Online Video
The game will be streamed live and for free on LVCtv.
 
On the Radio
The game will be broadcast on the Flying Dutchmen Radio Network on WMSS 91.1 FM in Middletown. John Wilsbach and Brian Keyser will call the action. The game will be streamed live and for free on the TuneIn app, as well as WMSSFM.com and GoDutchmen.com.
 
Weather Forecast
After remnants of Hurricane Ida caused downpours in the northeast on Wednesday, Saturday is shaping up to be a perfect day for football. Expect the high temperature to reach 78 degrees with a mix of clouds and sun.
 
Going to the Game
(DIRECTIONS) Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for non-LVC students. LVC students receive free admission.
 
Tailgating Policy
(TAILGATING POLICY) Lebanon Valley invites fans to tailgate before, during, and after the game and to have a great experience! We ask that fans be respectful to those surrounding them, and remain mindful of their choice of language and activity. Individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that positively reflects on LVC.
 
Open Season
On Saturday, Lebanon Valley College Football will begin its 121st season. The Dutchmen and Diplomats have played each other in their first game of the season dating back to 2014. LVC is 0-6 in opening games against F&M since 2014.
 
Dutchmen Football is Back!
For the first time in 658 days, the Dutchmen return to action for a game that counts. LVC's most recent game was back on Nov. 16, 2019, when the Dutchmen dropped a 28-23 decision at Albright.
 
Series History
The Dutchmen and Diplomats will meet for the 41st time on Saturday in a series that dates back to 1899 when F&M blanked LVC 28-0. The Diplomats have taken the last eight games from the Dutchmen and LVC's last win over F&M came on Nov. 14, 1981. At 24 miles apart, F&M is geographically LVC's closest rival in NCAA DIII football, compared to 36 miles for Albright and 44 miles for Dickinson.
 
Last Time We Faced F&M
Back on Sept. 7, 2019, in each team's season-opener, F&M used a hot start and left Annville with a 35-20 victory over the Dutchmen.
 
Despite the end result, it was LVC who struck first thanks to Hunter Wilson's 85-yard touchdown run that rocked the crowd and gave the home squad a 7-0 advantage. Later in the first, the Diplomats forced an LVC turnover and turned it into points off Keshon Farmer's 33-yard rushing touchdown that evened the game at 7-7.
 
On the Dutchmen's next offensive possession, F&M intercepted another pass and eventually turned it into another rushing touchdown to make it 14-7 with 5:39 to go in the opening quarter. Towards the end of the first, Kody Kegarise's QB sneak brought LVC to within one after a missed PAT.
 
F&M went on to score via QB sneak making it a 21-13 game in the second quarter, and early in the third, the visitors distanced themselves from the Dutchmen off Farmer's second rushing TD of the game. LVC responded, however, and kept within striking distance thanks to Kegarise's 39-yard TD pass to Wilson, bringing the home team back to within eight at 28-20 with 6:08 to go in the third.
 
From there, LVC was unable to generate any more offense for the remainder of the third and fourth quarters. On the Dips' opening play of the fourth, they went ahead by 15 at 35-20 on Farmer's third rushing TD of the game, putting the contest out of reach.
 
Team Captains
Earlier this year, head coach Joe Buehler '89 announced that Tyler Lutz, Ian Murhon, Cameron Niemeyer, and Dillon Estes will lead the program as captains this season.
 
Meet the 2021 Dutchmen!
 
 
Two All-Conference Players Return
The Dutchmen return two of its seven all-conference selections from 2019. Logan Grauer was named to the First Team after finishing the season with four blocked kicks or punts, including a pivotal block in LVC's huge come-from-behind, 41-35 victory over Widener. Brandon Brubaker also returns after enjoying a breakout sophomore season in 2019. He ended with 65 total tackles, good for fourth on the team, and led LVC with 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He added an interception, four QB hurries, two fumble recoveries, and a pair of forced fumbles.
 
Previewing with Coach Buehler
Now in his sixth season as head coach, Joe Buehler '89 sat down for an interview that hit on a number of topics, including his team's preseason progress, the 2021 schedule, and his thoughts heading into this weekend's opener with F&M.

 
LVC Picked Seventh in MAC Preseason Poll
In the 2021 edition of the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, Lebanon Valley was picked seventh out of 11 teams after earning 40 points in the poll. Below is the entire poll.
 

1. Delaware Valley – 99 points (Nine first-place votes)
2. Stevenson – 92 points (Two first-place votes)
3. Wilkes – 76 points
4. Widener – 74 points
5. Lycoming – 58 points
6. King's – 49 points
7. Lebanon Valley – 40 points
8. Albright – 35 points
9. Misericordia – 33 points
10. Alvernia – 25 points
11. FDU-Florham – 24 points

 
LVC's Offense
The Dutchmen's new-look team will need to replace a staggering nine players on offense after its two-year hiatus, as Niemeyer and Walker Klinger (LT) are the lone starting returners from 2019. Two years ago, Niemeyer caught 21 balls for 282 yards and hauled in three touchdown passes. Andrew Olson is also back for his senior season after catching 24 balls in 2019 for 264 yards.
 
Fullback Ian Murhon returns after appearing in all 10 games in 2019. He had 21 rushing attempts for 116 yards.
 
LVC's Defense
On the defensive side of the ball, several players from the 2019 squad are back, including leading tackler Dillon Estes who amassed 85 total tackles two years ago. Linebacker Tyler Lutz also returns after starting all 10 games for LVC in 2019. He tied for second on the team with 74 total tackles and five pass breakups.
 
On the defensive line, Brandon Brubaker is back after leading the team in 2019 with 4.5 sacks to go along with 65 total tackles. Cornerback Grant Gaumer started all 10 games for the Dutchmen in 2019 and will look to do the same in 2021.
 
LVC's Special Teams
After losing all-region kicker Nick Bentz to graduation, the Dutchmen will have a new kicker in 2021. Dre Burch helped out as a kickoff returner in 2019, as did Jay Sisko.
 
Scouting F&M
The Diplomats finished 2019 with a 7-4 overall record and defeated Misericordia 31-13 in the Centennial-MAC Bowl.
 
Who's Next?
LVC will travel to Williamsport next Saturday, Sept. 11, for a non-conference matchup with Lycoming. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
 
Stay Connected
Be sure to follow @lvcathletics on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the most in-depth coverage of LVC athletics.