year, both teams will be dealing with a high rate of turnover entering the season. The Panthers have just 10 starters returning while East Stroudsburg returns a PSAC-low nine starters overall.
East Stroudsburg figures to be a pass-happy team once again. After leading the PSAC in pass offense last year, the Warriors return several key components to the attack, including three of the top five receivers from last year in Jeff Giglio, Sam Shuman and Ed Kiser. Matt Marshall, who enters his first year as a starter at QB after putting up tremendous numbers in just four games last year. ESU did struggle throwing the ball against Virginia Union in last year’s game, putting up their lowest passing total of the season, as VUU’s pass defense ranked third in the CIAA. Running the ball may prove to be more challenging for the Warriors, whose leading returning rusher, Russell Johnson, had just 245 yards all of last year. ESU will be breaking in a young group of new running backs against a run defense that was also the third best in the CIAA last year.
Virginia Union’s strength on offense last year was the running game behind Tarian Donaldson, who averaged 7.7 ypc. He returns and will likely be relied upon heavily as the Panthers will be breaking in a new starting quarterback and its group of returning receivers combined to catch just 13 passes all of last year. The Panthers had the top running game in the CIAA but its passing game was ranked near the bottom to being with. Stud linebacker Matt Freed will have a big part in shutting down the running game for ESU. Their pass defense should be decent, with the experienced David Castillo and a pair of senior safeties.
VUU returns its top kick returner in Enrique Cox but struggled in the kicking game last year. It will have a new kicker this year after hitting only three field goals all of last year. ESU will have a new kicker and punter, needing to replace the nation’s leading punter in Nick Krut. Giglio and Kiser are the top kick returners.
Series/Game Notes
East Stroudsburg’s 14-11 win over Virginia Union in last year’s season opener was the first-ever meeting between the two teams...ESU linebacker Matt Freed led the PSAC in tackles per game last year...ESU received votes in both the D2football.com and AFCA preseason polls and was picked third in the PSAC East...VUU was picked to finish second in the CIAA East.
Lake Erie (0-0) at Gannon (0-0, 0-0)
Aug. 27 - 7:00 p.m.
Erie, Pa.
University Field (2,500)
TV: b2livetv.com
Radio/Internet: Jet Radio 1400 AM/gannonsports.com
Lake Erie Returning Leaders
Rushing: Tony Howard (147 car., 795 yds., 5.4 ypc, 79.5 ypg, 8 TD)
Sean Bedevelsky (146 car., 209 yds., 1.4 ypc, 19.0 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: Sean Bedevelsky (180-323-12, 2417 yds., 55.7 pct., 219.7 ypg, 22 TD)
Receiving: Brandon James (56 rec., 723 yds., 12.9 ypc, 65.7 ypg, 8 TD)
Demetrius Gray (30 rec., 451 yds., 15.0 ypc, 45.1 ypg, 2 TD)
Dave Romeo (27 rec., 483 yds., 17.9 ypc, 43.9 ypg, 4 TD)
Gannon Returning Leaders
Rushing: Jon Richardson (184 car., 914 yds., 5.0 ypc, 91.4 ypg, 9 TD)
Zach Boedicker(74 car., 372 yds., 5.0 ypc, 33.8 ypg, 4 TD)
Anthony Weaver (91 car., 318 yds., 3.5 ypc, 28.9 ypg)
Passing: Bob Bartley (81-161-10, 1049 yds., 50.3 pct., 4 TD, 95.4 ypg)
Zach Boedicker (51-105-5, 665 yds., 48.6 pct., 4 TD, 60.5 ypg)
Receiving: Brig Van Etten (19 rec., 323 yds., 11.5 ypc, 25.5 ypg, 1 TD)
Jon Richardson (17 rec., 158 yds., 9.3 ypc, 15.8 ypg)
Conference Ranks Lake Erie Gannon
Scoring Offense/Defense 26.3; 40.4 20.5/13th; 27.4/11th
Rush Offense/Defense 155.6; 248.5 154.9/9th; 119.2/3rd
Pass Offense/Defense 220.2; 209.7 156.2/10th; 194.3/9th
Total Offense/Defense 375.8; 458.3 311.1/13th; 313.5/7th
Coaches
Lake Erie: Mark McNellie (2nd yr.; 3-8 career record)
Gannon: Jim Kiernan (3rd yr.; 5-17 career record)
What to Expect
Gannon hung on for a two-point win at Lake Erie in last year’s opener in what was Lake Erie’s first-ever game as a varsity program. The Storm is still a very young team that last year was made up almost exclusively of freshmen but does have some talent. Gannon posted a three-win improvement last year.
The Golden Knights’ strength last year was in the running game behind Jon Richardson, who was fourth in the PSAC in rushing and ran for 145 yards against Lake Erie. That looks to be their strength once again this year, as Richardson returns and Zach Boedicker, the running quarterback, has been named the starter, although Bob Bartley, who is more of a pocket passing QB, will likely also see time once again. Both rotated last year. Whoever does the running will have an experienced and large offensive line to run behind. They should be able to do some running as well as Lake Erie gave up nearly 250 ypg on the ground last year.
Gannon’s defense was one of the biggest reasons that it posted a three-game improvement last year, as it improved drastically, particularly against the run, which ranked third in the PSAC. The Knights lost their entire starting defensive line from last year, though, but they return every other starter. They have a very experienced group of linebacker, and that should be helpful in defending Lake Erie’s screens, as a pair of running backs in Demetrius Gray and Dave Romeo were the second and third-leading receivers last year. Although no one put up any spectacular numbers last year for the Storm on offense, most of their offensive numbers were solid. As a team, the Storm averaged more points per game than the Knights on the year and more average yards per game as well.
Special teams should be an advantage for Gannon should the game come down to that, as the Knights have kicker Jeremy Ditzler, an All-American last year and the PSAC’s leading kicker. Top kick returner Levar Goff also returns as punt returner Anthony Weaver. Lake Erie attempted just six field goals last year but made four of them. Top kick returner Kyle Gregory also returns.
Series/Game Notes
Gannon ‘s 24-22 win over Lake Erie in last season’s opener was the first-ever meeting between the two schools...Lake Erie coach Mark McNellie was an assistant coach at Mercyhurst for 17 years before accepting the job at Lake Erie...The Storm is in just its second year as a varsity program...They will play this year as an independent...Gannon was picked sixth in the PSAC West.
#22 IUP (0-0, 0-0) at Southern Connecticut State (0-0, 0-0)
Aug. 28 - 4:00 p.m.
New Haven, Conn.
Jess Dow Field (6,000)
Radio/Internet: WQMU 92.5 FM/ ww.redzonemedia.com
IUP Returning Leaders
Rushing: Tobias Robinson (175 car., 1203 yds., 6.9 ypc, 120.3 ypg, 13 TD)
Passing: Andrew Krewatch (201-320-10, 2449 yds., 62.8 pct., 244.9 ypg, 22 TD)
Receiving: Mychal Skinner (32 rec., 494 yds., 15.4 ypc, 54.9 ypg, 4 TD)
Nate Morrow (18 rec., 210 yds., 11.7 ypc, 21.0 ypg, 3 TD)
Southern Connecticut State Returning Leaders
Rushing: John Wiechman (192 car., 1047 yds., 5.5 ypc, 104.7 ypg, 13 TD)
Jarom Freeman (155 car., 788 yds., 4.8 ypc, 93.2 ypg, 7 TD)
Passing: Chris Roberts (148-240-8, 2125 yds., 61.7 pct., 20 TD, 193.2 ypg)
Receiving: John Wiechman (11 rec., 86 yds., 7.8 ypc, 8.6 ypg, 3 TD)
Andre Privott (8 rec., 159 yds., 19.9 ypc, 22.7 ypg, 2 TD)
Conference Ranks IUP SCSU
Scoring Offense/Defense 38.5/1st; 11.4/1st 33.8/1st; 20.5/3rd
Rush Offense/Defense 193.3/2nd; 76.1/1st 189.9/2nd; 112.1/2nd
Pass Offense/Defense 248.8/4th; 159.6/2nd 258.4/2nd; 169.4/1st
Total Offense/Defense 442.1/2nd; 235.7/1st 448.3/1st; 281.5/2nd
Coaches
IUP: Lou Tepper (4th yr., 90-64-2 career record; 25-7 at IUP)
Southern Connecticut State: Rich Cavanaugh (25th yr.; 145-104-1 career record)
What to Expect
The Crimson Hawks had the best scoring offense and defense in the PSAC last year while Southern Connecticut had the highest scoring offense in the Northeast 10 last year and a solid defense as well. However, the Owls have played five games against PSAC teams in the last four seasons and in each game, one or both teams have scored at least 30 points, so it may be a shootout.
On offense, the Crimson Hawks should once again be loaded as quarterback Andrew Krewatch, who already holds several school records, returns for his senior season. He is joined in the backfield by Tobias Robinson, who led the PSAC in average rushing yards per game last year. Top receiver Ken Witter graduated but the cupboard isn’t bare there either, as the talented Mychal Skinner returns as does reliable tight end Nate Morrow. Against similar PSAC offenses the last four years (East Stroudsburg in ‘05, Cal is ‘07 and West Chester last year), the Owls have given up at least 40 points each time.
The Crimson Hawks lost several key components to last year’s top-ranked defense in the PSAC. Only two players return to the front seven of last year’s top-ranked run defense in the PSAC. That group will have its hands full with SCSU’s two top returning runners, John Wiechman and Jarom Freeman, who combined for over 1,800 yards on the ground last year, including over 1,000 by Wiechman. The Owls also have an experienced senior quarterback in Chris Roberts, who completed over 60 percent of his passes last year, but they lost their top three receivers, and their leading returning receiver is Wiechman, who had just 11 catches. The Crimson Hawks should have the advantage there, as all four of their starters in the secondary return, led by cornerback Akwasi Owusu-Ansah.
IUP has one of the top kick returners in the PSAC in Owusu-Ansah and an experienced kicker in Craig Burgess, who led the PSAC in scoring and made field goals last year. SCSU lost its top kick returner from last year but top punt returner Martin Manson (10.8 ypr) returns and he also averaged over 30 ypr on three kick returns. Kicker Chris Hazelton went 4-for-5 on kicks last year as a freshman and 30-for-35 on PATs but did not make any kicks from beyond 30 yards.
Series/Game Notes
IUP owns a 4-0 mark all-time against SCSU, but the teams haven’t met since 1989...The Crimson Hawks were picked to finish third in the PSAC West, while SCSU was picked to win the Northeast-10...The Owls received votes in both the AFCA and D2football.com polls...The Owls have made the NCAA playoffs in each of the last four seasons, with a PSAC team ending its season in three of those four seasons...SCSU is 2-3 vs. the PSAC the last four seasons...IUP received votes in the AFCA poll while being ranked #22 in the D2football poll.
Millersville (0-0, 0-0) at Assumption (0-0, 0-0)
Aug. 28 - 7:00 p.m.
Worcester, Mass.
Multi-Sport Stadium (1,200)
Radio/Internet: MSBN/millersvilleathletics.com
Millersville Returning Leaders
Rushing: Cardoza Jacks (144 car., 765 yds., 5.3 ypc, 76.5 ypg, 6 TD)
Brad Lantz (45 car., 192 yds., 4.3 ypc, 32.0 ypg)
Passing: Bill Shirk (144-245-12, 1754 yds., 58.8 pct., 175.4 ypg, 14 TD)
Receiving: Jamal Smith (31 rec., 448 yds., 14.5 ypc, 40.7 ypg, 2 TD)
Brad Lantz (20 rec., 176 yds., 8.8 ypc, 29.3 ypg, 2 TD)
Assumption Returning Leaders
Rushing: Herbert Woodard (134 car., 550 yds., 4.1 ypc, 61.1 ypg, 6 TD)
Lance Mitchell (73 car., 212 yds., 2.9 ypc, 21.2 ypg, 1 TD)
Passing: Josh Ratacik (163-277-12, 1621 yds., 58.8 pct., 9 TD, 162.1 ypg)
Receiving: Herbert Woodard (27 rec., 202 yds., 7.5 ypc, 22.4 ypg, 1 TD)
Marcus Nichols (17 rec., 218 yds., 12.8 ypc, 31.1 ypg)
Conference Ranks Millersville Assumption
Scoring Offense/Defense 21.0/11th; 38.3/15th 16.8/7th; 28.5/6th
Rush Offense/Defense 143.8/12th; 257.5/15th 83.4/7th; 132.6/4th
Pass Offense/Defense 172.5/9th; 251.4/16th 203.2/5th; 223.4/8th
Total Offense/Defense 316.4/12th; 508.9/16th 286.6/6th; 356.0/7th
Coaches
Millersville: Greg Colby (2nd yr., 1-10 career record)
Assumption: Cory Bailey (1st yr.; 5th yr. at AU overall; 13-28 career record)
What to Expect
This is a matchup of two teams that combined for just two wins last year, one for each squad. Of the two teams, Millersville had better numbers on offense last year while Assumption had better defensive numbers, although both ranked at or near the bottom in their respective conferences.
Millersville looks to have some experience on offense, as four starters return on the offensive line and two experienced and talented running backs will be able to run behind it. Leading returning rusher Cardoza Jacks returns after rushing for over 100 yards in four of Millersville’s last five games last year and is joined by Brad Lantz, who goes back to the backfield this year after moving to receiver last year. That should help as the Marauders go up against the Assumption run defense that ranked fourth in the NE-10 last year. Quarterback Bill Shirk finished eighth in the PSAC in average passing yards per game despite not beginning the year as the starter. Jamal Smith, who moved from QB to receiver last year, will figure to be the top threat in the passing game after getting acclimated to the receiver position last year. Assumption’s pass defense ranked third-to-last in the NE-10.
The Marauders have nowhere to go but up on defense, as they yielded the most yards and the second-most points in the PSAC last year. In what they hope will be the first step to improvement of those numbers this year, they will go up against an offense that was far from prolific last year, as the Greyhounds averaged under 20 points and 300 yards per game. Assumption returns an experienced quarterback in Josh Ratacik, although he did throw more interceptions than touchdowns last year. Top rusher Herbert Woodard also returns and the Greyhounds will be looking to him to increase their running game production, which produced only 83.4 ypg last year. Woodard is also their top returning receiver, as the Greyhounds lost their top two receivers.
The Greyhounds return their top kick returner, Geoffrey Mock, but only averaged 17.4 ypr on kicks as a team last year. Their punt return game is strong, however, behind Woodard, who averaged 12.7 ypr including one for a touchdown. Assumption made just two field goals last year, however, and will breaking in a new kicker. The Marauders return kicker/punter John Banzhoff, who ranked in the upper half of the PSAC in both punting and field goals made last year. Top punt returner Matt Egenrieder also returns.
Series/Game Notes
This will be the first-ever meeting between Millersville and Assumption...Millersville was picked to finish seventh in the PSAC East while Assumption was picked to finish seventh in the NE-10.
Mercyhurst (0-0, 0-0) at Wayne State (0-0, 0-0)
Aug. 29 - 12:00 p.m.
Detriot, Mich.
Adams Field (6,000)
Mercyhurst Returning Leaders
Rushing: Ben Jennings (98 car., 571 yds., 5.8 ypc, 57.1 ypg, 4 TD)
Passing: Garrett Kensy (111-201-7, 1276 yds., 55.2 pct., 116.0 ypg, 9 TD)
Receiving: Josh Szeluga (32 rec., 402 yds., 12.6 ypc, 36.5 ypg, 3 TD)
Max Khuri (13 rec., 188 yds., 14.5 ypc, 17.1 ypg)
Wayne State Returning Leaders
Rushing: Joique Bell (218 car., 1152 yds., 5.3 ypc, 104.7 ypg, 12 TD)
Passing: None
Receiving: Joique Bell (20 rec., 226 yds., 11.3 ypc, 20.5 ypg, 1 TD)
Ed Sanders (18 rec., 266 yds., 14.8 ypc, 33.2 ypg, 1 TD)
Troy Burrell (18 rec., 141 yds., 7.8 ypc, 12.8 ypg, 2 TD)
Conference Ranks Mercyhurst Wayne State
Scoring Offense/Defense 24.1/9th; 18.0/4th 20.2/9th; 14.6/2nd
Rush Offense/Defense 179.5/6th; 130.2/5th 171.5/5th; 160.4/6th
Pass Offense/Defense 144.8/11th; 153.6/1st 109.6/12th; 187.5/5th
Total Offense/Defense 324.3/10th; 283.8/3rd 281.1/12th; 347.8/6th
Coaches
Mercyhurst: Marty Schaetzle (8th yr., 28-47 career record)
Wayne State: Paul Winters (6th yr.; 21-32 career record)
What to Expect
If the past four meetings are any indication, expect a close game. Each of the past four games between these two teams have been decided by four points. The Lakers had a three-game winning streak leading into last year’s game, as the teams were GLIAC rivals before Mercyhurst joined the PSAC last year.
Mercyhurst’s defense last year was strong, ranking near the top of the PSAC in most categories. The Lakers return eight starters from that unit, including standout linebackers Bryan Boyce and Charles Gleisner. That group will be needed to shut down what was primarily a running offense last year behind tailback Joique Bell and likely figures to be the same this year, as WSU will have a new starting quarterback and even last year, had over 200 fewer pass attempts than rushes. Bell is also the leading returning pass catcher for the Warriors, who return their top three receivers, who combined for just 56 catches. If they should elect to throw the ball, Mercyhurst should be in good shape, as the Lakers return four starters in their secondary from the PSAC’s top-ranked pass defense from last year.
Mercyhurst was also primarily a running team last year. Top backup Ben Jennings will take over the starting spot for the Lakers, who also threw the ball over 200 times less than they ran it last year. Mercyhurst will have a pair of experienced senior quarterbacks to choose from. Joe Laffey, who sustained an injury in last year’s opener that knocked him out for the season, has been named the starter and Garrett Kensy, who saw most of the action under center last year, is also back. Mercyhurst’s receiving unit is a little thin on experience, as tight end Josh Szeluga is the only returnee with more than 20 receptions last year. Although Wayne State’ defense ranked second in the GLIAC and in the top 10 in the country in fewest points allowed, they were just average in yards given up, so how well the Lakers can capitalize on scoring opportunities may play a big part.
Special teams may come into play in the outcome of the game, particularly if the game is another defensive struggle like last year. WSU averaged 28.4 ypr on kickoffs last year, tops in the country, although top kick returner Dante Dunn is gone. Top punt returner Josh Renel (10.6 ypr) is back, however. The Lakers lost both of their primary kick returners but do return kicker Chris Ryan (5-for-6 on FGs) and punter Jordan Bukowski, while the Warriors lost both their kicker and punter.
Series/Game Notes
Mercyhurst leads the all-time series with Wayne State 5-3...WSU won last year’s defensive struggle 14-10 at home...Wayne State, coming of an 8-3 season, was picked to finish fourth in the GLIAC, while Mercyhurst was picked to finish fourth in the PSAC West...WSU received votes in both the AFCA and D2football.com preseason polls.
American International (0-0, 0-0) at C.W. Post (0-0, 0-0)
Aug. 29 - 1:00 p.m.
Brookville, N.Y.
Hickox Field (5,000)
Radio/Internet: wcwpsports.com
American International Returning Leaders
Rushing: Amadeus Guerrero-Pou (98 car., 405 yds., 5.7 ypc, 84.3 ypg, 5 TD)
Passing: Rob Parent (169-293-12, 2298 yds., 57.7 pct., 208.9 ypg, 28 TD)
Receiving: Kertis Hussey (45 rec., 608 yds., 13.5 ypc, 55.3 ypg, 11 TD)
Davon LaGrier (20 rec., 186 yds., 9.3 ypc, 16.9 ypg)
C.W. Post Returning Leaders
Rushing: Anthoney Adamic (104 car., 382 yds., 3.7 ypc, 34.7 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: R.J. Kuhn (28-59-3, 273 yds., 47.5 pct., 1 TD, 54.6 ypg)
Receiving: Chris Harris (38 rec., 699 yds., 18.4 ypc, 63.5 ypg, 5 TD)
Ryan Pettys (18 rec., 290 yds., 16.1 ypc, 29.0 ypg, 3 TD)
Conference Ranks AIC C.W. Post
Scoring Offense/Defense 31.5/2nd; 17.1/1st 20.5/14th; 28.1/12th
Rush Offense/Defense 147.4/3rd; 63.6/1st 149.1/11th; 158.6/10th
Pass Offense/Defense 217.2/4th; 193.5/5th 226.6/6th; 229.0/15th
Total Offense/Defense 364.5/3rd; 257.1/1st 375.7/7th; 387.6/12th
Coaches
American International: Art Wilkins (16th yr., 95-60 career record)
C.W. Post: Bryan Collins (12th yr.; 87-34 career record)
What to Expect
The Yellow Jackets are coming off a Northeast 10 championship season in which they qualified for the NCAA playoffs while C.W. Post is coming off a disappointing first season in the PSAC. Both teams have some question marks going into this season and will have to replace some key players.
On offense, C.W. Post is looking for a starting quarterback. The only QB on the roster with any experience is R.J. Kuhn, one of three QBs that saw action last year. He is battling with a pair of others for the starting spot. Post has four starters back on the offensive line. However, the running game is in transition as well, as last year’s top runner moved on, leaving fullback Anthoney Adamic as the top returning rusher. Chris Harris and Ryan Pettys are experienced receivers. Post will have to go up against a stout defense in AIC that returns eight starters after leading the NE-10 in scoring, rushing and total defense, and only yielded 20 points three times last year. Post may need to throw the ball to have success against the Jackets, whose pass defense was only ranked around the middle of the league last year, while Post’s passing game was ranked in the top half of the PSAC.
AIC was a pass-happy offense last year with the combination of quarterback Rob Parent and top receivers Travis Poole and Keith Hussey combining for almost 2,000 yards. Poole has graduated but Hussey returns and along with Parent, now a three-year starter at QB, should form a potent combination. Post must defend the pass as the Pioneers were burned for 359 passing yards in last year’s meeting, including three TD catches by Hussey. Post does have three starters returning in the secondary, including top corner Juma McKenley, so its ability to defend against the pass should be a key to the game. Although still ranked in the bottom half of the PSAC, Post’s run defense was the better part of its defense last year, and it may need to assert an advantage there with Xavier Brown and Tayrance Smith up front to combat the Jackets, who lost their top rusher from last year.
AIC returns its top kick returner in Hussey, who returned both a punt and kickoff for a touchdown last year. The Yellow Jackets also have an experienced kicker in Marek Przybylek, who was 11-for-14 on field goals last year. Post lost its top kick returner but does have McKenley, who had a punt return for a touchdown last year. The Pioneers will also be breaking in a new kicker and punter.
Series/Game Notes
C.W. Post leads AIC in the all-time series 13-9 with the last meeting coming last year, a 45-19 AIC victory...This will be the 10th straight year the teams have met, as Post used to play in the Northeast 10 before joining the PSAC...AIC was won the last two meetings, with Post winning the previous six...Post was picked to finish fourth in the PSAC East while AIC was picked to finish second in the NE-10...AIC received votes in both the AFCA and D2football.com preseason polls.
Shippensburg (0-0, 0-0) at Shepherd (0-0, 0-0)
Aug. 29 - 1:00 p.m.
Shepherdstown, W.Va.
Ram Stadium (5,000)
Shippensburg Returning Leaders
Rushing: Kevin Marshall (108 car., 453 yds., 4.2 ypc, 41.2 ypg, 3 TD)
Roshaan McCain (52 car., 442 yds., 3.6 ypc, 29.5 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: Chad DiFebbo (124-272-9, 1966 yds., 45.6 pct., 178.7 ypg, 18 TD)
Receiving: Mike Harris (66 rec., 1014 yds., 15.4 ypc, 92.2 ypg, 10 TD)
Kevin Marshall (16 rec., 377 yds., 23.6 ypc, 34.3 ypg, 1 TD)
Chase DiFebbo (16 rec., 296 yds., 18.5 ypc, 29.6ypg, 5 TD)
Shepherd Returning Leaders
Rushing: Jimmy Sutch (190 car., 885 yds., 4.7 ypc, 88.5 ypg, 14 TD)
Thomas Addison (30 car., 184 yds., 6.1 ypc, 46.0 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Brett Zirkle (6-11-0, 66 yds., 54.5 pct., 0 TD, 33.0 ypg)
Receiving: Nasser Muhammad (29 rec., 368 yds., 12.7 ypc, 36.8 ypg, 3 TD)
Raymond Mends (25 rec., 364 yds., 14.6 ypc, 40.4 ypg, 2 TD)
Conference Ranks Shippensburg Shepherd
Scoring Offense/Defense 24.8/8th; 21.6/6th 28.2/4th; 19.0/1st
Rush Offense/Defense 165.6/8th; 151.4/8th 148.2/6th; 136.9/2nd
Pass Offense/Defense 195.7/8th; 161.3/3rd 180.5/4th; 181.9/5th
Total Offense/Defense 361.4/8th; 312.6/6th 328.7/6th; 302.9/2nd
Coaches
Shippensburg: Rocky Rees (20th yr., 145-116-2 career record; 109-101-1 at SU)
Shepherd: Monte Cater (23rd yr.; 186-99-2 career record; 155-76-1 at SU)
What to Expect
This often-played series has been one-sided, yet close over the last four years, as Shepherd has won the last four games in the series but only one of those wins was by double digits. Close losses have been an abundance for Shippensburg, unfortunately, in the last couple of years, and is something the Red Raiders will be looking to change this year.
The Red Raiders may have the type of dynamic players on offense to be able to do such a thing. They have an experienced quarterback in Chad DiFebbo, a talented back in Kevin Marshall, and a 1,000-yard receiver in Mike Harris. Shippensburg ranked exactly in the middle of the PSAC in both rushing, passing and overall yardage as well as scoring last year. They may need to find some other individuals to step up to complement the aforementioned trio, as Shepherd had one of the top defenses in the WVIAC last year and eight starters return.
By contrast, Shippensburg has just four returning starters on defense, although the secondary is fairly experienced and the Red Raiders have two potential playmakers at linebacker in Riley Bowen and Andy Casale. They should have their work cut out for them in stopping the run as there will be an entirely new starting defensive line and Shepherd will be breaking in a new starting quarterback, all of which may lead to a higher reliance on the running game, where Jimmy Sutch ran for just under 900 yards last year and 14 touchdowns. The Red Raiders were quite strong against the pass last year, ranking third in the PSAC.
The Rams return their top kick and punt returner and he is a dynamic one. Deante Steele averaged over 20 ypr on punt, including two for touchdowns and almost 30 ypr on kicks, also with two TDs. They also have a reliable kicker in Eric Dobratz, although he hit just 4-of-5 field goals last year and just one from over 30 yards while missing just one PAT. Shippensburg has an experienced punt returner in Harris and a potentially explosive kick returner in Marshall, who broke one for a TD last year. Kyler Ford ranked in the top half of the league in punting last year but was just 5-for-11 on field goals.
Series/Game Notes
Shippensburg leads the all-time series with Shepherd 28-16...Shepherd won last year’s game 20-16...The teams have played for the last 18 straight years, each year since 1991...Three of the last four games have been decided by five points or less, all Shepherd wins...The game has been known as the Great Valley Classic since 1998...Ship was picked to finish fifth in the PSAC East while Shepherd was picked to finish fifth in the WVIAC.
West Liberty State (0-0, 0-0) at #21/21 Edinboro (0-0, 0-0)
Aug. 29 - 1:30 p.m.
Edinboro, Pa..
Sox Harrison Stadium (6,000)
West Liberty State Returning Leaders
Rushing: Eddie Hills (54 car., 371 yds., 6.3 ypc, 30.8 ypg, 1 TD)
Passing: Zach Amedro (171-282-11, 2433 yds., 60.6 pct., 243.3 ypg, 13 TD)
Receiving: Eddie Hills (61 rec., 811 yds., 13.3 ypc, 73.7 ypg, 8 TD)
Ryan Travis (41 rec., 577 yds., 14.1 ypc, 52.5 ypg, 4 TD)
Willie Walker (14 rec., 210 yds., 15.0 ypc, 35.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Edinboro Returning Leaders
Rushing: Michael Battles (78 car., 358 yds., 4.6 ypc, 32.5 ypg, 4 TD)
Passing: Trevor Harris (213-323-6, 2780 yds., 65.9 pct., 26 TD, 252.7 ypg)
Receiving: Gary Nolen (22 rec., 328 yds., 14.9 ypc, 32.8 ypg, 3 TD)
Josh Brown (17 rec., 384 yds., 14.9 ypc, 38.4 ypg, 3 TD)
Conference Ranks West Liberty State Edinboro
Scoring Offense/Defense 29.6/3rd; 25.1/5th 32.3/5th; 13.1/2nd
Rush Offense/Defense 137.5/8th; 142.5/3rd 189.9/3rd; 103.3/2nd
Pass Offense/Defense 257.9/1st; 199.5/7th 259.5/3rd; 162.5/5th
Total Offense/Defense 395.5/3rd; 342.0/5th 449.4/1st; 265.7/2nd
Coaches
West Liberty State: Roger Waialae (5th yr., 28-16 career record)
Edinboro: Scott Browning (4th yr.; 22-11 career record)
What to Expect
This should be a battle of two potent offenses. Although both teams have some holes to fill from last year, both have players on offense capable of producing big plays. Both teams have championship aspirations in their respective conferences. Turnovers played a big role in last year’s game as West Liberty’s offense was hampered by three turnovers, while Edinboro had none.
The Hilltoppers were largely a pass-happy team last year. They return quarterback Zach Amedro, who is now in his third year as starter, as well as their top two receivers, Eddie Hills and Ryan Travis. Hills, a 1,000-yard rusher in both 200 and 2007, shifted to wide receiver last year and responded by leading the WVIAC in catches. He still does run the ball at times as well, although West Liberty will be breaking in a new starting running back. Edinboro has eight starters back from one of the top defenses in the PSAC last year, including three experienced starters on the defensive line, so their ability to stop the run like they did last year may prove to be a key to the game, especially given WLS’s inexperience at back and the fact that Edinboro will have a whole new set of starting linebackers. The Fighting Scots also have their entire secondary back, and top cover corner Branden Williams will make for an interesting matchup with Hills.
Edinboro also had a high-flying offense in 2008 and the biggest part in quarterback Trevor Harris will lead them once again this year. However, his four top receivers are gone, as are his top two rushers out of the backfield. Gary Nolen and Josh Brown are the top two returning receivers and their combined numbers from last year aren’t too shabby with over 700 receiving yards. Multi-talent transfer Ilio DiPaolo also joins Edinboro by way of Lock Haven while David Bostic, a running back who caught 36 passes in 2007 before sitting out last year, may be the starter in the backfield. The Hilltoppers also have eight starters returning on defense but allowed nearly 200 ypg in passing last year, so the Scots may look to throw the ball again just like last year, when Harris threw for 296 yards and three TDs.
West Liberty lost its two top players on special teams, as top returner Darren Banks and kicker Billy Hager, who set WVIAC records for FGs and points, both departed, so they will have new specialists all around on special teams. Edinboro is very experienced on special teams, as kicker Alex Romanias and punter Ryan Genco both return, as do both kick returners in Ben Swank and Brown.
Series/Game Notes
The all-time series is tied 3-3 after Edinboro topped West Liberty last year 35-10 on the road...Prior to that, the teams had not met since 1984...West Liberty was picked to finish fourth in the WVIAC while Edinboro was picked to finish second in the PSAC West.
Kutztown (0-0, 0-0) at St. Anselm (0-0, 0-0)
Aug. 29 - 1:30 p.m.
Manchester, N.H.
Grappone Stadium (4,500)
Radio/Internet: WEEU 830 AM/kubears.com
Kutztown Returning Leaders
Rushing: Dontay Wilson (120 car., 884 yds., 7.4 ypc, 98.2 ypg, 7 TD)
Shane Martin (115 car., 431 yds., 3.7 ypc, 39.2 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Shane Martin (126-259-12, 1534 yds., 48.6 pct., 139.5 ypg, 9 TD)
Receiving: Jason Uhlig (29 rec., 518 yds., 17.9 ypc, 47.1 ypg, 4 TD)
Nick Aspromonte (22 rec., 267 yds., 12.1 ypc, 24.3 ypg)
St. Anselm Returning Leaders
Rushing: Marc Wilson (270 car., 1134 yds., 4.2 ypc, 113.4 ypg, 6 TD)
Joe Tran (84 car., 389 yds., 4.6 ypc, 38.9 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: Marc Wilson (101-221-11, 849 yds., 45.7 pct., 6 TD, 84.9 ypg)
Receiving: Bryant Lane (27 rec., 208 yds., 7.7 ypc, 20.8 ypg, 2 TD)
Marcel Bouie (27 rec., 195 yds., 7.2 ypc, 19.5 ypg, 4 TD)
Conference Ranks Kutztown St. Anselm
Scoring Offense/Defense 21.6/10th; 24.5/9th 14.3/8th; 31.6/8th
Rush Offense/Defense 188.0/5th; 133.0/6th 221.2/1st; 234.8/8th
Pass Offense/Defense 139.9/12th; 194.4/10th 84.9/8th; 174.5/2nd
Total Offense/Defense 327.9/9th; 327.4/8th 306.1/4th; 409.3/8th
Coaches
Kutztown: Raymond Monica (4th yr., 14-18 career record)
St. Anselm: Patrick Murphy (2nd yr.; 2-8 career record)
What to Expect
This will be a matchup of two teams that are primary running teams. Kutztown ran the ball nearly 200 more times than it passed last year while St. Anselm had nearly 300 more rushing than passing attempts last year. St. Anselm had lost nearly 30 straight games before going 2-8 last year while Kutztown will be looking to break into the top three in the PSAC East after finishing fourth last year, defeating each team below them but losing to each team above them.
Kutztown has a spectacular runner in Dontay Wilson, who finished second in the PSAC in average yards per game last year and led the league in average yards per carry with 7.4. Quarterback Shane Martin was second on the team in rushing last year with nearly 40 per game. Kendell Coleman, known more for his exploits on special teams last year, may also receive more carries. The Golden Bears also have three returning starters on the offensive line, so running the ball should again be a strength, particularly if the Hawks’ rush defense hasn’t improved, as it allowed nearly 235 ypg last year, including a 162-yard game by Wilson. The Hawks have just three returning starters back on defense.
St. Anselm’s vast majority of offensive production last year came via the run, as quarterback Marc Wilson was the team’s leading rusher last year, going for over 1,000 yards. The Hawks’ passing game generated fewer than 100 yards a game on average. Wilson returns this year and transfer Michael Pierce also joins the battle at QB. Pierce transferred from New Hampshire and is more of a passing threat. Joe Tran, the team’s top returning running back, also returns. The Bears have an impressive nine starters back on defense, including two on the defensive line and three linebackers, so they should have the personnel to stop the run.
The Hawks did not have a spectacular return game on special teams last year, averaging just 17.4 ypr on kicks and 7.4 on punts but top returner Mark Colantonio returns. Their kicking game is suspect as well, as they did not make a single field goal last year, attempting just one while only hitting on 50 percent of their PATs. They do have four new kickers on the roster this year, however. Kutztown has a solid kicker in Matt Dineen, who hit on 13-of-18 field goals last year and he will take over the punting duties this year as well. The Bears also have the top returning punt returner in the PSAC in Coleman (16.3 ypr). He also returned some kicks last year as well, although Wilson was the top kick returner.
Series/Game Notes
Kutztown leads the series with St. Anselm 1-0 after winning last year’s season opener 35-0 at home...The Golden Bears were picked to finish sixth in the PSAC East while St. Anselm was tabbed to finish eighth in the Northeast 10.
Lincoln (0-0, 0-0) vs. Cheyney (0-0, 0-0)
Aug. 29 - 4:00 p.m.
Philadelphia, Pa..
Charlie Martin Stadium
Radio/Internet: www.redzonemedia.com /Heritage Sports Radio Network/
SIRIUS/XM Radio
Lincoln Returning Leaders
Rushing: Dwight Williams (51 car., 186 yds., 3.6 ypc, 26.6 ypg, 1 TD)
D’Ante Smith (59 car., 157 yds., 2.7 ypc, 15.7 ypg, 1 TD)
Trey Thomas (32 car., 146 yds., 4.6 ypc, 14.6 ypg)
Passing: Kareen Dennis (105-234-14, 938 yds., 44.9 pct., 93.8 ypg, 6 TD)
Receiving: Trey Thomas (50 rec., 464 yds., 9.3 ypc, 46.4 ypg, 3 TD)
Shawn Bethea (32 rec., 269 yds., 8.4 ypc, 26.9 ypg, 2 TD)
D’Ante Smith (28 rec., 194 yds., 6.9 ypc, 19.4 ypg, 2 TD)
Cheyney Returning Leaders
Rushing: Bobby Hogan (68 car., 237 yds., 3.5 ypc, 21.5 ypg, 3 TD)
Bo Thompson (96 car., 234 yds., 2.4 ypc, 21.3 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Bo Thompson (132-251-5, 1363 yds., 52.6 pct., 6 TD, 123.9 ypg)
Receiving: Dominic Crowell (23 rec., 198 yds., 8.6 ypc, 18.0 ypg)
Darnell Burton (13 rec., 123 yds., 9.5 ypc, 11.2 ypg, 1 TD)
Travis Taltoan (9 rec., 153 yds., 17.0 ypc, 51.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks Lincoln Cheyney
Scoring Offense/Defense 11.0; 45.1 10.5/15th; 45.3/16th
Rush Offense/Defense 65.6; 226.6 108.5/15th; 270.8/16th
Pass Offense/Defense 129.0; 169.5 121.7/15th; 196.1/11th
Total Offense/Defense 194.6; 396.1 230.2/15th; 466.9/15th
Coaches
Lincoln: Olabaniji Abanishe (2nd yr., 1-9 career record)
Cheyney: Jeff Braxton (2nd yr.; 0-11 career record)
What to Expect
This will be a matchup of two teams with nowhere to go but up, as both teams combined for just one win last year. This game also has a special meaning as it is a matchup of two schools that each claim to be the oldest historically black college in the country, the first matchup since 1946.
Cheyney did a good job of holding onto the ball last year, turning it over just 15 times to rank near the top. Quarterback Bo Thompson, a senior this year, had just five interceptions. A running threat as well, Thompson will be counted on to lead the offense. He has three experienced receivers in Dominic Crowell, Darnell Burton and Travis Taltoan, the latter of which played in just three games last year due to injury but has big play potential, as he averaged 17 yards per catch last year. In the backfield, Bobby Hogan in a senior and will get the starting nod behind three returning starters on the offensive line. The Wolves scored 20 or more points just twice last year and against a defense that allowed over 45 points per game last year, the Wolves will be looking to do the same and more in this opener.
Lincoln put up very modest offensive numbers last year but returns their entire cast with an added year of experience under their belts. Receiver Trey Thomas is the team’s leading receiver and is also a running threat. The Wolves have some potential playmakers on defense, led by lineman Tim Hume and safety Demel Chambers, who ranked in the top 10 in tackles in the PSAC last year.
The Lions returned just 11 punts last year with just a 4.7 average ypr but do return top kick returner D’Ante Smith. Kicker Michael Marchand attempted just two field goals last year, making one, and was just 7-of-11 on PATs. Cheyney also attempted just two field goals last year, making none, while going just 7-of-16 as a team on PATs, but they will have a new kicker this year. Crowell is the Wolves’ top returning kick returner. The Wolves will also be looking for increased production in the return game, as they only returned six punts last year.
Series/Game Notes
Lincoln leads the all-time series 7-1-1...The last meeting came in 1946, a 72-13 Lincoln victory...Lincoln reinstated its football program last year...The Wade Wilson Classic typically matches Cheyney with another historically black college...It will be played at Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium, which is at Philadelphia Northeast High School...Cheyney was picked to finish eighth in the PSAC East while Lincoln was picked 12th in the CIAA after playing last year as an independent.
Bowie State (0-0, 0-0) at Slippery Rock (0-0, 0-0)
Aug. 29 - 7:00 p.m.
Slippery Rock, Pa.
Thompson Stadium (10,000)
Radio/Internet: WISR-AM 680/www.msasport.net
Bowie State Returning Leaders
Rushing: Rodney Webb (58 car., 309 yds., 5.3 ypc, 34.3 ypg, 4 TD)
Tariq Jones (65 car., 295 yds., 4.5 ypc, 42.1 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Andre Johnson (4-8-1, 33 yds., 50.0 pct., 5.5 ypg, 1 TD)
Receiving: Clifton Budd (27 rec., 297 yds., 11.0 ypc, 33.0 ypg)
Dean Boateng (13 rec., 184 yds., 14.2 ypc, 20.4 ypg, 2 TD)
Anthony Green (13 rec., 151 yds., 11.6 ypc, 16.8 ypg, 3 TD)
Slippery Rock Returning Leaders
Rushing: Ryan Lehmeier (158 car., 905 yds., 5.7 ypc, 90.5 ypg, 10 TD)
Damarcus Cleckley (83 car., 319 yds., 3.8 ypc, 35.4 ypg)
Sayquan Scott-Mitchell (36 car., 284 yds., 7.9 ypc, 56.8 ypg, 4 TD)
Passing: Brandon Frohnapple (90-192-4, 964 yds., 46.9 pct., 8 TD, 107.1 ypg)
Receiving: Devin Goda (13 rec., 175 yds., 13.5 ypc, 15.9 ypg)
Jermale Cromerdie (9 rec., 109 yds., 12.1 ypc, 9.9 ypg, 2 TD)
Conference Ranks Bowie State Slippery Rock
Scoring Offense/Defense 20.9/8th; 17.6/3rd 25.0/7th; 24.8/10th
Rush Offense/Defense 154.9/6th; 114.3/5th 168.8/7th; 160.5/11th
Pass Offense/Defense 106.6/10th; 163.0/4th 134.0/13th; 208.0/14th
Total Offense/Defense 261.4/9th; 277.3/6th 302.8/14th; 368.5/11th
Coaches
Bowie State: Damon Wilson (1st yr., 0-0 career record)
Slippery Rock: Dr. George Mihalik (22nd yr.; 141-85-4 career record)
What to Expect
After putting up 51 points in its first game last year, Bowie State did not hit 30 the rest of the season. It’s defense was a bit more consistent, as it ranked in the upper half of the CIAA in scoring defense. Slippery Rock was a sporadic team last year, starting the year 3-1 but finishing 2-5 and it dealt with massive turnover on offense.
The Rock will once again be dealing with a high rate of turnover on offense, as for the second straight year, only four starters return on offense. Traditionally a running team, that should not change this year, particularly with Rock’s two leading receivers from last year having departed. Running back Ryan Lehmeier returns after finishing fifth in the PSAC in average yards per game last year. He also briefly saw some time at quarterback last year in Rock’s “Wildcat” formation. Also filling out the backfield will be Damarcus Cleckley and Sayquan Scott-Mitchell, who averaged 7.9 yards per carry in just five games last year. QB Brandon Frohnapple returns for his second year as a starter. Bowie State’s rush defense was solid last year, allowing only a little over 100 ypg and six starters return for the Bulldogs on defense.
The Bulldogs return their top three receivers but their passing game only averaged just over 100 yards per game last year. They also lost their top rusher and their starting quarterback from an offense that ranked near the bottom of the CIAA. The running game was the better part of BSU’s offense last year while Slippery Rock’s rush defense was the stronger part of its defense. Stopping the run should be important, and Rock has three starters back on the defensive line.
Bowie State’s top returning receiver Clifton Budd, is also the team’s primary kick returner. He averaged an impressive 12.6 ypr on punts last year, including one for a touchdown. BSU also returns kicker/punter Michael Gagne, who had an extremely impressive 46.2 yard average on punts last year, but was just 2-for-5 on field goals. The Rock should have an advantage on special teams as it has an impressive kick returner in Anthony Walls and one of the most reliable kickers in the PSAC in C.J. Bahr. Punter Kyle Witman also averaged 42.5 yards on punts.
Series/Game Notes
Slippery Rock has a 1-0 lead in the series with Bowie State, with The ROck having defeated the Bulldogs 35-7 at BSU in 2007...Slippery Rock was picked to finish fifth in the PSAC West, while Bowie State was tabbed to finish fourth in the CIAA East.