We kick off Football Preview Week 2010 on GoDutchmen.com with a capsule look at each of LVC's opponents. The Dutchmen have an unusual seven home games this season, and open with three non-conference opponents before starting their chase for an MAC championship on Oct. 2 against Delaware Valley. Be sure to check out the video above for coach Monos' thoughts!
Check back with GoDutchmen.com every day this week for more during Football Preview Week!
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Gettysburg
Sept. 4 - 1 p.m.
Arnold Field
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2009 Record: 3-7 / 3-5 Centennial
2009 Centennial Finish: t5th
2009 NCAA Offense Ranking: 4th (493.1 ypg)
2009 NCAA Defense Ranking: 217th (421.5 ypg)
Last Meeting: 2009 - LVC 47, @GC 42
Head Coach: Barry Streeter (33rd season)
Offense: Spread Wing
Defense: Multiple-4
Starters Returning: 18 (6o/9d/3s) |
Gettysburg promises to have a different look in 2010 with the graduation of standout quarterback Matt Flynn (2,714 yds, 19 TD, 59.6%), but the Bullets return six offensive overall, including leading rusher Jamel Mutunga (1,015 yds, 14 TDs) and and receivers Brian Betley (588 yds, 4 TD) and Charles Curcio (501 yds, 4 TD). They were a big part of Gettysburg putting together the nation's fourth-best offense last year, racking up a whopping 493.1 yards and 34.2 points per game.
So that said, how the heck did a team with that kind of firepower go 3-7? Giving up 30.2 points per game didn't help. This was a team that scored 40+ points and lost three times in 2009. But, the Bullets bring back nine starters on the defensive side of the ball, five of whom were freshmen or sophomores last year. The experience should help improve their 421.5 ypg allowed mark, although the Bullets lose top tackler Tim Widdoes (94 T, 2.5 sacks).
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Grove City
Sept. 11 - 1 p.m.
Arnold Field
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2009 Record: 5-5 / 5-3 PAC
2009 PAC Finish: 3rd
2009 NCAA Offense Ranking: 68th (321.6 ypg)
2009 NCAA Defense Ranking: 156th (368.0 ypg)
Last Meeting: 1959 - LVC 20, @GC 14
Head Coach: Chris Smith (27th season)
Offense: Spread/Double Slot
Defense: Multiple
Starters Returning: 19 (8o/9d/2s) |
The only unknown opponent on the schedule for the Dutchmen is Grove City, as they meet for the first time since 1959 in Week 2. The match-up is part of the PAC-MAC Challenge series, with LVC making the return trip in 2011.
LVC will face an experienced team that brings back 19 starters overall, including eight on offense led by a cadre of talented receivers. Luke O'Hara (591 yds, 7 TD), Zach Summy (477 yds, 4 TD), and Will McCoy (483 yds, 4 TD), along with tailback Blaine Miller (493 yds and 9 TD rushing, 465 yds and 2 TD receiving), will lead the pass-heavy offense, but the Wolverines will have to replace quarterback Andrew DiDonato and his 2,466 yd/18 TD/65.2% senior season (he also led the team with 528 yds and 8 TD on the ground). Up front, four starters return on the offensive line.
On defense, almost every major piece is back, including linebacker Jason Ferguson (105 T, 3.5 sack), who led the PAC in tackles last year as a sophomore. The entire linebacking corps returns, with Marc Shamley (58 T) and Tim Irwin (47 T) on the outside and Mitch White (21 T) joining Ferguson inside. Safeties Mark Rossol (66 T, 2 INT) and Butch Kriger (54 T, 6.5 TFL, 2 INT) were also big parts of the Wolverines' defense in 2009.
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Moravian
Sept. 18 - 1 p.m.
Arnold Field
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2009 Record: 2-8 / 2-6
2009 Centennial Finish: t7th
2009 NCAA Offense Ranking: 229th (197.8 ypg)
2009 NCAA Defense Ranking: 110th (339.7 ypg)
Last Meeting: 2009 - LVC 32, @MC 3
Head Coach: Scot Dapp (24th season)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: 3-4
Starters Returning: 16 (7o/7d/2s) |
Moravian struggled through 2009, going 2-9 overall and having trouble scoring at times, including a stretch mid-season where they failed to score more than three points in four consecutive games. The Greyhounds were shutout three times last year, and managed just a field goal in four other games; their wins came over McDaniel and Ursinus.
Moravian had two QB's split starts last year and both return as juniors. Steve Panasuk (713 yds, 4 TD, 6 INT) and Andy Polony (351 yds, 1 TD, 6 INT) weren't helped by being sacked a combined 34 times. The Greyhounds lose leading rusher Ryan Rempe (791 yds) to graduation, with Philip Redline the only returning rusher with more than 20 touches last year. One strong point will be receiving, where 2009 leaders Shawn Sylvainus (370 yds, 4 TD) and Alex Hersch (262 yds) both return.
The defense will be buoyed by first-team all-CC lineman Seth Payne, who had 32 tackles and 2.0 sacks last year. He's paired with Allen Petros, who led the team with 13.0 TFL and 5.0 sacks out of 40 tackles in all. Moravian's leading tackler was a freshman, linebacker Evan Bauer, who had 68 stops with 2.0 sacks and an interception.
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Delaware Valley
Oct. 2 - 1 p.m.
Work Stadium
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2009 Record: 10-2 / 7-0 MAC / NCAA Second Round
2009 MAC Finish: 1st
2009 NCAA Offense Ranking: 67th (382.5 ypg)
2009 NCAA Defense Ranking: 20th (265.3 ypg)
Last Meeting: 2009 - DVC 28, @LVC 7
Head Coach: Jim Clements (5th year)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: Multiple
Starters Returning: 18 (8o/8d/2d) |
The defending MAC champions were the only team to beat LVC at home last year, and enter 2010 ranked in the top 10 in multiple national preseason polls. And for good reason - the Aggies (10-2 last year) return 18 starters from the team that went to the NCAA Second Round, although the biggest name is gone as all-everything quarterback Mike Isgro graduated.
But DVC is hardly left without experience under center as Mark Hatty, who deputized in nine games last year (425 yds/3 TD/61.9%), returns as a senior. Behind him, Matt Cook is back after a huge 1,312-yard, 10-touchdown season at tailback. Very good o-lines have been the hallmark of Del Val football over the past decade or so, and they have All-American tackle Mike Long back as a senior.
With all the offensive firepower they had last year, Del Val really got it done on defense as they limited opponents to 265 yards of offense and just 14.4 points per game - and they bring back almost all of their big names. All-American linebacker Kyle Gesswein returns for his final season; the MAC Defensive Player of the Year had 98 tackles, including 18 for a loss and 11.0 sacks. Three juniors join him at linebacker with Chris James (88 T), Chris Jaskowski (75 T, 4.0 sacks), and Ken Fowlkes (69 T) all back.
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Wilkes
Oct. 9 - 1 p.m.
Arnold Field
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2009 Record: 6-5 / 3-4 MAC / ECAC South Atlantic Bowl
2009 MAC Finish: t4th
2009 NCAA Offense Ranking: 212th (259.8 ypg)
2009 NCAA Defense Ranking: 157th (368.4 ypg)
Last Meeting: 2009 - LVC 21, @WU 18
Head Coach: Frank Sheptock (15th season)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: Multiple
Starters Returning: 12 (5o/5d/2s) |
The Colonels finished right behind LVC in the MAC standings last year, going 6-5 with a 3-4 in-conference record, and they lived life on the edge, playing seven one-score games in all (and going 5-2 in those games - with one loss to the Dutchmen, 21-18). Like LVC, they played in an ECAC game, falling to F&M late in the South Atlantic Bowl.
For 2010, Wilkes will have to replace their quarterback Rob Johnson, who threw for 1,929 yards and 12 TDs; junior Marc Persing seems to be the QB-elect after backing up last year (6-for-12, 92 yards with an interception). The Colonels also lose big-play receiver Gennaro Zangardi (547 yds, 5 TD). But they will have a couple of offensive weapons back with leading rusher Zach Tivald (557 yds, 6 TD) and second-team all-MAC receiver Jordan D'Emilio (55 catches for 635 yds). They also bring back three starters on the line: guards Nick Riccio and Joe Lemoncelli, and center Ben Webb.
On defense, first-team all-MAC DB Kevin Gerhart returns after a 100-tackle season that included five interceptions and six break-ups, and MAC Rookie of the Year linebacker Andrew Yacina made 54 stops as a freshman. Also back is second-team all-MAC lineman Chris Swinarski (35 T, 5.0 sacks) and linemate Tim Lombreglia (62 T, 13.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks).
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FDU-Florham
Oct. 16 - 1 p.m.
Arnold Field
(Oktoberfest)
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2009 Record: 2-8 / 1-6 MAC
2009 MAC Finish: t7th
2009 NCAA Offense Ranking: 93rd (366.7 ypg)
2009 NCAA Defense Ranking: 183rd (390.8 ypg)
Last Meeting: 2009 - LVC 40, @FDU 14
Head Coach: Rich Mosca (Ninth season)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: 4-3
Starters Returning: 16 (7o/6d/3s) |
The Devils had a tough go in 2009 with a 2-8 record as they finished at the bottom of the MAC standings. LVC's visit to north Jersey resulted in a 40-14 rout as they held FDU to just 40 yards of rushing in all. In 2010, FDU will have to work without second-team all-MAC quarterback Bill Winters, a do-everything threat who threw for 1,606 yards and 14 TDs, and ran for 445 yards and five TDs, in just eight games last year. Also gone is first-team all-MAC TE Beau Reed.
They will have backup QB Matt Jeffers return, who made two starts and threw for 796 yards and 8 TDs in
nine games a year ago; a mobile QB like Winters, he ran 21 times for 105 yards as well. Senior Bayshawn Wells had 95 touches for 394 yards as FDU's leading running back. All-MAC wide-out Kyle Bukowiecz has graduated, along with Lou Pietrangelo and Reed. Big-play receiver Andrew Scamporino, a senior, is the team's leading returner with 27 catches for 469 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns last year.
FDU loses five starters from a defense that allowed 390.8 yards and 34.8 points per game last year, but bring back all-MAC linebacker Steve Hoverson, their leading tackler as a sophomore with 88 stops and 10.0 TFL. Fellow LB Ian Moore will be a senior after a 78-tackle season, and senior DB Matt Porricelli had a team-high six pass break-ups in 2009.
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King's
Oct. 23 - 1 p.m.
McCarthy Stadium
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2009 Record: 3-7 / 2-5 MAC
2009 MAC Finish: 6th
2009 NCAA Offense Ranking: 117th (346.0 ypg)
2009 NCAA Defense Ranking: 161st (372.5 ypg)
Last Meeting: 2009 - @LVC 40, KC 14
Head Coach: Jeff Knarr (First season)
Offense: Pro-I
Defense: 3-4
Starters Returning: 10 (3o/7d/0s) |
King's is starting from scratch in more ways than one, with first-year head coach Jeff Knarr having just 10 starters - including three on offense - returning from 2009's team that went 3-7 overall.
Knarr will at least have senior quarterback Corey Lavin back to lead the offense. Lavin threw for 1,675 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2009, but will have to do without favorite target Mike Verbitski, who was a first-team all-MAC wide receiver with 917 yards on 57 catches. Bob Lane does return after catching 30 passes for 390 yards, and the only other offensive starter back in offensive lineman Mike Stampone, with all-MAC linemen Brandon Cogley and Zach Dunn gone to graduation.
Things are more solid on defense for the Monarchs despite the loss of all-MAC lineman Alex Watty and leading tackler PJ Nivins. Defensive end Ryan Nelson had a great 2009 with 61 tackles and 11 TFL, and Ryan Cordingly was the team's third-leading tackler (57 total) as a sophomore. Mike Schifalacqua (49 T, 1 INT) and Ryan Kelly (43 T), along with DB Edwyn Edwards, who missed 2009 to injury, will be key returners for King's as well. King's will also have to replace kicker/punter Andrew DeRito, who made five field goals and averaged 37 yards per punt.
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Widener
Oct. 30 - 1 p.m.
Arnold Field
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2009 Record: 3-7 / 1-6 MAC
2009 MAC Finish: t7th
2009 NCAA Offense Ranking: 186th (292.1 ypg)
2009 NCAA Defense Ranking: 100th (332.7 ypg)
Last Meeting: 2009 - LVC 24, @WU 0
Head Coach: Isaac Collins (First season)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: 4-3
Starters Returning: 11 (6o/5d) |
Isaac Collins takes over in Chester in his first head coaching assignment, looking to turn around a program that went from a MAC title in 2007 to losing six straight games to end last season and finish last in the league. That losing skid came after a 3-1 start and included a 24-0 shutout at home to LVC on Halloween.
For 2010, Widener has 11 starters back in all, six on offense including 2008 first-team all-MAC tight end Michael Penna and starting quarterback Chris Haupt. Haupt threw for 1,620 yards with 10 touchdowns, but completed just 44% of passes with 16 interceptions. Penna's season was cut short at eight games but he averaged 11.1 yards per catch at TE. Also back is leading rusher Adam Smith, who ran for 542 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior last year.
Defensively, the Pride have some heavy hitters back, including pre-season all-American Joe Favinger at outside linebacker. A two-time all-MAC and all-region pick, Favinger had 65 tackles last year, including 14.0 TFL. At the other outside position, senior Shane Szumski, a second-team all-MAC pick a year ago, led the team with 75 tackles and 5.0 sacks with an interception. Defensive end Josh Fredericks is also back.
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Lycoming
Nov. 6 - 1 p.m.
Person Field
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2009 Record: 4-6 / 3-4
2009 MAC Finish: t4th
2009 NCAA Offense Ranking: 204th (267.5 ypg)
2009 NCAA Defense Ranking: 88th (326.4 ypg)
Last Meeting: 2009 - @LVC 31, LC 21
Head Coach: Mike Clark (Third season)
Offense: Multiple Pro
Defense: 4-3
Starters Returning: 17 (6o/7d/4s) |
Lycoming returns 17 starters from a team that had a down 4-6 season, but is well-positioned to be a threat in the MAC title hunt once again. The 2008 champions have offensive weapon Josh Kleinfelter and four offensive line starters back, along with seven starters from a good defense, including all-MAC lineman Anthony Marascio.
On offense, Kleinfelter was one of the MAC's top running backs with 821 yards and five touchdowns a year ago, and he earned second-team all-MAC honors. Another all-MAC returner is wide receiver Ryan Wagaman, who was fourth in the league with 672 yards and five touchdown catches. Gone is quarterback Colin Dwyer; backup Tim Hook attempted just three passes as a sophomore.
Seven starters are back on defense, including Marascio, who was second in the MAC with 14.5 TFL among his 76 total tackles last year as a sophomore. He is joined by fellow all-MAC picks Chuck Belitto at defensive back (84 T, 4 INT) and linebacker Kevin Hoben (41 T, 3.5 TFL). The Warriors bring back all three linebackers in fact, with Dan Cassidy and Pat McAfee returning for their senior seasons.
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Albright
Nov. 13 - 1 p.m.
Arnold Field
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2009 Record: 11-2 / 6-1 MAC / NCAA Quarterfinals
2009 MAC Finish: 2nd
2009 NCAA Offense Ranking: 55th (398.5 ypg)
2009 NCAA Defense Ranking: 81st (323.1 ypg)
Last Meeting: 2009 - @AC 44, LVC 43 (2OT)
Head Coach: John Marzka (Fifth season)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: Multiple
Starters Returning: 10 (6o/4d) |
John Marzka's Albright team was one of the breakout stories in all of Division III last year as they went 11-2 and went on a deep run to the NCAA Quarterfinals, avenging an early-season loss to Delaware Valley in the NCAA Second Round. Few LVC fans will ever forget the "Game of the Decade" when Albright beat LVC 44-43 in Reading, in two overtimes, to lock up an NCAA at-large bid behind MAC champion Del Val.
Albright's 2010 edition will have plenty of holes to plug before they can talk about a repeat run, however. Gone are MAC Offensive Player of the Year QB Tanner Kelly and his back-up Patrick Subers; all-MAC wide-out Nate Romig; and four of five all-MAC picks on defense, including Brett Faul and Bobby Harper.
Who is back? Tailback Josan Holmes, all-MAC kicking standout Jon Whelan, and all-MAC offensive lineman Matt Odenwalt will lead the way. The speedy Holmes was the feature back for Albright, running for 536 yards and 10 touchdowns, and can be a dangerous returner, averaging 17.0 ypr on kick returns and 9.5 ypr on punts. He can also catch the ball; Holmes was the team's second-leading receiver, with 43 catches for 335 yards and two more TDs.
The defense loses seven starters, including their top-four leading tacklers; cornerback Josh Hare is the leading returner after a 68-tackle, three-interception season last year.
