Football - Week 2
Week 2 Football Notes (pdf)
After Shippensburg and Mercyhurst kicked off the football season last weekend, the first full week of football in the PSAC this week has 14 games on the docket, including one matchup of two Top 25 teams. No. 5/7 California travels to GLIAC country to face No. 11/12 Saginaw Valley State in a matchup of two NCAA playoff teams from last year and a rematch of last year's season-opening contest won by the Cardinals at Cal. Elsewhere, Edinboro travels to No. 7/8 West Liberty State in a rematch of last year's epic NCAA playoff shootout victory by the Hilltoppers. The Fighting Scots won last year's season opener against the 'Toppers at home. Two of last year's tri-champions out of the Northeast 10 Conference travel to PSAC West schools as Merrimack takes on Slippery Rock on Thursday night and Southern Connecticut State travels to IUP on Saturday. Bloomsburg and Ashland will renew their series that has produced two close and exciting games to open the last two seasons.
Overall, the PSAC went 9-6 in non-conference action last year and is already 1-1 this year with Mercyhurst's win and Shippensburg's loss last weekend.
PSAC Football - Week Two Notes - 8/31/10
2010 Begins in Different Weeks in Division II
Unlike in past years when the football season began on the same day or week for all teams in NCAA Division II, the 2010 season had some teams opening up last week and others, including the majority of the PSAC, opening up this week. That is due to 2010 being a transitional year between old NCAA rules and new scheduling rules for Division II football teams that were passed in January.
Under the new rules, Division II teams may not play their first football game of the year until the Thursday preceeding September 6. The rule begins this year, however, teams with games previously scheduled for prior to the first Thursday preceeding September 6 were granted a one-year wavier, which resulted in some teams opening up their season last weekend and others waiting until this weekend. Next year, there will be no exceptions, and the earliest any Division II team will be able to play its first game will be the first Thursday prior to September 6.
PSAC in Non-Conference Action
The PSAC will play 16 non-conference games this year. With two already in the books, the PSAC is 1-1 so far in non-conference action. Among the conferences that this year’s non-conference opponents will come from include the Northeast 10, WVIAC, CIAA, GLIAC, one independent, and two against Division I FCS foes. Listed below is the conference breakdown of each of this week’s non-conference opponents, followed by the PSAC’s record the last two years in non-conference action.
Northeast 10 (6): Merrimack (Slippery Rock); Assumption (Millersville); Pace (East Stroudsburg); American International (C.W. Post); St. Anselm (Kutztown); Southern Connecticut State (IUP)
WVIAC (3): Shepherd (Shippensburg - Loss); Fairmont State (Clarion); West Liberty (Edinboro)
GLIAC (3): Lake Erie (Gannon); Saginaw Valley State (California); Ashland (Bloomsburg)
Division I FCS (2): Delaware (CAA) (West Chester); Virginia Military Institute (Big South) (Lock Haven
CIAA (1): Lincoln (Cheyney)
Independents (1): Notre Dame College (Mercyhurst - Win)
2009 - 9-6 overall (9-5 vs. Division II)
Northeast 10: 3-1 (Wins - IUP over Southern Connecticut State, Millersville over Assumption, Kutztown over St. Anselm; Losses - American International over C.W. Post)
WVIAC: 2-1 (Wins - Clarion over Fairmont State, Edinboro over West Liberty; Losses - Shepherd over Shippensburg)
CIAA: 2-1 (Wins - East Stroudsburg over Virginia Union, Slippery Rock over Bowie State; Losses - Lincoln over Cheyney)
GLIAC: 1-2 (Wins - Bloomsburg over Ashland; Losses - Wayne State (Mich.) over Mercyhurst, Saginaw Valley State over California)
Independents: 1-0 (Gannon over Lake Erie)
Division I FCS (CAA): 0-1 (Losses - Delaware over West Chester)
2008 - 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)
PSAC a Good First Time Opponent
Last week, Mercyhurst opened its 2010 season against Notre Dame College of Ohio and defeated the Falcons 23-0. That game marked the first varsity game for the Falcons, which are located in South Euclid, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. That marked the second time in the last three seasons that a PSAC team was the opponent of a program playing its first varisty game. Two years ago, Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio played its first varsity game at home against Gannon, with the Golden Knights prevailing. Lake Erie will open up at Gannon once again this year on Thursday night, but this time as a member of the GLIAC.
Streaks
There are three long current streaks that a trio of teams will take into the 2010 season, one that one teams wants to keep going and two others that two teams would like to break. California enters the year with a 20-game winning streak in PSAC West play, having not lost a PSAC West game since 2006. On the other end, Cheyney enters the year with a 28-game losing streak overall and a 23-game losing streak in PSAC East play while Lock Haven enter the year with a 21-game losing streak overall and a 14-game losing streak in PSAC West play.
Team Notes
Bloomsburg Huskies
For the third-straight season, Bloomsburg opens against the Eagles of Ashland...The Huskies have won both previous games in the series, each by only one possession…The Huskies are 6-1 in season openers since 2003, with only loss coming to Div. I FCS James Madison, 14-3, in 2006…Head Coach Danny Hale starts the season as BU's all-time leader in career victories with a 144-49-1 (.745) record…With 184 career wins, Hale is ranked No. 18 in all-time victories among D-II coaches…Jr. RB Derrick Price ran for 2,041 yards in his first two seasons and begins the season tenth on the BU career rushing list…Bloomsburg has won at least seven games each season for 11 consecutive years; only NW Missouri has a longer active streak
California Vulcans
The three-defending NCAA Regional Champion Vulcans open the year ranked in the Top 10 of both the AFCA (No. 6) and D2Football.com (No. 7) preseason polls…Cal U has won at least a share of five-straight (three outright) PSAC West titles and enter 2010 on a 20-game divisional winning streak…The Vulcans face Saginaw Valley in the season-opener for the second-straight year after the Cardinals won 23-17 at Adamson Stadium in 2009…Cal U will open the year on the road for the first time since 2003 when it lost to NCAA Division I Eastern Illinois, 27-0…The Vulcans actually start the season with back-to-back games outside of Pennsylvania for the first time in program history…QB Josh Portis returns for his second year as a starter after establishing school record with 3,421 passing yards and 36 passing touchdowns last season.
Cheyney Wolves
The Wolves will open up against Lincoln for the second straight year in the Wade Wilson Classic...Both schools claim to being the oldest historically black college in the country...The Wolves will be looking to break a 28-game losing streak and also give third-year head coach Jeff Braxton his first win as Cheyney head coach.
Clarion Golden Eagles
Fifth year head coach Jay Foster marches into 2010 with a squad that has a total of 19 starters and 38 lettermen returning. The roster includes 14 seniors, 16 juniors and 22 sophomores, by far the most experienced group under Foster...Clarion had a strong 2009 grid campaign including an 8-3 overall record, a 6-1 mark in the rugged PSAC-West and finished the season with 6 straight wins and an 8th place ranking in the final NCAA Division II Super Region 1 Poll...The Golden Eagles won 7 of their final 8 games in 2009, including ending the season on a 6-game winning streak...So. QB Eric Coxon will likely start for the Golden Eagles, while Fr. Ben Fiscus is still expected to see some time...Coxon played in 4 games in 2008 and completed 2 of 8 passes for 10 yards. Coxon and Fiscus sat out last season. They look to replace Tyler Huether who passed for 2,242 yards and 10 td's, and also ran for 8 td's...In 2009 Sr. back Alfonso Hoggard was #1 in the PSAC in rushing (1,046 yards - 104.6 p/g), rushing td's (17), overall td's (19), points scored (118) and all-purpose yards (1,798).
C.W. Post Pioneers
C.W. Post opens its season on Saturday on the road at American International…The Pioneers have a 13-11 overall record against the Yellow Jackets but look to end a three-game skid dating back to the 2007…Seven PSAC all-conference players return this season, including Freshman of the Year Thomas Beverly (RB) and AFCA All-American Xavier Brown (DL) as well as Erik Anderwkavich (QB), Kevin Martin (OL), John Siopa (OL), Juma McKenley (DB) and Will Strano (OL)…Head coach Bryan Collins, in his 13th season returns with a strong core this season and the Pioneers are optimistic and ready to challenge for a division title.
East Stroudsburg Warriors
ESU returns 15 starters from last year’s NCAA Playoff team and was ranked No. 25 in AFCA Division II preseason poll…Warriors are second among others receiving votes this week…ESU was No. 16 in D2Football.com’s preseason rankings…Sr. OLB Matt Freed is a two-time All-American and was the PSAC’s leading tackler the last two years (132 in 2009, 126 in 2008)…Led conference in tackles, TFL (18.0) and sacks (10.0) last season...Sr. QB Matt Marshall’s 2009 season was sixth in ESU history in passing yards (2,938), TDs (26), pass efficiency (150.3) and total offense (3,251)…Warriors are 25-11 in season openers under Denny Douds (PSAC record 226 wins)…Douds will coach his 376th career game at Pace, whose head coach, Chris Dapolito, will make his head coaching debut…IUP, California, West Chester and Bloomsburg follow Pace on the Warriors’ schedule.
Edinboro Fighting Scots
For the third straight year Edinboro opens the season against West Liberty. The Fighting Scots have won the first two season openers against the Hilltoppers. Edinboro opens the year with three straight road games, the first two against nationally-ranked teams. West Liberty comes off an 11-2 finish a year ago, reaching the Super Regional One championship game. The Hilltoppers are ranked eighth in the AFCA preseason rankings. On September 11 the Scots play at PSAC East favorite and 22nd-ranked West Chester…Edinboro enters the year ranked ninth in the Sporting News preseason poll and 24th in Lindy’s…Jr. CB Branden Williams was named to the second team D2Football.com preseason All-American team and was also picked a Sporting News preseason All-American…Jr. PK Alex Romanias enters the season with a streak of ten straight field goals made and 33 PATs in a row…Sr. WR Gary Nolen is in the top ten in career receiving leaders. He is ninth in career receptions with 96 and 10th in yards receiving (1,398).
Gannon Golden Knights
Gannon opens the 2010 season with a home game against Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) member Lake Erie for the second consecutive season...The Golden Knights has won two consecutive season openers, defeating Lake Erie 24-22 on the road in 2008 and 35-34 at home last season...Overall, Gannon is 11-11-1 all-time in season openers and 10-12-1 all-time in home openers...Head coach Jim Kiernan's squad returns 45 letterwinners and 18 players who started at least six games from last year's 6-5 squad...The Golden Knights finished fourth in the PSAC Western Division with a 3-4 conference mark...The squad concluded the campaign with four consecutive victories, including a 10-7 overtime victory at nationally-ranked Bloomsburg in the season finale...The stretch run provided the program with its first winning season since 2003...Sr. Jeremy Ditzler enters the season tied with Brendan McNicholas for the top spot all-time at Gannon in field goals (27).
IUP Crimson Hawks
IUP opens up the 2010 season against Southern Connecticut State for the second straight season...The Crimson Hawks will be looking to bounce back from their first losing season in over 25 years last season...Pat Smith and Bo Napoleon are battling for the starting QB position, and both may see some action in the opening game.
Kutztown Golden Bears
Kutztown is 3-1 in season openers under head coach Raymond Monica…Kutztown has won its last two season openers both against Saint Anselm College, 35-0 (2008) and 17-14 (2009)…The Golden Bears will be looking to win three consecutive season openers for the first time since 2001-03 (beat Elizabeth City State, 40-12 in 2001; beat Elizabeth City State, 34-13 in 2002 and beat Virginia State, 34-6)…KU quarterback Kevin Morton fired 15 touchdown passes last season…Kutztown scored 30 or more points in two of its last three games…Kicker Matt Dineen was a first team all-PSAC selection last year..In addition, Dineen and senior punt returner Kendell Coleman were both named as Consensus Draft Services Division II Preseason All-America honorable mention selections…Dineen has made a KU school record 35 field goals during his career…Senior defensive end Kevin Bolinsky had a career high 3.5 sacks against Saint Anselm last year…The Golden Bears return six defensive starters...The Golden Bears have four night games in 2010...Kutztown was picked to finish sixth in the PSAC East in the preseason coaches’ poll.
Lock Haven Bald Eagles
Lock Haven is set to kick off the 2010 season this Saturday (Sept. 4) at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). In 2007, the Bald Eagles opened the year at VMI and lost to their Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponent 20-0. Sixth-year head coach John Klacik hopes that 2010 is the year, where the Bald Eagles get back on track. Lock Haven has gone winless in each of the last seasons and is 1-31 over the past three campaigns...A huge key for Lock Haven will be the return of All-Conference selection Nick Gounaris. Gounaris earned a spot on the 2009 PSAC West Second Defense, nabbing a spot on the defensive line. Gounaris was a leader on the Bald Eagles defense all season long. He finished with 47 total tackles, which was fifth-best on the team. Gounaris made 25 solo stops and six tackles for a loss, which ranked as second-best on the team in 2009. He also added two sacks...Also returning is senior linebacker Wes Plummer, who led the team with 62 tackles. He made 38 solo stops and started all 10 games for LHU.
Mercyhurst Lakers
Mercyhurst defeated Notre Dame College 23-0 on the road last week in its season opener in what will be the first of three straight games on the road to start the season...The Lakers are off this week before getting back on the field next week at Kutztown.
Millersville Marauders
Saturday’s game is a rematch of the 2009 season opener and is the second meeting in the series between Millersville and Assumption. Millersville won the first and only meeting between the clubs by a 31-28 score...Saturday’s game marks the first time that a Greg Colby team has opened its season at Millersville. Colby’s teams are 1-1 in season openers, but the program has won just two of the last seven openers dating back to 2004...Since 2000, the Marauders are just 3-7 in season openers...Since 2003, the Marauders have opened the season at home only two times...The 2003 opener against Glenville State resulted in a 27-25 win for the Marauders, but the 2006 opener saw Millersville fall to Shepherd by a 28-7 score...Despite boasting a .526 all-time winning percentage, Millersville is just 49-56-9 in season openers...Opening with a win can set the tone for the season...Of the 56 seasons that have started with a loss, only 15 of those seasons ended with an above .500 record.
Shippensburg Red Raiders
The PSAC defending champions opened up the season by falling at home to Shepherd 35-27 in the Great Valley Classic last week...It marked Shepherd’s sixth straight win in the series.
Slippery Rock - The Rock
The Rock faces a stiff challenge in its season-opening game as Merrimack had an 8-3 final record in 2009 and earned a share of the Northeast-10 Conference championship...Preseason All-America selections C.J. Bahr and Brandon Fusco head a list of five returning All-PSAC-West players for The Rock...The Rock will have a first-time starter at quarterback Thursday night. Redshirt freshman Ryan Sabo is the scheduled starter and will be backed up by classmates Mike Bongivengo (transfer from Seton Hill) and Kellen O'Neill...Bongivengo and O'Neill are both sons of high school football coaches...Merrimack is led by 2009 Northeast-10 MVP James Suozzo, a junior quarterback who accounted for 23 TDs last fall.
West Chester Golden Rams
West Chester lifts the lid on its 89th season with a non-conference tilt opposite inter-divisional rival Delaware Thursday night...The Golden Rams are 6-44-2 all-time against the Division I-FCS power with its last win coming in 1992...West Chester has dropped its last 16 straight against Delaware...A total of nine Golden Rams are expectedl be making their first collegiate start in the contest, including sophomore quarterback Mike Mattei...Mattei appeared in two games as a red-shirt freshman a year ago, but did not throw a pass...He rushed once for eight yards... Three all-leaguers return to the fold in 2010...Sr., DE Travis Ford-Bey, Sr. WR Dan DePalma and Jr. C Kyle O'Neill are back to lead the way for a very young Golden Rams' squad...Sr. SS Cedric Jeffries is a transfer from Penn State to the defensive backfield...So. FS John O'Donnell also transferred from Penn State in 2009...West Chester entertains Edinboro on Sept. 11 in its home opener next weekend...That game is Michael Horrocks Day...West Chester University will unveil a statue of former QB Michael Horrocks, who was killed during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center nine years ago.
Game Previews
Fairmont State (0-0, 0-0) at Clarion (0-0, 0-0)
Sept. 2 - 6:00 p.m.
Clarion, Pa.
Memorial Stadium (5,000)
Radio/Internet: WCCR 92.7 FM/WKQW 96.3 FM/RedZoneMedia.com
Fairmont State Returning Leaders
Rushing: Doug Brazill (140 car., 664 yds., 4.7 ypc, 60.4 ypg, 7 TD)
Scott Victorio (68 car., 270 yds., 4.0 ypc, 24.5 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Vick Bradford (6-20-2, 30.0 pct., 65 yds., 8.1 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Perry Baker (16 rec., 233 yds., 14.6 ypc, 23.3 ypg, 0 TD)
Stephan Johnson (12 rec., 237 yds., 19.8 ypc, 23.7 ypg, 4 TD)
Clarion Returning Leaders
Rushing: Alfonso Hoggard (224 car., 1046 yds., 4.7 ypc, 104.6 ypg, 17 TD)
John Fuhrer (58 car., 200 yds., 3.4 ypc, 18.2 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: None
Receiving: Jacques Robinson (70 rec., 819 yds., 11.7 ypc, 74.5 ypg, 5 TD)
Craig Bunney (34 rec., 459 yds., 13.5 ypc, 41.7 ypg, 0 TD)
Matt Ward (27 rec., 310 yds., 11.5 ypc, 28.2 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks Fairmont State Clarion
Scoring Offense/Defense 19.5/8th; 27.8/4th 28.6/7th; 21.7/5th
Rush Offense/Defense 172.2/5th; 168.6/5th 139.9/10th; 118.5/T3rd
Pass Offense/Defense 127.9/9th; 193.3/2nd 203.8/7th; 184.4/9th
Total Offense/Defense 300.1/8th; 361.9/3rd 343.7/8th; 302.9/4th
Coaches
Fairmont State: Mike Lopez (4th yr., 14-19 career record, 9th yr. at FSU overall)
Clarion: Jay Foster (5th yr., 12-32 career record)
What to Expect
- Both teams will be breaking in new starting quarterbacks. FSU’s starter last year, J.J. Mayer is moving to defense, leaving Vick Bradford, who started just one game last year, as the lone QB with experience on the roster. Clarion will likely start sophomore QB Eric Coxon with redshirt freshman QB Ben Fiscus also getting some time. Coxon has attempted eight passes in his collegiate career, all coming in 2008.
- With new starting QBs slated, the running game will likely heavily factor in both team’s offensive game plans. Clarion return’s the PSAC’s leading rusher (in average ypg) from last year in Alfonso Hoggard, who is more of an explosive runner, while Fairmont State will counter with Doug Brazill, who is more of a bruising back, as well as Scott Victorio.
- Clarion would appear to have the advantage in the passing game, as the Golden Eagles return three of their top four receivers, led by Jacques Robinson, while FSU’s top returning receiver had just 16 catches last year.
- The Golden Eagles return nine starters on defense, including two defensive linemen and three linebackers from a unit that was among the best in the PSAC last year in rushing defense.
- Special teams could produce some exciting, game-changing moments as well as Hoggard, who has led the PSAC in all-purpose yards the past two seasons, and FSU’s Zack Page are potential home run threats on kick returns.
- Clarion returns an experienced kicker in senior Robert Mamula while punter Nate Conway returns for his second season as a starter, while FSU will have a new kicker and a new punter.
Series/Game Notes
Clarion leads the series 10-5...This will mark the fourth straight year that the teams have played and the third straight season that they have opened up against each other...The teams also met from 1982-91 and 1994-95...Clarion topped Fairmont State last year, which marked the Golden Eagles’ first win in the series since 1995...Fairmont State’s last visit to Clarion to open the 2008 season resulted in a win on a last-second field goal...The Golden Eagles have a 22-8 all-time record vs. WVIAC teams...FSU was picked to finish seventh in the nine-team WVIAC while Clarion was picked third in the PSAC West...Clarion takes a six-game winning streak into the season, the longest current overall winning streak in the PSAC...Clarion is receiving votes in this week’s AFCA Top 25 poll.
Lake Erie (0-0, 0-0) at Gannon (0-0, 0-0)
Sept. 2 - 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: Sean Bedevelsky (104 car., 640 yds., 6.2 ypc, 58.2 ypg, 9 TD)
Kameron Alexander (63 car., 270 yds., 4.3 ypc, 27.0 ypg, 2 TD)
Dave Romeo (34 car., 235 yds., 6.9 ypc, 21.4 ypg, 1 TD)
Passing: Sean Bedevelsky (149-265-12, 56.2 pct., 2081 yds., 189.2 ypg, 15 TD)
Receiving: Brandon James (43 rec., 493 yds., 11.5 ypc, 44.8 ypg, 4 TD)
Dave Romeo (32 rec., 590 yds., 18.4 ypc, 53.6 ypg, 3 TD)
Demetrius Gray (23 rec., 226 yds., 9.8 ypc, 20.5 ypg, 1 TD)
Gannon Returning Leaders
Rushing: Zach Boedicker (109 car., 568 yds., 5.2 ypc, 51.6 ypg, 4 TD)
Tyler Batts (77 car., 487 yds., 6.3 ypc, 44.3 ypg, 4 TD)
Passing: Zach Boedicker (114-196-5, 58.2 pct., 1251 yds., 113.7 ypg, 7 TD)
Receiving: Levar Goff (25 rec., 290 yds., 11.6 ypc, 26.4 ypg, 2 TD)
Corey Bradley (21 rec., 222 yds., 10.6 ypc, 22.2 ypg, 0 TD)
Geoff Hicks (15 rec., 225 yds., 15.0 ypc, 32.1 ypg, 3 TD)
Conference Ranks Lake Erie Gannon
Scoring Offense/Defense 29.0; 24.8 24.6/9th; 25.6/10th
Rush Offense/Defense 206.9; 167.2 178.9/3rd; 159.4/13th
Pass Offense/Defense 194.0; 227.4 149.5/12th; 172.2/2nd
Total Offense/Defense 400.9; 394.5 328.4/9th; 331.5/10th
Coaches
Lake Erie: Mark McNellie (3rd yr., 10-11 career record)
Gannon: Jim Kiernan (4th yr., 11-22 career record)
What to Expect
- The games between these teams the last two years have come down to the final possession, so with both squads being fairly experienced on both sides of the ball, it could be another close game decided by whoever has the ball last.
- Both teams rely heavily on the run on offense, especially the running of their quarterbacks, as each team’s leading returning rusher is their starting QB - Sean Bedevelsky of Lake Erie and Zach Boedicker for Gannon. Both teams also lost their top rusher from last year in terns of carries - Tony Howard for Lake Erie and Jon Richardson of Gannon, who was also the Knights top rusher in yards gained.
- Both teams have big play threats in the running game, with Lake Erie returning Dave Romeo and Gannon expecting to hand over the starting RB job to Tyler Batts. Both RBs averaged an impressive 6.9 yards per carry last year in limited duty.
- Both QBs are also dual threats, as each had more touchdown passes last year than interceptions and each completed at least 56 percent of their throws.
- Lake Erie may have a slight advantage in the passing game, as the Storm return their top eight receivers from last year, including six that caught at least 10 passes and seven that caught at least one touchdown pass. However, Gannon’s pass defense, which returns all five starting defensive backs from last year, allowed over 50 yards less per game in passing than Lake Erie.
- Gannon may have a slight advantage on special teams as Batts is more of an explosive threat than Demetrius Gray or Kameron Alexander for Lake Erie. The Storm return kicker Sam Marcotte, who missed four FGs and five PATs last year, while Jeremy Ditzler returns for Gannon, who missed six FGs but just one PAT.
Series/Game Notes
Gannon leads the all-time series 2-0 after topping the Storm by a combined total of just three points in the season openers of the last two seasons...The Golden Knights won 24-22 on the road two years ago and 35-34 at home last year... Lake Erie went 7-4 as an independent last year. The Storm join the GLIAC as a full member this year...LEC coach Mark McNellie is in his fourth year with the Storm, but only his third as a varsity coach, as the Storm competed as a club program for a year before moving up to varsity status...Despite their 7-4 mark last year, the Storm were picked last - 14th - in the GLIAC preseason poll, while the Golden Knights were picked in a tie for fourth in the PSAC West.
Merrimack (0-0, 0-0) at Slippery Rock (0-0, 0-0)
Sept. 2 - 7:00 p.m.
Slippery Rock, Pa.
Thompson Stadium (10,000)
Radio/Internet: WISR 680 AM/msasports.net
Merrimack Returning Leaders
Rushing: Anthony Smalls (157 car., 1161 yds., 7.4 ypc, 145.1 ypg, 6 TD)
James Suozzo (149 car., 954 yds., 6.4 ypc, 42.3 ypg, 15 TD)
Passing: James Suozzo (180-327-17, 55.0 pct., 2297 yds., 229.7 ypg, 23 TD)
Receiving: Anthony Smalls (12 rec., 85 yds., 7.1 ypc, 10.6 ypg, 0 TD)
Slippery Rock Returning Leaders
Rushing: Akeem Satterfield (44 car., 253 yds., 5.8 ypc, 25.3 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: None
Receiving: Devin Goda (31 car., 466 yds., 15.0 ypc, 42.4 ypg, 3 TD)
Jermale Cromerdie (25 car., 441 yds., 17.6 ypc, 40.1 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks Merrimack Slippery Rock
Scoring Offense/Defense 34.9/1st; 27.8/5th 25.2/8th; 26.7/11th
Rush Offense/Defense 251.6/1st; 135.9/6th 146.4/6th; 136.4/9th
Pass Offense/Defense 231.0/4th; 236.1/7th 143.6/14th; 176.9/4th
Total Offense/Defense 482.6/1st; 372.0/6th 290.0/T11th; 313.3/6th
Coaches
Merrimack: John Perry (3rd yr., 13-7 career record)
Slippery Rock: Dr. George Mihalik (23rd yr., 147-90-4 career record)
What to Expect
- Slippery Rock will breaking in a new starting quarterback, while Merrimack returns one of the top QBs in Division II in James Suozzo, who combined for 38 touchdowns last year both rushing and passing.
- Suozzo returns but he is without his top four receivers from last year’s offense that was the best in the Northeast 10, which should give Rock’s experienced secondary the advantage in Merrimack’s passing game. CB Robert Doiley led the PSAC last year in passes defended with 1.22 per game and he also returned one for a TD, so he is a threat to go all the way if he picks one off, which could be an important part of a close game, especially with Rock’s offense uncertain with the new starting QB.
- Merrimack had the top running game in the NE-10 last year and the Warriors return top rusher Anthony Smalls as well as Suozzo, who combined for over 2,000 yards on the ground last year. They should prove to be a formidale challenge for Rock’s defensive front, which returns just one starter from last year. - On offense, Rock will likely look to establish Akeem Satterfield and a solid running game against a rush defense that ranked in the lower half of the NE-10. This could be particularly important in breaking in the new QB. Rock’s four returning starters on the offensive line, led by preseason All-American Brandon Fusco, should help in this regard.
- Rock also has two experienced receivers in Devin Goda and Jermale Cromerdie to throw the ball to.
- Slippery Rock looks to have the edge on special teams as they return one of the best kickers in the PSAC in C.J. Bahr, who was 9-for-14 on FGs last year, including 4-for-8 from beyond 40, while Merrimack will be breaking in a new kicker. The Warriors also missed eight PATs last year.
- Merrimack returned just 11 punts last year as a team while Rock’s Doiley returned 27 on his own, averaging an impressive 8.3 ypr, which should give Rock an advantage there. Satterfield also returns to the kick return game after averaging 25.8 ypr while sharing returning duty, giving Rock an edge over Merrimack’s 16.9 kick return average from last year.
Series/Game Notes
This will be the first ever matchup between Merrimack and Slippery Rock...Merrimack was picked to finish second in the nine-team Northeast 10 while Slippery Rock was picked sixth in the PSAC West...The Warriors were co-champions on the Northeast 10 last year but were not picked to play in the NCAA playoffs...This will be Slippery Rock’s first-ever contest against a member of the Northeast 10, which only began its football conference in 2001.
#21 West Chester (0-0, 0-0) at Delaware (0-0, 0-0)
Sept. 2 - 7:00 p.m.
Newark, Del.
Delaware Stadium (23,000)
Radio/Internet: WCUR 91.7 FM/RedZoneMedia.com
West Chester Returning Leaders
Rushing: D’Andre Webb (81 car., 423 yds., 5.2 ypc, 38.5 ypg, 7 TD)
Jackson Fagan (43 car., 203 yds., 4.7 ypc, 18.5 ypg, 4 TD)
Passing: None
Receiving: Dan DePalma (45 rec., 832 yds., 18.5 ypc, 75.6 ypg, 9 TD)
D’Andre Webb (17 rec., 212 yds., 12.5 ypc, 19.3 ypg, 0 TD)
Delaware Returning Leaders
Rushing: David Hayes (101 car., 409 yds., 4.0 ypc, 37.2 ypg, 2 TD
Leon Jackson (99 car., 316 yds., 3.2 ypc, 39.5 ypg, 6 TD)
Passing: Pat Devlin (220-344-9, 64.0 pct., 2664 yds., 242.2 ypg, 16 TD)
Receiving: Mark Mackey (33 rec., 374 yds., 11.3 ypc, 34.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Tommy Crosby (25 rec., 299 yds., 12.0 ypc, 29.9 ypg, 2 TD)
Phillip Thaxton (23 rec., 345 yds., 15.0 ypc, 31.4 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks West Chester Delaware
Scoring Offense/Defense 33.9/2nd; 17.3/2nd 25.6/6th; 21.5/6th
Rush Offense/Defense 128.7/12th; 77.7/1st 111.6/9th; 137.6/8th
Pass Offense/Defense 273.6/2nd; 181.5/6th 243.4/2nd; 197.6/8th
Total Offense/Defense 402.4/3rd; 259.3/1st 355.0/5th; 335.3/8th
Coaches
West Chester: Bill Zwaan (8th yr., 115-40 career record, 61-26 at WCU)
Delaware: K.C. Keeler (9th yr., 150-60 career record, 62-39 at UD)
What to Expect
- Behind Penn State transfer QB Pat Devlin, who led the CAA in passing yards last year, the Blue Hens like to spread the wealth in the passing game and West Chester should have its hands full as Delaware returns seven of its top eight receivers from last year, all of whom caught at least 10 passes and five of which caught at least one touchdown pass.
- The Blue Hens return their top two rushers from last year in David Hayes and Leon Jackson but they only averaged just over 100 ypg on the ground, which was in the bottom half of the CAA. West Chester, on the other side of the line of scrimmage, led the PSAC in rushing defense, only allowing more than 100 yards rushing in three games last year, so that matchup would appear to favor the Golden Rams
- West Chester returns only three starters on defense but two are on the defensive line, including All-American candidate Travis Ford-Bey.
- Delaware returns all four starting linebackers and also has three senior starters in the secondary
- West Chester sophomore QB Matt Mattei will be making his first career start with the Golden Rams and with the defensive line being the least experienced part of the Blue Hens’ defense, West Chester’s running game may need to step it up over last year, when the Rams were primarily a passing team. The Golden Rams do have a pair of experienced backs in senior D’Andre Webb and junior Jackson Fagan, who moves back to RB this year after being an RB as a freshman but then moving to WR last year. West Chester also returns four starters on the offensive line from what was a very young unit last year.
Series/Game Notes
Delaware leads the all-time series with West Chester 44-6-2...The series dates back to 1941 and is one of the most-played in West Chester history...This will be the ninth straight year that these teams have met and the 41st time in the last 42 years, with 2001 being the only year the series hasn’t been played since 1968...Delaware was picked to finish fifth in the CAA South while West Chester was picked to win the PSAC East...The Blue Hens are ranked No. 16 in the FCS Sports Network poll and No. 19 in the FCS Coaches’ Poll...West Chester was ranked No. 22 in the preseason AFCA Division II poll but moved up to No. 21 this week despite not playing a game.
Assumption (0-0, 0-0) at Millersville (0-0, 0-0)
Sept. 4 - 12:00 p.m.
Millersville, Pa.
Biemesderfer Stadium (6,500)
Radio/Internet: MSBN/millersvilleathletics.com
Assumption Returning Leaders
Rushing: Herb Woodard (233 car., 1175 yds., 5.0 ypc, 117.5 ypg, 17 TD)
Lance Mitchell (29 car., 122 yds., 4.2 tpc, 12.2 ypg, 1 TD)
Passing: Andrew Kupec (162-259-10, 62.5 pct., 1828 yds., 182.8 ypg, 15 TD)
Receiving: David Canney (59 rec., 778 yds., 13.2 ypc, 77.8 ypg, 9 TD)
Herb Woodard (25 rec., 160 yds., 6.4 ypc, 16.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Marcus Nichols (18 rec., 207 yds., 11.5 ypc, 20.7 ypg, 1 TD)
Millersville Returning Leaders
Rushing: Jamal Smith (26 car., 99 yds., 3.8 ypc, 9.0 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Bill Shirk (155-306-11, 50.7 pct., 1734 yds., 157.6 ypg, 13 TD)
Receiving: Jamal Smith (50 car., 729 yds., 14.6 ypc, 66.3 ypg, 10 TD)
Matt Egenrieder (30 car., 264 yds., 8.8 ypc, 24.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks Assumption Millersville
Scoring Offense/Defense 30.9/3rd; 22.9/4th 19.2/14th; 38.6/15th
Rush Offense/Defense 144.3/3rd; 124.0/4th 111.1/15th; 242.2/16th
Pass Offense/Defense 212.0/6th; 222.7/6th 159.5/10th; 219.8/15th
Total Offense/Defense 356.3/5th; 346.7/5th 270.6/14th; 462.0/16th
Coaches
Assumption: Cory Bailey (2nd yr., 6th yr. at AU overall; 19-32 career record)
Millersville: Greg Colby (3rd yr., 4-18 career record)
What to Expect
- Millersville won a close game last year on Jamal Smith’s TD run with just over a minute remaining in the game so with several players returning on both teams, it could be another close one.
- One key to the game for Millersville may be its ability to contain Assumption RB Herb Woodard, a 1,000-yard rusher last year, as Millersville looks to improve on its PSAC-worst rush defense from last year with all four starting defensive linemen returning as well as three starting linebackers.
- Assumption also has a solid passing game and with three of its top four receivers returning as well as starting QB Andrew Kupec, who completed 62.5 percent of his passes last year, the young Millersville secondary will also be challenged.
- The Marauders do not return any running backs from last year, however they add Syracuse transfer Mike Jones, a sophomore, who is expected to start and receiver the majority of the carries out of the backfield.
- Millersville WRs Matt Egenrieder and Jamal Smith combined for nine of Millersville’s 15 pass catches in last year’s game and with Assumption slightly worse against the pass than the run last year, the performance of those two could be another key factor in a close game.
- Both teams will be breaking in new kickers, as both lost their starting kickers, who both doubled at punters, from last year.
- For Assumption, Paul Perez averaged an impressive 9.7 ypr on punts but only 18.2 ypr on kickoffs. Jamal Smith is a big-play threat in the return game as well for Millersville, as he returned just four punts last year but averaged 15.2 ypr on them while also averaging 20.3 ypr on kicks.
Series/Game Notes
Millersville won the first-ever meeting between the two schools last year, 31-28 at Assumption in each teams’ season opener last year...This will be the third straight year that the Marauders have opened up against a Northeast 10 team, as they also opened up against Bentley two years ago...The Marauders sport an impressive 8-3 record against NE-10 teams...Millersville was picked seventh in the PSAC East while Assumption was picked fifth in the Northeast 10...This will mark the first time since 2006 that Millersville has opened the season at home...This will marks Assumption’s first-ever game in the state of Pennsylvania in the 22-year history of the program.
#5/7 California (0-0, 0-0) at #11/12 Saginaw Valley State (0-0, 0-0)
Sept. 4 - 12:00 p.m.
Saginaw, Mich.
Wickes Stadium (6,300)
TV: B2livetv.com/CUTV
Radio/Internet: WCAL 91.9 FM/WCAL.cup.edu
California Returning Leaders
Rushing: Josh Portis (97 car., 449 yds., 4.6 ypc, 29.9 ypg, 1 TD)
Cody Wilson (45 car., 158 yds., 3.5 ypc, 11.3 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Josh Portis (224-407-9, 55.0 pct., 3421 yds., 228.1 ypg, 36 TD)
Receiving: Terrance Moore (58 rec., 1094 yds., 18.9 ypc, 72.9 ypg, 13 TD)
Chedrick Cherry (29 rec., 518 yds., 17.9 ypc, 39.8 ypg, 3 TD)
Blake Williamson (16 rec., 213 yds., 13.3 ypc, 16.4 ypg, 3 TD)
Saginaw Valley State Returning Leaders
Rushing: Charles Dowdell (129 car., 655 yds., 5.1 ypc, 54.6 ypg, 8 TD)
Brandon Hayes (106 car., 432 yds., 4.1 ypc, 36.0 ypg, 6 TD)
Passing: Charles Dowdell (168-296-13, 56.8 pct., 2260 yds., 188.3 ypg, 13 TD)
Receiving: Andrew Beaver (26 rec., 338 yds., 13.0 ypc, 28.2 ypg, 2 TD)
Nick Gallina (25 rec., 486 yds., 19.4 ypc, 40.5 ypg, 4 TD)
Conference Ranks California Saginaw Valley State
Scoring Offense/Defense 35.6/1st; 22.7/8th 28.5/5th; 21.0/4th
Rush Offense/Defense 177.2/4th; 125.2/8th 197.2/5th; 104.2/2nd
Pass Offense/Defense 236.6/4th; 197.9/11th 190.0/7th; 203.3/8th
Total Offense/Defense 413.8/1st; 323.1/7th 387.2/5th; 307.5/3rd
Coaches
California: John Luckhardt (8th yr., 205-65-2 career record; 68-28 at Cal)
Saginaw Valley State: Jim Collins (3rd yr., 82-57 career record; 16-6 at SVSU)
What to Expect
- Cal will likely look to beat the Cardinals through the air as the Vulcans return several key components from its dynamic passing game, which helped them rank first in the PSAC in total and scoring offense. Cal has three of its top receivers back in Terrance Moore, Chedrick Cherry and Blake Williamson to go up against a pass defense that ranked in the bottom half of the GLIAC last year.
- If history repeats itself, Cal WR Terrance Moore could be poised for a big season after being one of just three PSAC receivers to accumulate over 1,000 receiving yards last year. Last year’s top receiver, A.J. Jackson, was second on the team in receiving yards and catches in 2008 playing behind Marcel Pestano before becoming just the second PSAC player ever to have more than 100 catches in a season last year.
- The Vulcans will have to develop a new starting RB as they lost their top two rushers from last year but they have several new faces to choose from. However, Cal’s running game, which also returns four starters on the offensive line, wil lhave to go up against a stout rush defense from SVSU that ranked second in the GLIAC in that category.
- Turnovers could play a role in a close game as last year, three Cal turnovers were ultimately the difference in a 23-17 SVSU win.
- Both QBs bring a similar dual threat style to the game as both QBs are the leading returning rushers on their respective teams.
- Cal looks to have the slight advantage on special teams as Chedrick Cherry was one of the top kick returners in the country last year with a 29.6 ypr average compared to just 19.4 for primary SVSU returner Matt McDaniel. The Vulcans also return both kicking specialists as does SVSU in kicker Austin Borchard but the Cardinals lose punter Kurtis Fournier.
Series/Game Notes
Saginaw Valley State won the first-ever meeting between the two schools last year, 23-17 at California in each teams’ season opener last year...This will be a matchup of a pair of 2009 NCAA playoff teams as Saginaw Valley lost in the first round of Super Region Four to Nebraska-Kearney to finish the year 9-3 while California lost to Northwest Missouri State in the NCAA semifinals to finish 11-4...SVSU was ranked 14th in the AFCA preseason poll and rose to 11th this week without playing a game while California went from No. 6 to 5 this week.
#16 East Stroudsburg (0-0, 0-0) at Pace (0-0, 0-0)
Sept. 4 - 1:00 p.m.
Pleasantville, N.Y.
Pace Field (1,500)
Radio/Internet: WVPO 840 AM/RedZoneMedia.com
East Stroudsburg Returning Leaders
Rushing: Kendrick Williams (99 car., 436 yds., 4.4 ypc, 62.3 ypg, 3 TD)
Matt Marshall (130 car., 313 yds., 2.4 ypc, 26.1 ypg, 1 TD)
Passing: Matt Marshall (206-341-13, 60.4 pct., 2938 yds., 244.8 ypg, 26 TD)
Receiving: Ed Kiser (43 rec., 805 yds., 18.7 ypc, 67.1 ypg, 6 TD)
Jeff Giglio (38 rec., 603 yds., 15.9 ypc, 67.0 ypg, 3 TD)
Jordan Hallman (29 rec., 359 yds., 12.4 ypc, 29.9 ypg, 6 TD)
Pace Returning Leaders
Rushing: Jason Washington (108 car., 406 yds., 3.8 ypc, 40.6 ypg, 5 TD)
Kyle Curran (40 car., 121 yds., 3.0 ypc, 12.1 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: Joe Romanick (74-140-7, 52.9 pct., 858 yds., 107.2 ypg, 4 TD)
Receiving: Eric Ortega (29 rec., 483 yds., 16.7 ypc, 48.3 ypg, 3 TD)
Jason Washington (12 rec., 109 yds., 9.1 ypc, 10.9 ypg, 0 TD)
Conference Ranks East Stroudsburg Pace
Scoring Offense/Defense 29.3/5th; 22.2/6th 18.5/9th; 30.4/7th
Rush Offense/Defense 134.8/11th; 155.7/12th 100.0/7th; 166.5/8th
Pass Offense/Defense 270.5/3rd; 198.4/12th 183.9/8th; 179.3/1st
Total Offense/Defense 405.3/2nd; 354.1/11th 283.9/8th; 345.8/4th
Coaches
East Stroudsburg: Denny Douds (37th yr., 226-146-3 career record)
Pace: Chris Dapolito (1st. yr., 0-0 career record)
What to Expect
- East Stroudsburg may look to run the ball more this year, but particularly in this game, since Pace’s rush defense was one of the worst in the Northeast 10 last year but its passing defense was the best. The Warriors have two sophomore RBs that saw significant playing time last year in Kendrick Williams and Eric Deery, with Deery having two 100-yard games.
- The staple of ESU’s offense, however, remains the pass, and the Warriors will likely continue that with their four top receivers from last year all back as well as QB Matt Marshall, who ranked third in the PSAC in passing and second in total offense last year.
- With Pace having given up on average more points than East Stroudsburg scored on average last year, it could be a high scoring game for the Warriors.
- Overall, Pace’s offense struggled moving the ball last year, but particularly on the ground, as they averaged only 100 ypg rushing. They lost their top rusher from last year but that may be their best chance on offense since ESU’s defensive line is the least experienced part of the defense.
- The Setters return QB Joe Romanick, who split time at QB last year, but lost three of their top four receivers, with Eric Ortega the only receiver back who caught more than 15 passes last year. ESU’s secondary has two of the best cover corners in the PSAC in David Castillo and Shawnte Carroll.
- Ortega also doubles as Pace’s primary kick returner and he was a solid punt returner last year, averaging 8.8 ypr on 11 returns, but only 19.3 ypr on kickoffs. The Warriors will have a new punt returner this year while Ed Kiser and Jeff Giglio split the kick return duties, however neither had a kick return for longer than 43 yards last year.
- ESU will have a freshman kicker this year as Taylor Groff is expected to assume the starting role while Pace welcomes back kicker Ali Mourtada, who split time at kicker last year for the Setters.
Series/Game Notes
This will mark the first-ever meeting between East Stroudsburg and Pace...ESU has a 16-4-1 all-time mark against current members of the Northeast 10, with their last meeting against a NE 10 team coming against Bentley in 2006...East Stroudsburg was picked to finish fifth in the PSAC East while Pace was picked last - ninth - in the Northeast 10...East Stroudsburg was ranked No. 25 in the AFCA preseason poll but dropped out this week despite not playing a game and is now second among the others receiving votes category.
Bloomsburg (0-0, 0-0) at Ashland (0-0, 0-0)
Sept. 4 - 1:00 p.m.
Ashland, Ohio
Martinelli Field at Jack Miller Stadium (5,217)
Radio/Internet: WHLM AM 930/whlm.com
Bloomsburg Returning Leaders
Rushing: Derrick Price (139 car., 762 yds., 5.5 ypc, 95.2 ypg, 12 TD)
Kenny Domzalski (121 car., 605 yds., 5.0 ypc, 55.0 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: Mike Wagner (6-9-1, 66.7 pct., 84 yds., 28.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Cory Stiger (28 car., 467 yds., 16.7 ypc, 42.5 ypg, 7 TD)
Ben Weaber (25 car., 328 yds., 13.1 ypc, 32.9 ypg, 0 TD)
Chris Tressler (21 car., 320 yds., 15.2 ypc, 29.1 ypg, 1 TD)
Ashland Returning Leaders
Rushing: D’Marris McCoy (160 car., 833 yds., 5.2 ypc, 83.3 ypg, 4 TD)
Passing: Taylor Housewright (3-9-0, 33.3 pct., 12 yds., 2.4 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Christian Livingston (57 rec., 634 yds., 11.1 ypc, 57.6 ypg, 5 TD)
Joe Horn (45 rec., 677 yds., 15.0 ypc, 61.5 ypg, 7 TD)
Conference Ranks Bloomsburg Ashland
Scoring Offense/Defense 22.8/12th; 13.4/1st 27.2/7th; 26.1/8th
Rush Offense/Defense 160.6/5th; 106.4/2nd 147.8/8th; 165.5/9th
Pass Offense/Defense 163.3/9th; 181.9/8th 242.3/2nd; 208.1/9th
Total Offense/Defense 323.9/10th; 288.3/2nd 390.1/3rd; 373.5/9th
Coaches
Bloomsburg: Danny Hale (18th yr.; 184-62-1 career record; 144-49-1 at BU)
Ashland: Lee Owens (8th yr., 41-25 career record)
What to Expect
- With last year’s game between the two teams being a defensive struggle and the previous year’s matchup being a shootout, it’s tough to predict what this year’s matchup will turn out being, particularly with both teams having lots of holes to fill on both sides of the ball.
- Both teams will be breaking in new starting QBs, as Ashland’s backup last year, Taylor Housewright takes over for record-setting Billy Cundiff while Pat Carey and last year’s backup, Mike Wagner, are locked in a battle to replace the record-setting Dan Latorre for Bloomsburg.
- Both new starting QBs will have a solid supporting cast around them, however. Bloomsburg returns its top two rushers in Derrick Price and Kenny Domzalski as well as its top three receivers. Ashland, although it lost two big playmakers in Nick Bellanco and Dawon Harvey, still returns its leading rusher in D’Marris McCoy and its two leading receivers in Christian Livingston and Joe Horn.
- A big reason for Bloomsburg’s win in last year’s defensive struggle was its ability to control the ball, as it had nearly an eight minute edge in time of possession, meaning Price and Domzalski will likely be called upon to run the ball multiple times as is usually the case in Bloomsburg’s offense. That could be particularly important is Ashland’s rush defense is the same as last year’s, which ranked in the lower half of the GLIAC.
- Bloomsburg also was very stout against the run in both last year’s game and overall on the year and the Huskies’ defense may once again be called upon to put forth a similar performance to help carry the offense with the new starting QB.
- Both teams will be looking for new kick returners as both team’s punt and kickoff returners from last year departed or are no longer on the teams’ rosters.
- Ashland may have a slight advantage in the kicking game as the Eagles return kicker Greg Berkshire, who went 16-for-20 on FGs last year, including 9-for-13 from beyond 30 yards. Bloomsburg lost record-setting kicker Jon Koenig but last year’s kickoff specialist, Jared Shannon, will assume the placekicking duties.
Series/Game Notes
Bloomsburg leads the series 2-0 after defeating Ashland in each of the last two season openers...The Huskies won a shootout, 49-42 to open the 2008 season at Ashland and then won 10-7 at home to open up last season...Ashland was picked to finish fourth in the GLIAC while Bloomsburg was picked second in the PSAC East...The Huskies are receiving votes in this week’s AFCA poll.
C.W. Post (0-0, 0-0) at American International (0-0, 0-0)
Sept. 4 - 1:00 p.m.
Springfield, Mass.
Abdow Field (4,000)
Radio/Internet: wcwpsports.com
C.W. Post Returning Leaders
Rushing: Thomas Beverly (209 car., 1094 yds., 5.2 ypc, 99.5 ypg, 11 TD)
Eric Anderwkavich (139 car., 715 yds., 5.1 ypc, 65.0 ypg, 6 TD)
Passing: Eric Anderwkavich (152-261-5, 58.2 pct., 1854 yds., 168.5 ypg, 21 TD)
Receiving: Darnal Williams (43 rec., 489 yds., 11.4 ypc, 48.9 ypg, 6 TD)
Andrew Kell (33 car., 360 yds., 10.9 ypc, 32.7 ypg, 4 TD)
American International Returning Leaders
Rushing: Davon LeGrier (3 car., 40 yds., 13.3 ypc, 4.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Rob Parent (105-187-5, 56.1 pct., 1428 yds., 204 ypg, 10 TD)
Receiving: Trevor Perryman (34 rec., 417 yds., 12.3 ypc, 41.7 ypg, 2 TD)
Davon LeGrier (31 rec., 456 yds., 14.7 ypc, 45.6 ypg, 3 TD)
Conference Ranks C.W. Post AIC
Scoring Offense/Defense 29.1/6th; 20.4/3rd 24.2/5th; 21.3/3rd
Rush Offense/Defense 214.5/1st; 119.7/6th 114.8/6th; 111.5/2nd
Pass Offense/Defense 183.1/8th; 172.7/3rd 216.4/5th; 179.9/3rd
Total Offense/Defense 397.5/4th; 292.5/3rd 331.2/7th; 291.4/1st
Coaches
C.W. Post: Bryan Collins (13th yr., 93-39 career record)
American International: Art Wilkins (17th yr., 100-65 career record)
What to Expect
- C.W. Post will be looking to avenge a pair of lopsided season-opening losses to the Yellow Jackets from the last two seasons in which the Pioneers scored a combined total of just 25 points compared to 66 for American International.
- The Pioneers appear to have the upper hand on offense this year, at least at this point in the season, however, as Post returns its leading two rushers, two of its top three receivers and a dual threat starting QB in Eric Anderwkavich.
- While the Yellow Jackets have a very experienced QB with big career numbers in Rob Parent, his supporting cast is not as experienced as the last couple of years as AIC’s leading returning rusher had just three carries last year and the Jackets also lost two of their top four receivers.
- Post seems to have the edge up front on defense as the Pioneers return all four defensive linemen, led by All-American candidate Xavier Brown, to counter AIC’s inexperienced backfield.
- AIC had one of the best defenses in the Northeast 10 last year and that D has given Post fits the last two years. However, Post brings a more balanced offensive attack this year than the last two years, including the PSAC’s top-ranked rushing offense from last year.
- With the PSAC’s rushing leader in overall yards from last year returning in Thomas Beverly as well as four starters on the offensive line returning, the Pioneers look to have an advantage in running the ball as AIC lost three of four starters from last year on the defensive line.
- AIC will be breaking in a new kicker as well as a new kick and punt returner while Post will be looking for more consistency in the kicking game this year as K Justin Bertone returns after going just 1-for-2 on FGs and missing six PATs. As a team, Post attempted just five FGs last year.
- Post also returns a big play threat in the kick return game in Juma McKenley, who averaged 23.0 ypr on kicks last year.
Series/Game Notes
C.W. Post leads AIC in the all-time series 13-10, howev er AIC has won the last three meetings in the series, including wins in each of the last two season openers...This will be the 11th straight year the teams have met, as Post used to play in the Northeast 10 before joining the PSAC...C.W. Post won the previous six meetings prior to AIC’s current three-game winning streak in the series...C.W. Post was picked to finish third in the PSAC East while AIC was picked to finish fourth in the Northeast 10...The Pioneers are receiving votes in this week’s AFCA Top 25 poll...AIC finished 5-5 last year after playing in the NCAA playoffs for the first time in program history two years ago.
Lock Haven (0-0, 0-0) at VMI (0-0, 0-0)
Sept. 4 - 1:00 p.m.
Lexington, Va.
Foster Stadium (10,000)
Lock Haven Returning Leaders
Rushing: Jeremiah Dunchack (53 car., 142 yds., 2.7 ypc, 15.8 ypg, 0 TD)
Ian Smith (56 car., 107 yds., 1.9 ypc, 10.7 ypg, 1 TD)
Ibrahim Smith (43 car., 89 yds., 2.1 ypc, 14.8 ypg, 1 TD)
Passing: Jarret Kratzer (89-167-6, 53.3 pct., 725 yds., 103.6 ypg, 1 TD)
Jarryd Burkett (28-49-3, 57.1 pct., 221 yds., 24.6 ypg, 2 TD)
Receiving: Jay Hartman (30 rec., 380 yds., 12.7 ypc, 42.2 ypg, 1 TD)
Ian Smith (24 rec., 125 yds., 5.2 ypc, 12.5 ypg, 0 TD)
VMI Returning Leaders
Rushing: Cam Jones (13 car., 176 yds., 13.5 ypc, 2501 ypg, 0 TD)
T.J. Talley (28 car., 150 yds., 5.4 ypc, 13.6 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Cam Jones (4-11-0, 36.4 pct., 30 yds., 4.3 ypg, 1 TD)
Receiving: Mario Scott (14 rec., 237 yds., 16.9 ypc, 21.5 ypg, 3 TD)
Bryan Barnson (11 rec., 183 yds., 16.6 ypc, 16.6 ypg, 0 TD)
Conference Ranks Lock Haven VMI
Scoring Offense/Defense 5.5/16th; 37.0/14th 20.5/5th; 30.7/6th
Rush Offense/Defense 10.2/16th; 217.0/15th 276.7/1st; 146.8/3rd
Pass Offense/Defense 136.8/15th; 162.7/1st 69.9/7th; 256.9/7th
Total Offense/Defense 147.0/16th; 379.7/14th 346.6/6th; 403.7/6th
Coaches
Lock Haven: John Klacik (6th yr.; 5-49 career record)
VMI: Sparky Woods (3rd yr., 69-62-5 career record; 6-16 at VMI)
What to Expect
- This will be a matchup of two teams that are coming off seasons in which they both struggled and will be looking to get off on the right foot in a new season.
- VMI was primarily a running offense last year, as their rushing offense was first in the Big South but their pass offense was last. However, the Keydets lost their top three rushers from last year as well as their starting QB. If their passing game is weak again, that would actually play into Lock Haven’s strength on defense, as the Bald Eagles had the PSAC’s top passing defense last year.
- Lock Haven returns a pair of third-year QB in redshirt sophomore Jarret Kratzer and junior Jarryd Burkett, who were two of four QBs that saw action last year. This year, they will have their top two receivers from last year to throw to in Jay Hartman and Ian Smith.
- One area that Lock Haven will need to improve on is its rushing offense, as the Bald Eagles were distant last but with a healthy Ibrahim Smith back after missing the second half of last year due to injury, the Bald Eagles are optimistic that its rushing attack can improve. However, VMI’s rush defense was its strength last year.
- The Keydets also return 10 starters on defense from what was a very young unit last year.
- VMI returns its kicker and punter while Lock Haven returns a more experienced kicker in Noah Heimer. The Bald Eagles attempted only three FGs last year, making none.
Series/Game Notes
Lock Haven is 0-1 all-time against Virginia Military Institute, having also opened up the 2007 on the road against the Keydets and losing 20-0...The Keydets are coming off a 2-9 season last year and were picked to finish sixth in the seven-team FCS Big South...Lock Haven was picked to finish eighth in the PSAC West.
St. Anselm (0-0, 0-0) at Kutztown (0-0, 0-0)
Sept. 4 - 1:05 p.m.
Kutztown, Pa.
University Field (5,600)
Radio/Internet: WEEU 830 AM/kubears.com
St. Anselm Returning Leaders
Rushing: Michael Pierce (111 car., 304 yds., 2.7 ypc, 30.4 ypg, 2 TD)
Marc Wilson (57 car., 222 yds., 3.9 ypc, 22.2 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Michael Pierce (237-458-9, 51.7 pct., 2629 yds., 262.9 ypg, 21 TD)
Receiving: Marc Wilson (82 rec., 860 yds., 10.5 ypc, 86.0 ypg, 7 TD)
Marcel Bouie (51 rec., 579 yds., 11.4 ypc, 57.9 ypg, 6 TD)
Craig Dennis (44 rec., 456 yds., 10.4 ypc, 50.7 ypg, 2 TD)
Kutztown Returning Leaders
Rushing: Kevin Morton (84 car., 224 yds., 2.7 ypc, 28.0 ypg, 3 TD)
Kendell Coleman (35 car., 169 yds., 4.8 ypc, 15.4 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Kevin Morton (160-284-7, 56.3 pct., 1921 yds., 240.1 ypg, 15 TD)
Receiving: Chris McCormick (48 rec., 610 yds., 12.7 ypc, 55.5 ypg, 7 TD)
Kendell Coleman (21 rec., 130 yds., 6.2 ypc, 11.8 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks St. Anselm Kutztown
Scoring Offense/Defense 21.3/8th; 34.1/9th 23.3/10th; 27.7/12th
Rush Offense/Defense 82.9/8th; 248.7/9th 142.7/9th; 118.7/5th
Pass Offense/Defense 275.0/2nd; 179.3/2nd 211.8/6th; 237.2/ 16th
Total Offense/Defense 357.9/4th; 428.0/9th 354.5/7th; 355.9/12th
Coaches
St. Anselm: Patrick Murphy (3rd yr., 4-16 career record)
Kutztown: Raymond Monica (5th yr., 17-25 career record)
What to Expect
- St. Anselm, which was primarily was running offense two years ago, was mainly a passing team last year, as its two leading rushers were QB Michael Pierce and WR Marc Wilson. The Hawks return both of them as well as their top four receivers from last year’s pass-happy offense, which should make for a tough matchup with Kutztown’s secondary, which is looking to bounce back from a tough year in which it ranked last in the PSAC in pass defense.
- Kutztown’s defense was very good against the run last year, however, and with all four starters returning on the defensive line and with St. Anselm returning no true running backs from last year, the Golden Bears appear poised to dominate that matchup.
- Former Kutztown RB Dontay Wilson ran for 174 yards in a narrow Kutztown victory to open up last season. Although he is gone, expect Kendell Coleman and the Bears’ running game, which also includes all five returning starters on the offensive line, to establish itself against what was the Northeast 10’s worst running defense last year.
- Behind then-freshman QB Kevin Morton, the Bears developed into a more balanced offense last year and with Morton returning along with top receiver Chris McCormick, also now a sophomore, Kutztown may look to throw the ball more this year than in the past few years. However, after McCormick, the Bears lost their next three top receivers, so they will be looking for a new face to step up in the receiving game.
- Coleman appears to give the Bears an advantage in the kick return game, as he averaged 24.2 ypr last year compared to Wilson’s 20.9 ypr for St. Anselm. Coleman also averaged 10.3 ypr on punts last year compared to just 5.5 ypr for St. Anselm’s Mark Colantonio.
- Matt Dineen, who led the PSAC in field goals made and percentage made last year, gives the Bears an advantage in the kicking game as well. St. Anselm’s Zack McCabe made 4-of-5 field goals last year but none from over 34 yards, while Dineen 11-of-13 from beyond 30 yards.
Series/Game Notes
Kutztown leads the series with St. Anselm 2-0, beating the Hawks 17-13 on the road last year and winning 35-0 at home two years ago...This will be the third straight season that the Golden Bears and the Hawks will open the season up against each other.
Edinboro (0-0, 0-0) at #7/8 West Liberty State (0-0, 0-0)
Sept. 4 - 1:30 p.m.
West Liberty, W.Va.
Russek Field (4,000)
Radio/Internet: GoFightingScots.com
Edinboro Returning Leaders
Rushing: David Bostic (149 car., 595 yds., 4.0 ypc, 54.1 ypg, 7 TD)
Michael Battles (88 car., 344 yds., 3.9 ypc, 26.5 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: None
Receiving: Josh Brown (48 rec., 723 yds., 15.1 ypc, 55.6 ypg, 7 TD)
Gary Nolen (40 rec., 556 yds., 13.9 ypc, 50.5 ypg, 1 TD)
David Bostic (36 rec., 353 yds., 9.8 ypc, 32.1 ypg, 1 TD)
Nick Marino (29 rec., 431 yds., 14.9 ypc, 33.2 ypg, 4 TD)
West Liberty State Returning Leaders
Rushing: Kevon Calhoun (218 car., 1529 yds., 7.0 ypc, 117.6 ypg, 22 TD)
Passing: Zach Amedro (343-526-14, 65.2 pct., 4945 yds., 380.4 ypg, 49 TD)
Receiving: Ryan Travis (104 rec., 1250 yds., 12.0 ypc, 96.2 ypg, 14 TD)
Willie Walker (51 rec., 809 yds., 15.9 ypc, 62.2 ypg, 8 TD)
Kevon Calhoun (28 rec., 460 yds., 16.4 ypc, 35.4 ypg, 4 TD)
Conference Ranks Edinboro West Liberty State
Scoring Offense/Defense 30.8/4th; 28.2/13th 47.3/1st; 32.6/7th
Rush Offense/Defense 118.2/14th; 155.3/11th 149.3/6th; 151.9/4th
Pass Offense/Defense 278.5/1st; 206.0/14th 393.0/1st; 259.2/9th
Total Offense/Defense 396.6/5th; 361.3/13th 542.3/1st; 411.2/7th
Coaches
Edinboro: Scott Browning (5th yr.; 31-15 career record)
West Liberty State: Roger Waialae (6th yr., 39-18 career record)
What to Expect
- After last year’s record-setting, epic shootout in the NCAA playoffs last year, Edinboro and West Liberty return to open up the season against each other for the third straight year, and this game has all the makings of another shootout.
- Both team’s defenses ranked in the lower half of their respective conferences last year in most categories while both offenses return several playmakers, with the exception of Edinboro QB Trevor Harris, who is now in the NFL.
- Despite losing two of its top three receivers from last year, each of which caught for over 1,000 yards, West Liberty’s three top returning receivers still combined for just over 2,500 yards in receiving last year.
- In Edinboro’s win over West Liberty in the season opener last year, the Fighting Scots won the turnover battle, including Branden Williams returning an interception for a touchdown. Winning the turnover battle and scoring points off turnovers may be a key once again for the Fighting Scots in slowing down the Hilltoppers’ prolific offense.
- How well Edinboro is able to run the ball and keep the ball out of Zach Amedro’s hands may be a key to the game for the Scots. In last year’s playoff game, the Scots fell behind early, which took the rush out of the game. This time, the Scots will hope to establish newcomer D’Andrea Vaughn and returner Michael Battles.
- The Hilltoppers will need to replace their top punt and kick returners while Edinboro returns both punt returner Ben Swank and kick returners Michael Battles, Williams and Gary Nolen.
- Both squads return experienced and accurate kickers - Mike Blewett for West Liberty, who went 9-for-15 on FGs and 78-85 on PATs, and Alex Romanias for Edinboro, who was 10-for-12 on FGs and 47-for-48 on PATs.
Series/Game Notes
The all-time series is tied 4-4 after Edinboro and West Liberty split two meetings last year, with Edinboro winning the season opener at home and West Liberty winning the NCAA playoff game at home...This will mark the third straight year the teams have met to open the season...Edinboro topped West Liberty 35-10 on the road to open the 2008 season while the Fighting Scots also won 42-30 at home to open last season before falling 84-63 in the epic playoff game...Prior to 2008, the teams had not met since 1984...West Liberty’s only two losses last year came to PSAC teams - Edinboro in the season-opener and Cal in the NCAA regional final.
Southern Connecticut State (0-0, 0-0) at IUP (0-0, 0-0)
Sept. 4 - 4:00 p.m.
Indiana, Pa.
Miller Stadium (6,000)
Radio/Internet: WQMU 92.5 FM/RedZoneMedia.com
Southern Connecticut State Returning Leaders
Rushing: Rashaad Slowley (91 car., 628 yds., 6.9 ypc, 69.8 ypg, 3 TD)
John Wiechman (69 car., 373 yds., 5.4 ypc, 41.4 ypg, 4 TD)
Passing: Kevin Lynch (0-3-1, 0.0 pct., 0 yds., 0.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Andre Privott (33 rec., 644 yds., 19.5 ypc, 71.6 ypg, 6 TD)
Willie Epps (27 rec., 442 yds., 16.4 ypc, 55.2 ypg, 3 TD)
IUP Returning Leaders
Rushing: Harvie Tuck (101 car., 540 yds., 5.3 ypc, 77.1 ypg, 5 TD)
Passing: Pat Smith (66-128-4, 51.6 pct., 637 yds., 70.8 ypg, 4 TD)
Receiving: Mychal Skinner (35 rec., 458 yds., 13.1 ypc, 45.8 ypg, 3 TD)
Javon Rowan (34 rec., 416 yds., 12.2 ypc, 41.6 ypg, 5 TD)
Roy-al Edwards (20 rec., 219 yds., 10.9 ypc, 21.9 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks SCSU IUP
Scoring Offense/Defense 34.3/2nd; 20.2/2nd 23.0/11th; 21.4/4th
Rush Offense/Defense 218.6/2nd; 93.2/1st 145.1/7th; 122.2/7th
Pass Offense/Defense 200.9/7th; 206.5/5th 144.9/13th; 181.6/7th
Total Offense/Defense 419.5/2nd; 291.4/1st 290.0/T11th; 303.8/5th
Coaches
Southern Connecticut State: Rich Cavanaugh (26th yr.; 151-108-1 career record)
IUP: Lou Tepper (5th yr., 95-70-2 career record; 30-13 at IUP)
What to Expect
- IUP’s QB battle between Pat Smith and junior college transfer Bo Napoleon is expected to go right up until Saturday’s game
- Southern Connecticut nearly doubled up IUP in last year’s game in total yards but the Owls fell victim to an interception return and a kickoff return for a touchdown. Unfortunately for IUP, both players responsible for those TD returns are gone, so the Crimson Hawks will need some other players to step up if turnover opportunities become a key factor in this game.
- Another key factor for IUP may be its ability to control the ball and keep it out of the hands of SCSU’s offense, which returns two of its top three rushers and its two top receivers. IUP’s running game was its offensive strength last year, and despite leading rusher Tobias Robinson moving to defense, the Crimson Hawks still have a pair of talented backs in redshirt freshman James Johnson and sophomore Harvie Tuck, who are expected to share carries. That may prove tough against SCSU’s stout rush defense, however, as they held opponents fewer than 100 ypg last year and against IUP last year, made it painful for Robinson to gain the 87 yards he did as he needed 28 carries to do so (3.1 ypc). However, the Owls are young at linebacker and have only one full-time starter returning on the defensive line.
- The Owls also have a potentially dynamic duo in the backfield and they will likely also try to keep control of the ball through the running game since they have a new starting QB in Kevin Lynch. Rashaad Slowley and John Wiechman combined for almost exactly 1,000 yards on the ground last year and they have four returning starters on the offensive line to run behind, while IUP’s defensive line is young.
- Both teams lost big-play threats on special teams - IUP lost Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, who is now in the NFL, while SCSU lost Martin Manson, who averaged nearly 25 ypr on kicks on 8.5 ypr on punts. The Owls will also have a new kicker while IUP returns K Craig Burgess.
Series/Game Notes
IUP owns a 5-0 mark all-time against SCSU, after winning 28-21 to open up last season on the road...Prior to last year, the teams had not met since 1989...The Owls missed the NCAA playoffs last year but prior to that, made the NCAA playoffs in each of the previous four seasons, with a PSAC team ending its season in three of those four seasons...SCSU is 2-4 vs. the PSAC the last four seasons...The Owls were picked to win the Northeast 10 this year while IUP was picked second in the PSAC West...The Owls were co-champions of the NE 10 last year.
Lincoln (0-0, 0-0) vs. Cheyney (0-0, 0-0)
Sept. 5 - 3:00 p.m.
Philadelphia, Pa..
Charlie Martin Stadium
Radio/Internet: RedZoneMedia.com
Lincoln Returning Leaders
Rushing: D’Ante Smith (101 car., 446 yds., 4.4 ypc, 55.8 ypg, 2 TD)
Laquan Williams (76 car., 196 yds., 2.6 ypc, 24.5 ypg, 1 TD)
Passing: Laquan Williams (89-194-15, 45.9 pct., 917 yds., 114.6 ypg, 7 TD)
Receiving: Matt Coston (29 rec., 380 yds., 12.2 ypc, 62.2 ypg, 4 TD)
D’Ante Smith (17 rec., 45 yds., 2.6 ypc, 5.6 ypg, 0 TD)
Cheyney Returning Leaders
Rushing: Angel Rodriguez (124 car., 519 yds., 4.2 ypc, 47.2 ypg, 7 TD)
John Newman (27 car., 176 yds., 6.5 ypc, 16.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Passing: Angel Rodriguez (62-124-6, 50.0 pct., 860 yds., 78.2 ypg, 2 TD)
Receiving: John Newman (19 rec., 219 yds., 11.5 ypc, 19.9 ypg, 0 TD)
Travis Taltoan (17 rec., 292 yds., 17.2 ypc, 29.2 ypg, 1 TD)
Dominic Crowell (11 rec., 158 yds., 14.4 ypc, 14.4 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks Lincoln Cheyney
Scoring Offense/Defense 16.0; 31.9 11.7/15th; 39.6/16th
Rush Offense/Defense 101.6; 160.4 143.7/8th; 214.6/14th
Pass Offense/Defense 163.4; 167.5 96.6/16th; 181.0/5th
Total Offense/Defense 265.0; 327.9 240.4/15th; 395.6/15th
Coaches
Lincoln: Olabaniji Abanishe (3rd yr., 4-16 career record)
Cheyney: Jeff Braxton (3rd yr.; 0-22 career record)
What to Expect
- Lincoln scored a season-high in points in last year’s season-opening win over Cheyney while the Wolves’ 20 points were their third-highest total of the year, so this could be another high-scoring affair.
- This is just Lincoln’s third year of existence since reinstating its football program, so this will be the Lions’ most experienced team yet.
- Lincoln’s defense may be susceptable to Cheyney’s much-improved rushing attack as QB Angel Rodriguez returns after being one of the top rushing QBs in the PSAC last year.
- Cheyney has one of its most experienced defensive units in recent years as eight starters return. Shutting down Lincoln’s passing game, which was its strength last year, particularly in the win over Cheyney, may be a key in the game and with three returning starters in the secondary, the Wolves are optimistic. The pass defense was Cheyney’s defensive strength last year and Lincoln will be without the services of its top receiver from last year.
- The Lions may elect to run the ball against what was a subpar rush defense of Cheyney last year. They return leading rusher D’Ante Smith.
- The Wolves would appear to have the advantage in the kicking game, as Lincoln attempted just two FGs last year and lost its starting kicker. By contrast, Cheyney returns K Tyler Wilkinson, who hit on 6-of-7 FG attempts last year as a freshman, giving the Wolves stability in the kicking game. Cheyney appears to have the edge if the game were to come down to kicking.
Series/Game Notes
Lincoln leads the all-time series 8-1-1...Last year’s meeting, a 41-20 win by Lincoln, marked the first meeting between the two schools since 1946...Lincoln reinstated its football program in 2008...The game is this year’s Wade Wilson Classic, which typically matches Cheyney with another historically black college...It will be played at Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium on the campus of Philadelphia Northeast High School for the second straight year...This is Lincoln’s first year as a full member of the CIAA and the Lions were picked 13th in the league while the Wolves were picked eighth in the PSAC East.