Week 3 Football Notes (pdf)
After the PSAC went 9-7 in non-conference action the last two weeks (9-5 vs. D-II competition), interdivisional games get underway this weekend, which are highlighted by three ranked teams being in action against three teams that are currently receiving votes in the AFCA Top 25 poll. All three games could have potential NCAA playoff implications even though it is only the second full week of the season.
No. 4/6 California, fresh off its trip to northern Michigan and an overtime win at Saginaw Valley State, will continue to put the miles on the bus this week as the Vulcans make their first-ever trip into New York to face C.W. Post, which is coming off its first win over AIC since 2006 and is receiving votes this week. IUP, fresh off its win over Northeast 10 favorite Southern Connecticut to gain some votes in this week's poll, travels to No. 25/12 East Stroudsburg for a game under the lights in the Poconos. Edinboro, which rose from unranked to No. 24 after its upset win over West Liberty, makes the diagonal trip across the Commonwealth to take on West Chester, which is receiving votes this week after dropping out of the poll after its loss to Delaware last week. Elsewhere, at least two teams will pick up their first win of the year as 0-1 teams Lock Haven and Millersville as well as Clarion and Bloomsburg square off, and Mercyhurst and Kutztown, each 1-0, also square off under the lights.
PSAC Football - Week Three Notes - 9/8/10
Quick Hits
- This week’s games feature three ranked teams going up against three teams that are currently receiving votes in the AFCA Top 25 poll.
- This week and next week will feature PSAC ‘crossover’ games, which matches Eastern Division teams against teams from the Western Division. Last year, each division won 12 games in crossover play.
- During the two years of the current PSAC divisional setup, the West leads the East 27-21 in crossover games. The West went 15-9 in crossover games in 2008.
- Slippery Rock RB Akeem Satterfield ran for 240 yards last week in Rock’s opener against Merrimack. That was tied for the top rushing performance last week and in NCAA Division II so far this year.
- Clarion WR Matt Ward caught 12 passes last week against Fairmont State. That marked the first time that a PSAC player had at least 12 receptions in a game since the 2007 season, as the most receptions any PSAC player recorded in the last two seasons was 11. Former IUP WR Ken Witter was the last PSAC player to have at least 12 receptions in a game when he caught 13 vs. Shepherd in the 2007 NCAA playoffs.
- There were five shutouts in 16 games involving PSAC teams over the first two weeks of the season, spanning each team’s first game. Three - East Stroudsburg, Kutztown and Mercyhurst - involved a PSAC team shutting out its opponent while two - West Chester and Cheyney - involved a PSAC team being shut out by its opponent.
- The PSAC went 2-0 against ranked teams from Division II last week, with California and Edinboro defeating respective ranked opponents Saginaw Valley State and West Liberty. West Chester played a ranked Division I FCS team and fell to Delaware.
- PSAC teams went a combined 19-for-23 on field goals in their first games. That was impressive enough but ironically, PSAC teams missed more PATs than field goals in their first games, as PSAC teams went just 36-for-41 on PATs for five missed PATs to just four missed FGs. Four of those missed PATs were blocked.
- There were an astounding nine blocked PATs in the first week of the season involving PSAC teams, either by or against.
- Last year, the PSAC had some of the nation’s best rushing defenses, which included six defenses that held opponents to fewer than 120 yards per game on the ground. It could be more of the same this year if the first week’s results are a harbinger of what is to come this year, as six teams held their opponents to fewer than 100 yards rushing: East Stroudsburg, Mercyhurst, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Edinboro and C.W. Post.
- Although Lock Haven lost on Saturday at Division I FCS opponent VMI by a large margin, 48-6, there was one major bright spot for the Bald Eagles with regards to their rushing game. The Eagles ran for 78 yards, which might not seem like much, but when compared to LHU’s numbers from last year, sticks out. The 78 rushing yards were more than any game last year except for one. Furthermore, RB Michael Bastian, a newcomer, had a 26-yard run, which was longer than any single rush for the Eagles last year.
- By picking off two passes last week in its opening game against St. Anselm, Kutztown nearly equalled its interception total from last year, in which it had only three interceptions the entire season.
PSAC in Non-Conference Action
The PSAC won nine games in non-conference play this year for the second straight year, going 9-7 overall, including 9-5 against Division II opponents, which included a provisional member in Notre Dame College. Among the conferences that this year’s non-conference opponents came from included 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 year’s PSAC non-conference opponents, followed by the PSAC’s record the last two years in non-conference action.
Northeast 10: 5-1 (Wins - Slippery Rock over Merrimack, East Stroudsburg over Pace, C.W. Post over American International, Kutztown over St. Anselm, IUP over Southern Connecticut State; Losses - Assumption over Millersville)
WVIAC: 1-2 (Wins - Edinboro over West Liberty; Losses - Shepherd over Shippensburg, Fairmont State over Clarion)
GLIAC: 2-1 (Wins - Gannon over Lake Erie, California over Saginaw Valley State; Losses - Ashland over Bloomsburg)
Division I FCS: 0-2 (Losses - Delaware (CAA) over West Chester, Virginia Military Institute (Big South) over Lock Haven)
CIAA: 0-1 (Lincoln over Cheyney)
Independents: 1-0 (Mercyhurst over Notre Dame College)
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)
‘Boro Defense Puzzles High-Flying ‘Toppers
Although Edinboro gave up an astounding 84 points to West Liberty in last year’s NCAA playoff loss, the Fighting Scots have now been responsible for two of West Liberty’s worst offensive games in the last few years. West Liberty, which averaged nearly 50 points last year, was held to just 19 points by Edinboro on Saturday in the Fighting Scots’ 20-19 win. It marked the first time that the Hilltoppers failed to score at least 20 points since a 35-10 loss to Edinboro back in the opener of the 2008 season. The Hilltoppers scored at least 29 points in every game last year.
PATs Blocked at High Rate
Point After Touchdown kicks are generally the easiest and quickest kicks in football. However, during the opening 16 games for the the 16 PSAC teams, there were a total of nine blocked PATs, five blocked by PSAC teams and four blocked by PSAC opponents. Two of the PSAC-blocked PATs had a direct effect on the game, as Edinboro’s two blocks of West Liberty PATs were the different in a one-point Fighting Scot win. Additionally, although it wasn’t blocked, Saginaw Valley State missed a PAT in overtime that also was the difference in a one-point California win.
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. This year, Gannon defeated Lake Erie for the third straight year.
Streaks
There are three long current streaks as the 2010 season moves along, one that one team wants to keep going and two others that two teams would like to break. California will enter PSAC West play in two weeks 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 this week with a 29-game losing streak overall and a 23-game losing streak in PSAC East play while Lock Haven enters this week with a 22-game losing streak overall and a 14-game losing streak in PSAC West play.
Game Previews
Gannon (1-0, 0-0) at Shippensburg (0-1, 0-0)
Sept. 11 - 1:00 p.m.
Shippensburg, Pa.
SU Student Association Field at Seth Grove Stadium (7,700)
Radio/Internet: Jet Radio 1400 AM/Gannonsports.com/WSYC 88.7 FM/wsyc.org
Gannon Leaders
Rushing: Zach Boedicker (17 car., 109 yds., 6.4 ypc, 109.0 ypg, 2 TD)
Tyler Batts (18 car., 60 yds., 3.3 ypc, 60.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Passing: Zach Boedicker (17-23-0, 73.9 pct., 178 yds., 178.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Levar Goff (5 rec., 33 yds., 6.6 ypc, 33.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Tyler Batts (4 rec., 37 yds., 9.2 ypc, 37.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Shippensburg Leaders
Rushing: Mike Frenette (6 car., 38 yds., 6.3 ypc, 38.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Kevin Herod (8 car., 21 yds., 2.6 ypc, 21.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Steven Adams (11-21-1, 52.4 pct., 214 yds., 214.0 ypg, 3 TD)
Dave Chervansky (2-7-1, 28.6 pct., 55 yds., 55.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Bryan Barley (4 rec., 101 yds., 25.2 ypc, 101.0 ypg, 2 TD)
Mike Frenette (3 rec., 72 yds., 24.0 ypc, 72.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Conference Ranks Gannon Shippensburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 26.0/7th; 20.0/8th 27.0/6th; 35.0/14th
Rush Offense/Defense 167.0/5th; 182.0/13th 77.0/14th; 312.0/16th
Pass Offense/Defense 178.0/9th; 170.0/6th 269.0/4th; 220.0/11th
Total Offense/Defense 345.0/8th; 352.0/10th 346.0/7th; 532.0/16th
Coaches
Gannon: Jim Kiernan (4th yr., 12-22 career record)
Shippensburg: Rocky Rees (21st yr., 154-120-2 career record; 118-105-1 at SU)
What to Expect
- Gannon will bring a balanced offensive attack to the game as the Golden Knights had nearly even rushing and passing numbers in its win over Lake Erie.
- The Red Raiders struggled in their rush defense in particular in Week 1 vs. Shepherd and with the rush being a strength of Gannon this year and in recent years, the Knights will likely look to run QB Zach Boedicker frequently as well as RB Tyler Batts, who has taken over as the starter this year.
- Gannon’s defense came away with four takeaways vs. Lake Erie, largely ended up being the difference in what was a very even game so Shippensburg, which committed two turnovers in addition to also gaining two turnovers, will need to be more careful with the ball.
- Shippensburg brings four experienced backs into the game in Mike Frenette, Kevin Herod, Kevin Marshall and Roshaan McCain, however the Raiders only managed 77 rushing yards in vs. Shepherd. Gannon gave up over 100 yards more on the ground - 182 - so the Red Raiders may have a better opportunity to establish their running game. Despite the lopsided yardage total between the run and the pass in their first game, Ship was nearly even in rushing and passing attempts - 27 to 28.
- The Red Raiders will likely rotate quarterbacks again between Steven Adams and Dave Chervansky. Adams saw more action between the two and also completed a higher percentage of passes than Chervansky, although each threw an interception.
- Ship may have found a replacement for departed split end Mike Harris in the form of Bryan Barley, who went for over 100 receiving yards in his first game as the starting split end.
- Gannon appears to have an advantage in the kicking game as Gannon K Jeremy Ditzler made both of his FG attempts in the team’s first game while new Ship kickers Nate Schmidt and Drew Newcomer did not attempt any FGs. Newcomer had a PAT blocked.
Series/Game Notes
This will mark the first-ever meeting between Gannon and Shippensburg…Shippensburg is coming off its first regular season bye week since 1976...Gannon will be looking to open the year with two straight wins for the first time since 1995.
#24 Edinboro (1-0, 0-0) at West Chester (0-1, 0-0)
Sept. 11 - 1:00 p.m.
West Chester, Pa.
Farrell Stadium (7,500)
Radio/Internet: GoFightingScots.com/WCUR 91.7 FM/RedZoneMedia.com
Edinboro Leaders
Rushing: Drew Herrell (19 car., 71 yds., 3.7 ypc, 71.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Cody Harris (11 car., 37 yds., 3.4 ypc, 37.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Passing: Cody Harris (13-19-0, 68.4 pct., 144 yds., 144.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Receiving: Josh Brown (4 rec., 52 yds., 13.0 ypc, 52.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Gary Nolen (3 rec., 25 yds., 8.3 ypc, 25.0 ypg, 0 TD)
West Chester Leaders
Rushing: Jackson Fagan (6 car., 17 yds., 2.8 ypc, 17.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Mike Mattei (9-20-3, 45.0 pct., 68 yds., 68.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Sean Beahan (3 rec., 16 yds., 5.3 ypc, 16.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Conference Ranks Edinboro West Chester
Scoring Offense/Defense 20.0/T9th; 19.0/7th 0.0/T15th; 31.0/12th
Rush Offense/Defense 107.0/10th; 56.0/5th 39.0/16th; 218.0/15th
Pass Offense/Defense 144.0/11th; 330.0/16th 76.0/15th; 163.0/5th
Total Offense/Defense 251.0/13th; 386.0/13th 115.0/15th; 381.0/12th
Coaches
Edinboro: Scott Browning (5th yr., 32-15 career record)
West Chester: Bill Zwaan (8th yr., 115-41 career record; 61-27 at WCU)
What to Expect
- Edinboro put forth an outstanding performance on defense last week to defeat a Top 10 team in West Liberty. With basically the same defense on the field that allowed 84 points to the Hilltopper in last year’s playoff game, the Fighting Scots allowed just 19, showcasing a much improved defense over last year, particularly against the run, while also blocking two kicks on special teams.
- While the Scots had the big win, which also moved them into the Top 25 rankings, West Chester was shut out for the second straight year by Delaware, a Division I FCS opponent, making it tough to take too much out of that game about them.
- Edinboro QB Cody Harris proved to be efficient but not spectacular, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes but only for 144 yards without throwing a pick, but was also sacked six times. New West Chester starting QB Mike Mattei only completed 45 percent of his throws while tossing three interceptions.
- The Golden Rams have experienced RBs in Jackson Fagan, D’Andre Webb but only managed 39 yards last week. If Edinboro’s rush defense is as stout as last week, that may force the Rams into throwing the ball more. While the Rams did attempt more rushes than passes, 10 were by their QB.
- Instead of being a quick-strike offense with loads of potential for big plays like last year, ‘Boro may instead be more of a methodical offense with Harris going for more short passes, at least early in the year, as the Scots’ longest pass completion went for just 33 yards. Edinboro has an experienced group of wideouts, led by Josh Brown, Gary Nolen and D’mar Jeter.
- Rushing wise for the Scots, freshman Drew Herrell started off with a solid performance while Edinboro also hopes to debut fellow freshman D’Andrea Vaughn this week, who was sidelined with an injury last week.
- Both teams have experienced kickers in Alex Romanias for Edinboro and Chris Hill for West Chester.
- West Chester had three different players return kicks last week, with Fagan having the longest return, while Edinboro appears to have settled on Nolen as well as top CB Branden Williams as their top kick returners.
Series/Game Notes
West Chester holds a tight 4-3 advantage over Edinboro in the all-time series…West Chester’s last win was in the opening game of the 2007 season while Edinboro’s last win was in the opening game of the 2006 season…The teams also split a home-and-home series in 2000-2001…Edinboro beat West Chester in the 1970 PSAC Championship Game...West Chester is receiving votes in this week’s AFCA Top 25 poll.
#4/6 California (1-0, 0-0) at C.W. Post (1-0, 0-0)
Sept. 11 - 1:00 p.m.
Brookville, N.Y.
Hickox Field (5,000)
Radio/Internet: WCAL 91.9 FM/WCAL.cup.edu/
WCWP 88.1 FM/wcwpsports.com
California Leaders
Rushing: Lamont Smith (17 car., 67 yds., 3.9 ypc, 67.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Josh Portis (15 car., 41 yds., 2.7 ypc, 41.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Josh Portis (20-34-0, 58.8 pct., 203 yds., 203.0 ypg, 3 TD)
Receiving: Cody Wilson (7 rec., 66 yds., 9.4 ypc, 66.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Derrick Jones (4 rec., 59 yds., 14.8 ypc, 59.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Chedrick Cherry (4 rec., 50 yds., 12.5 ypc, 50.0 ypg, 1 TD)
C.W. Post Returning Leaders
Rushing: Erik Anderwkavich (22 car., 133 yds., 6.0 ypc, 133.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Thomas Beverly (17 car., 88 yds., 5.2 ypc, 88.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Erik Anderwkavich (15-22-1, 68.2 pct., 191 ypc, 191.0 ypg, 2 TD)
Receiving: Darnel Williams (7 rec., 125 yds., 17.9 ypc, 125.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Grayson Laurino (4 rec., 22 yds., 5.5 ypc, 22.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Conference Ranks California C.W. Post
Scoring Offense/Defense 42.0/3rd; 41.0/15th 20.0/T9th; 11.0/5th
Rush Offense/Defense 129.0/8th; 167.0/11th 273.0/2nd; 85.0/6th
Pass Offense/Defense 203.0/6th; 261.0/14th 191.0/8th; 198.0/9th
Total Offense/Defense 332.0/9th; 428.0/15th 464.0/3rd; 283.0/4th
Coaches
California: John Luckhardt (9th yr., 206-65-2 career record; 69-28 at Cal)
C.W. Post: Bryan Collins (13th yr., 94-39 career record)
What to Expect
- This will be a matchup of two teams that both started the year off last week with strong offensive performances.
- For C.W. Post, the majority of the team’s 464 yards of total offense last week came on its three touchdown drives, and last year’s top rushing team in the PSAC turned in the PSAC’s second-best rushing performance during the first week behind QB Erik Anderwkavich and RB Thomas Beverly. With Cal’s rush defense having a tough time last week, expect more of the same from the Pioneers.
- Defensively, the Pioneers contained AIC’s running game, holding the Yellow Jackets to just 85 yards, while Cal only had 129 yards of rushing as the Vulcans look for their clear-cut top one or two backs. So. Lamont Smith received the majority of the carries out of the backfield with QB Josh Portis also getting a fair share.
- The Pioneers should have their hands full with Cal’s high-flying passing game, which Portis engineered to help the Vulcans to a comeback victory on the road last week. Fr. Cody Cook, a RB, caught the most passes last week for the Vulcans while Chedrick Cherry and Terrance Moore are deep and big-play threats.
- With Cal being the team more likely to be a quick-strike team on offense, time of possession could be a key to the game for C.W. Post if they are able to run the ball effectively. Post’s longest pass completion in its first game was only for 30 yards, although Anderwkavich completed an impressvie 68 percent of his passes.
- The Vulcans have a potential home-run hitter on kick returns in Cherry, while Post has Juma McKenley, who has returned kicks the past two years for the Pioneers, although he was not one of three players that returned at least one kick in their first game.
- Post has a new kicker this year in Paul Stoltz, who had one PAT blocked in his first game. Cal’s Marc Domonkos went 2-for-3 on FGs and is in his second year as the team’s starting kicker.
- The Vulcans may also have a slight advantage in the punting game, as Post’s Grayson Laurino, who also doubles as a WR, averaged just 34.2 ypp while Cal’s Derek Fiorenza is in his third year as the starting punter for the Vulcans and averaged 42.5 ypp last week and has been among the league leaders in punting the last two years.
Series/Game Notes
This will be the first-ever meeting between California and C.W. Post...The Pioneers are receiving votes in this week’s AFCA Top 25 poll...This will be the first-ever game in New York for California’s program.
Slippery Rock (1-0, 0-0) at Cheyney (0-1, 0-0)
Sept. 11 - 1:00 p.m.
Cheyney, Pa.
O’Shields-Stevenson Stadium (5,000)
Radio/Internet: WISR 680 AM/msasports.net/RedZoneMedia.com
Slippery Rock Leaders
Rushing: Akeem Satterfield (25 car., 240 yds., 9.6 ypc, 240.0 ypg, 4 TD)
Passing: Ryan Sabo (9-19-0, 47.4 pct., 138 yds., 138.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Receiving: Devin Goda (5 rec., 103 yds., 20.6 ypc, 103.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Kevin Sanders (2 rec., 13 yds., 6.5 ypc, 13.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Cheyney Leaders
Rushing: Dominic Crowell (5 car., 23 yds., 4.6 ypc, 23.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: James Ramsey (4-10-0, 40.0 pct., 16 yds., 16.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: 4 with 1 reception apiece
Conference Ranks Slippery Rock Cheyney
Scoring Offense/Defense 45.0/2nd; 26.0/10th 0.0/T15th; 12.0/6th
Rush Offense/Defense 277.0/1st; 177.0/12th 65.0/15th; 202.0/14th
Pass Offense/Defense 138.0/12th; 189.0/8th 16.0/16th; 129.0/3rd
Total Offense/Defense 415.0/5th; 366.0/11th 81.0/16th; 331.0/7th
Coaches
Slippery Rock: Dr. George Mihalik (23rd yr., 148-90-4 career record)
Cheyney: Jeff Braxton (3rd yr., 0-23 career record)
What to Expect
- Going into the year, Slippery Rock’s running game was expected to be the bread-and-butter of its offense, just as it has been the last few years, especially given its strong offensive line and new starting QB. The indeed proved to be the case in its first game as RB Akeem Satterfield went for a career high 240 yards, tied for the top rushing performance in Division II last week.
- Both QBs Ryan Sabo and Mike Bongivengo saw action last week, but Sabo saw the majority of the playing time and will likely do the same this week. He completed just 47.4 percent of his passes but played mistake free and he did not throw any interceptions and hit on a long pass of 73 yards to his most experienced receiver, Devin Goda, resulting in The Rock’s lone passing touchdown vs. Merrimack.
- Cheyney has struggled stopping the run in recent years and last week against Lincoln was no different, as the Wolves gave up over 200 yards rushing, which should make for a tough matchup against a Rock team that turned in the PSAC’s top rushing performance last week.
- One area that Cheyney has been strong in recently has been its pass defense and based on the numbers, the Wolves would appear to have an advantage there, as Rock only threw for 138 yards last week while Cheyney allowed even fewer.
- Cheyney’s offense struggled last week, generating fewer than 100 yards of total offense. James Ramsey earned the starting role at QB after last year’s QB, Angel Rodriguez, who was expected to return, left the team. With the Wolves breaking in a new starting QB for the second straight year, their running game appears to be their best hope for moving the ball on offense, as Rock’s pass defense has several veterans and they picked off two passes last week.
- The Wolves gave up three safeties last week, all of which occurred when the offense took over deep in opponent territory. Field position could play a key factor in the game and Rock would appear to have an advantage in the punting department as new punter James McCombie averaged 39.5 ypp last week while Cheyney’s Tyler Wilkinson averaged just 29.5.
- Rock has one of the best kickers in the league in C.J. Bahr, who was perfect last week, while Wilkinson missed a pair of FGs for the Wolves.
Series/Game Notes
Slippery Rock leads Cheyney 2-0 in the all-time series, having defeated the Wolves in both 1992 and 1993.
Lock Haven (0-1, 0-0) at Millersville (0-1, 0-0)
Sept. 11 - 1:00 p.m.
Millersville, Pa.
Biemesderfer Stadium (6,500)
Radio/Internet: MSBN/millersvilleathletics.com
Lock Haven Leaders
Rushing: Michael Bastian (10 car., 34 yds., 3.4 ypc, 34.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Jarryd Burkett (10 car., 31 yds., 3.1 ypc, 31.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Jarryd Burkett (11-19-0, 57.9 pct., 100 yds., 100.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Jarrett Kratzer (4-11-0., 36.4 pct., 16 yds., 16.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Eddie Celkos (4 rec., 35 yds., 8.8 ypc, 35.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Brandon Brader (4 rec., 7.0 ypc, 28.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Millersville Leaders
Rushing: Mike Jones (14 car., 46 yds., 3.3 ypc, 46.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Bill Shirk (9 rec., 103 yds., 11.4 ypc, 103.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Jamal Smith (9 rec., 103 yds., 11.4 ypc, 103.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Mike Jones (4 rec., 61 yds., 15.2 ypc, 61.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Matt Egenrieder (3 rec., 106 yds., 35.3 ypc, 106.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks Lock Haven Millersville
Scoring Offense/Defense 6.0/14th; 48.0/16th 28.0/5th; 33.0/13th
Rush Offense/Defense 78.0/13th; 47.0/4th 88.0/12th; 130.0/8th
Pass Offense/Defense 116.0/13th; 304.0/15th 310.0/2nd; 218.0/10th
Total Offense/Defense 194.0/14th; 351.0/9th 398.0/6th; 348.0/8th
Coaches
Lock Haven: John Klacik (6th yr., 5-50 career record)
Millersville: Greg Colby (3rd yr., 4-19 career record)
What to Expect
- Lock Haven’s total offensive output of 194 yards was more than all but one game for the Bald Eagles last year, a sure sign that the Eagles’ offense is improved this year with two experienced quarterbacks.
- The Eagles appear to be going with a QB platoon again this year with Jarryd Burkett and Jarrett Kratzer. Burkett received slightly more playing time last week at VMI and put up better numbers than Kratzer.
- LHU will both be going up against a Millersville defense that put up decent numbers in a last second loss to Assumption. The Marauders contained Assumption from a total yards standpoint but allowed them to score in all six red zone chances. They had particular problems agains the pass, allowing AU to complete nearly 70 percent of its passes. The Eagles showed modest improvement in their passing game as well last week as six different receivers caught passes, however they will likely need to do much more against a Marauder team whose offense is more than capable of putting points on the board.
- That offense showed its capabilities last week, particularly through the air, as QB Bill Shirk appears to have a pair of potent WRs in Jamal Smith and Matt Egenrieder, each of whom are capable of big plays. That potent passing game matches up well with LHU’s pass defense, which struggled all day against VMI, giving up over 300 yards through the air.
- Lock Haven’s rush defense did extremely well in its first game, however, allowing just 47 yards, which may match up well with Millersville’s running game, which did not get going that fast against Assumption. However, hopes are still high that newcomer Mike Jones will have a big year. He had 46 yards rushing in his first game with the Marauders.
- Smith and Egenrieder appear to be Millersville’s two primary kick returners while LHU had three different players return kicks in its first game. Newcomer Rashad Johnson got the most returns, which included a long of 29 yards.
Series/Game Notes
Lock Haven leads the all-time series with Millersville 16-7-1…The teams last met in 2007, a 19-10 Millersville win, and also in 2006, when the Marauders won 35-0…Millersville has won the last four meetings in the series…This will be only the team’s fifth meeting since 1958, with the teams also meeting in both 1996 and 1997…Lock Haven’s last win the series came in 1958, a 32-0 victory.
Clarion (0-1, 0-0) at Bloomsburg (0-1, 0-0)
Sept. 11 - 1:00 p.m.
Bloomsburg, Pa.
Redman Stadium (4,775)
Radio/Internet: WCCR 92.7 FM/WKQW 96.3 FM/RedZoneMedia.com/WHLM 930 AM/whlm.com
Clarion Leaders
Rushing: Alfonso Hoggard (35 car., 143 yds., 4.0 ypc, 143.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Eric Coxon (12 car., 51 yds., 4.2 ypc, 51.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Eric Coxon (28-45-3, 62.2 pct., 285 yds., 285.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Matt Ward (12 rec., 118 yds., 9.8 ypc, 118.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Jacques Robinson (6 rec., 66 yds., 11.0 ypc, 66.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Bloomsburg Leaders
Rushing: Franklyn Quiteh (35 car., 140 yds., 4.0 ypc, 140.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Passing: Pat Carey (14-28-2, 50.0 pct., 150 yds., 150.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Ben Weaber (4 rec., 36 yds., 9.0 ypc, 36.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Cory Stiger (3 rec., 41 yds., 13.7 ypc, 41.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Conference Ranks Clarion Bloomsburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 16.0/T11th; 27.0/11th 14.0/13th; 24.0/9th
Rush Offense/Defense 209.0/3rd; 148.0/9th 135.0/7th; 157.0/10th
Pass Offense/Defense 285.0/3rd; 69.0/1st 150.0/10th; 248.0/12th
Total Offense/Defense 494.0/2nd; 217.0/3rd 285.0/11th; 405.0/14th
Coaches
Clarion: Jay Foster (5th yr., 12-33 career record)
Bloomsburg: Danny Hale (18th yr., 184-63-1 career record; 144-50-1 at BU)
What to Expect
- Clarion is coming off perhaps the most disappointing loss for any PSAC team in its first contest, a game in which it outgained Fairmont State by almost over a 2-1 margin but still lost, primarily due to its four turnovers. Bloomsburg is coming off a game in which it fought hard but came up short against a deeper Ashland team.
- Whichever new starting QB makes the fewest mistakes could be a big factor in who wins this game, as Clarion’s Eric Coxon threw three interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown, while Bloomsburg’s Pat Carey was picked off twice.
- Clarion’s passing game appears to be further along than Bloomsburg’s and it definitely moves down the field faster. Bloom’s longest pass went for only 18 yards against Ashland while Clarion’s long was 34 yards. Golden Eagle WRs Matt Ward and Jacques Robinson may prove to be a tough matchup for a young Bloomsburg defense that allowed nearly 250 yards to an Ashland team known for a high-octane passing attack.
- With expected starting RBs Derrick Price and Kenny Domzalski both out indefinitely, the running duties fell to expected third-string RB Franklyn Quiteh, who turned in an outstanding performance in his collegiate debut with 140 yards, providing optimism for Bloomsburg’s suddenly depleted but signature running game.
- That could prove very important as Clarion’s pass defense was outstanding in its first game, holding Fairmont State to only 69 yards through the air.
- All-purpose Clarion back Alfonso Hoggard should prove to be a busy man, as he received 36 carries (for 143 yds.,) and also also received the bulk of the punt and kick return duties in the Eagles’ first game.
- The Huskies experimented with four different kick and punt returners in their first game as they look for replacements for last year’s two dynamic kick returners in Jesse Cooper and Brandon Real, who have both departed.
- Both teams appear to be in good hands (or feet) in the kicking game, as new Bloomsburg kicker Dan Fisher was 2-for-2 on FGs, making both from over 30 yards in the Huskies’ first game, while Clarion K Robert Mamula was 3-for-3, including a PSAC-long 47-yarder vs. Fairmont State.
Series/Game Notes
Clarion and Bloomsburg are tied in the all-time series, 4-4-1…Bloomsburg has won the last two meetings with wins over the Golden Eagles in both 2006 and 2007…Clarion’s last win over the Huskies came in the first round of the 1996 NCAA playoffs…Prior to 1996, the teams had not met since the 1947 season…Clarion’s last regular season win over Bloomsburg came in 1946.
IUP (1-0, 0-0) at #25/12 East Stroudsburg (1-0, 0-0)
Sept. 11 - 6:05 p.m.
East Stroudsburg Pa.
Eiler-Martin Stadium (6,000)
TV: Blue Ridge TV-13
Radio/Internet: WQMU 92.5 FM/WVPO 840 AM/RedZoneMedia.com
IUP Leaders
Rushing: Harvie Tuck (28 car., 98 yds., 3.5 ypc, 98.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Roy-al Edwards (3 car., 31 yds., 10.3 ypc, 31.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Passing: Pat Smith (11-21-0, 52.4 pct., 111 yds., 111.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Bo Napoleon (2-2-0, 100.0 pct., 4 yds., 4.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Nate Morrow (3 rec., 39 yds., 13.0 ypc, 39.0 ypg, 0 TD)
4 with 2 receptions apiece
East Stroudsburg Leaders
Rushing: Eric Deery (16 car., 63 yds., 3.9 ypc, 63.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Matt Marshall (2 car., 26 yds., 13.0 ypc, 26.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Matt Marshall (22-33-1, 66.7 pct., 337 yds., 337.0 ypg, 5 TD)
Receiving: Jeff Giglio (5 rec., 64 yds., 12.8 ypc, 64.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Ed Kiser (5 rec., 60 yds., 12.0 ypc, 60.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Robert Bleiler (5 rec., 57 yds., 11.4 ypc, 57.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Conference Ranks IUP East Stroudsburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 16.0/T11th; 6.0/4th 57.0/1st; 0.0/T1st
Rush Offense/Defense 151.0/6th; 106.0/7th 120.0/9th; 15.0/1st
Pass Offense/Defense 115.0/14th; 184.0/7th 380.0/1st; 140.0/4th
Total Offense/Defense 266.0/12th; 290.0/6th 500.0/1st; 155.0/2nd
Coaches
IUP: Lou Tepper (5th yr., 96-70-2 career record; 31-13 at IUP)
East Stroudsburg: Denny Douds (37th yr., 227-146-3 career record)
What to Expect
- This game will match East Stroudsburg’s potent offense, which errupted for 500 yards last week, against a tough IUP defense that shut down Northeast 10 favorite Southern Connecticut last week.
- The Warriors’ strength is in their passing game behind QB Matt Marshall and an entire cast of receivers. IUP was strong in its first game against both the pass and the run, so the Warriors may need to run a bit more balanced offense.
- East Stroudsburg will likely need to be much more careful with the football on Saturday after giving the ball away five times against Pace through four fumbles and an interception. They also had five takeaways to offset that, however IUP had four takeaways, including three interceptions in its first game.
- If East Stroudsburg is able to take an early lead, that may force the Crimson Hawks to pass more on offense, which they may not necessaily feel the most comfortable doing. QB Pat Smith was solid but not spectacular, completing just over 50 percent of his throws and none for longer than 23 yards. However, he, as well as the Crimson Hawks as a team, did not committ any turnovers vs. SCSU.
- IUP’s best chance on offense appears to be their running game, which hopes to debut redshirt freshman RB James Johnson this week after he sat out last week with an injury. Sophomore Harvie Tuck received the majority of the carries out of the backfield last week and gained 98 yards but needed 28 carries to do so. The Warriors allowed only 15 yards rushing last week to Pace.
- Although Smith got the majority of the snaps behind center last week, both he and Bo Napoleon will likely see time at QB for the Crimson Hawks this week.
- IUP held onot the ball for over 36 minutes last week and if they are able to do the same this week, would severely limit ESU’s opportunities on offense.
- IUP has one of the most experienced kickers in the PSAC in Craig Burgess, who went 3-for-3 on FGs last week, including one from 45, while East Stroudsburg has a first year starting kicker in Taylor Groff, who was a perfect 7-for-7 on PATs but missed a FG from 43 yards, going 2-for-3, so if the game comes down to a long field goal, it could be an advantage for IUP.
Series/Game Notes
IUP leads the all-time series with East Stroudsburg 8-6…IUP has won the last two meetings, in 2006 and 2007, while East Stroudsburg’s last win in the series came in 1997...IUP is receiving votes in this week’s AFCA Top 25 poll.
Mercyhurst (1-0, 0-0) at Kutztown (1-0, 0-0)
Sept. 11 - 6:05 p.m.
Kutztown, Pa.
University Field (5,600)
Radio/Internet: WMCE 88.5 FM/kubears.com
Mercyhurst Leaders
Rushing: Gerald Anderson (21 car., 47 yds., 2.2 ypc, 47.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Andrew Bailey (9 car., 31 yds., 3.4 ypc, 31.0 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Garrett Kensy (16-27-1, 59.3 pct., 205 yds., 205.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Matt Mohr (3 rec., 35 yds., 11.7 ypc, 35.0 ypg, 0 TD)
4 with 2 receptions each
Kutztown Leaders
Rushing: Josh Mastromatto (7 car., 104 yds., 14.9 ypc, 104.0 ypg, 3 TD)
Kendell Coleman (12 car., 41 yds., 3.4 ypc, 41.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Kevin Morton (16-37-0, 43.2 pct., 255 yds., 255.0 ypg, 2 TD)
Receiving: Colby Tuell (5 rec., 86 yds., 17.2 ypc, 86.0 ypg, 1 TD)
Josh Smith (5 rec., 69 yds., 13.8 ypc, 69.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Conference Ranks Mercyhurst Kutztown
Scoring Offense/Defense 23.0/8th; 0.0/T1st 41.0/4th; 0.0/T1st
Rush Offense/Defense 92.0/11th; 34.0/2nd 171.0/4th; 39.0/3rd
Pass Offense/Defense 201.0/7th; 93.0/2nd 255.0/5th; 248.0/13th
Total Offense/Defense 293.0/10th; 127.0/1st 426.0/4th; 287.0/5th
Coaches
Mercyhurst: Marty Schaetzle (9th yr., 33-54 career record)
Kutztown: Raymond Monica (5th yr., 18-25 career record)
What to Expect
- The first points that either team gives up will be its first this year as both Mercyhurst and Kutztown pitched shutouts on defense in their first games.
- Particularly strong was both teams’ rush defense, as both held their opponents to under 40 yards on the ground. Both teams also had very strong rush defenses last year.
- The Lakers may need to throw the ball effectively to be successful against the Golden Bears as Kutztown, which had the PSAC’s worst pass defense last year, gave up nearly 250 yards through the air last week. However, the Bears did come away with four takeaways, including two interceptions, to counter that. Kutztown’s four takeaways last week represented one-third of last season entire total.
- When the Lakers do run the ball, it appears returnee Gerald Anderson will get the majority of the carries with Andrew Bailey also seeing time. Bailey is a potential big play threat who is also the team’s primary kick returner and he ripped off the Lakers’ longest run from scrimmage in their first game, while Anderson would appear to be the better short-yardage back.
- The Bears look to have a balanced offensive attack this year as sophomore Josh Mastromatto made his case for more carries with 104 yards and three TDs last week and Kendell Coleman led the way with 12 carries. QB Kevin Morton also threw for 255 yards but completed only 43 percent of his passes, a number that will likely need to improve as he goes up against a solid Laker defense.
- Punt returns could play a big factor in a close game and in particular the battle for field position. The Lakers appear to have a big play threat on punt returns in Trevor Kennedy, who return two punts for 24 and 18 yards vs. Notre Dame College. The Golden Bears have a similar dynamic punt returner in Kendell Coleman, who has been one of the top punt returners in the PSAC the last two years.
- If that is the case, the punters themselves could also be factors. Kutztown’s Matt Dineen averaged 41.9 ypp last week while Mercyhurst’s Garrett Stolz went for just 34.4 ypp.
- Mercyhurst K Steven Wakefield had a solid debut in the Lakers’ first game, going 3-for-3 on FGs and 2-for-2 on PATs, while the veteran Dineen did not attempt any FGs for Kutztown and went 5-for-6 on PATs in the Bears’ first game.
Series/Game Notes
This will be the first-ever meeting between Mercyhurst and Kutztown.