Albright College (2-1/0-0 MAC) at Wilkes University (1-2/0-0 MAC)
The Lions will look to get their 2010 Middle Atlantic Conference schedule off to a great start as they travel to Wilkes-Barre to take on the Colonels of Wilkes University. Riding a recent two-game win streak, the Lions will look to begin their run to the program's 11 MAC title and second in the last three seasons.
When: Saturday, October 2
Where: Ralston Field Complex, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (
Directions/
Campus Map)
Start Time: 1 p.m.
Gates Open: Noon
Admission is FREE
GAMEDAY MEDIA
Webcast (Audio):
http://www.teamline.cc
Live Stats:
http://www.gowilkesu.com
COMING OUT STRONG
Since taking over in 2007 Coach Marzka has never lost the MAC opener. In his first season he defeated FDU-Florham 17-14. In 2008 he defeated the Devils for the second consecutive year with a 24-17 win. Last fall, the Lions defeated Wilkes 43-21 to open up conference play.
FOUR IN A ROW
With the 41-31 win over Catholic the Lions closed out their non-conference schedule with a winning record for the fourth consecutive season. In non-conference play the Lions currently hold a record of 9-3 overall.
WHATEVER IT TAKES IN 2010
Looking to build off of last week's hard fought win, the Lions now have their eyes set on claiming another Middle Atlantic Conference title. Currently ranked first in the MAC in scoring with 108 points, the Lions also lead the conference in total offense (1,288 yards), passing (713 yards), first downs (64), punting (37.9 ypp), 4th downs allowed (0), and time of possession (102:28). The Lions passing efficiency of 154.9 is also a conference best, and is especially impressive with dual quarterbacks.
ALBRIGHT IN DIVISION III
Of the 236 teams in Division III, the Lions are ranked amongst the top-50 teams in multiple categories including scoring (33), total offense (40), passing efficiency (34), and punting (41). Last fall, the red and white closed out their 2009 season ranked in the top-15 in team passing efficiency with a 154.90 rating.
KELLY ON THE SIDELINES
After having one of the most prolific careers in program history, former quarterback
Tanner Kelly has joined Head Coach
John Marzka's staff for the 2010 season. Kelly will work primarily with the quarterbacks as well as being in charge of the offensive quality control. The ECAC Division III Player of the Year, Kelly ended his senior season as one of the top passers in the country, and was named MAC Offensive Player of the Year, ECAC Southeast Player of the Year, and D3Football.com East Region Offensive Player of the Year.
PAC-MAC CHALLENGE
For the first time ever members of the Middle Atlantic Conference and the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference faced each other in rivalry games in week 2. Albright along with Widener, Wilkes, Delaware Valley, Lycoming, and FDU-Florham pulled out victories against their Western Pennsylvania opponents. Next season, the Lions will host Geneva College in year-two of the PAC-MAC Challenge and for the first time in over 70 years. The rest of the conference will pack their bags and travel to their PAC counterparts in hopes to continue the dominance that is Middle Atlantic Conference football.
WELCOME TO THE CLUB
It was recently announced that Stevenson University will be joining the Middle Atlantic Conference in football. With the addition of the Mustang's to the conference, the Lions will now have eight conference games and only two non-conference games in 2011. With next season marking year two of the PAC-MAC Challenge, Albright will face only one new non-conference opponent. Stevenson University is located in Owings Mills, Md. and was formerly known as Villa Julie College.
ODENWALT AND WHELAN TABBED AS PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS
Prior to the start of the 2010 season, senior offensive lineman
Matt Odenwalt and senior kicker
John Whelan were named Preseason All-Americans by D3PRODAY.com. The honor was the first for both players. The duo is also the only two returning players from the 2009 squad that earned MAC All-Conference honors.
RUSHING FOR THE RECORD
With three rushing TD's last Saturday, junior tailback
Josan Holmes now sits just one rushing TD away from tying the all-time career record of 30. So far this season, Holmes has rushed for seven TD's and is averaging over 115 yards per game, which ranks 27th in the nation. His 14 points per game currently ranks him tied for seventh overall in Division III. Not only is Holmes in the hunt for the all-time rushing TD record, but now needs just 31 yards to break the 2,000 yard career rushing mark. To break into the top-5 all-time, Holmes will need to surpass 2,380 yards. Currently ranked fifth all-time is Frankie Francks '76 who rushed for 2,379 yards during his four seasons in Reading.
MAKING THE BIG PLAYS
Last Saturday, the Lions receivers totaled 276 yards on 21 catches. Senior wideout
Luke Wallace led the receivers core with seven catches for 83 yards. Behind him was junior
Scott Pillar who totaled 76 yards on four catches. Both Pillar and junior
Josh Bakala each have two touchdown receptions this season, with Bakala recording both of his last Saturday against Catholic.
POUNDING THE ROCK
As the top offensive line in the Middle Atlantic Conference, the Lions have recorded 1,288 yards of total offense. Led by a veteran core of players, Albright is currently averaging over 429 yards of offense per game and has found the endzone a total of 13 times. In the redzone the Lions are 14-for-15 (93%) when putting points on the scoreboard.
GALCZYNSKI TAKING THE REIGNS
With another career afternoon under his belt, sophomore quarterback
Adam Galczynski continues to lead the Lions offense this fall. Despite just one interception last Saturday, the Kutztown native threw for 198 yards and two touchdowns. In the MAC, Galczynski ranks fourth in pass efficiency (145.6), fifth in total offense (156.0 ypg), and sixth in passing (123 ypg).
HERE COMES THE DOG SOLDIERS
In last Saturday's win over Catholic, the Lions defense held the Cardinals run game to just 90 yards. On the year, the “Dog Soldiers” have not allowed a fourth down conversion, and are currently sitting fifth in the conference when it comes to stopping the run game. Senior
Rob Mancinelli ranks in the top-25 in tackles with 18 (6.0 tpg).
Francis Hall and
Josh Hare are currently tied for 30th in the MAC with 16 tackles each (5.3 tpg).
Mark Bergery is ranked third in passes defended with five.
PEACE, LOVE, AND FOOTBALL
The history between Wilkes and Albright began in 1964 when the Lions handed the Colonels a 48-14 loss. In that year, the red and white had suffered just one defeat falling to Wagner by the score of 27-8. Head coach
John Marzka and his Lions have never been defeated by the Colonels since he took over in 2007. Over the last three seasons, Albright has outscored the Colonels 95-56.
Albright leads series 19-15
Since 2000...
2000 - WU 22-21
2001 - AC 34-11
2002 - WU 26-22
2003 - WU 55-28
2004 - AC - 35-29
2005 - WU 48-21
2006 - WU 30-6
2007 - AC 35-25
2008 - AC 17-10
2009 - AC 43-21
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
Wilkes got their 2010 season off to a great start with a win over Waynesburg. Quarterback Tyler Berntsen has taken a majority of the snaps this season and has totaled 196 yards in the air and has thrown for three touchdowns. One of the go-to receivers this fall has been Jordan D'Emilio. The senior wideout has totaled 134 yards and one TD. On the ground Zach Tivald leads the team with 212 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Colonels have seven players with 20 or more tackles, two players with 30 or more tackles and one player with over 40 tackles. The defensive unit has also recorded 19 tackles for a loss, five sacks, and five interceptions as well.
WILKES IN THE MAC
Ranked tied for fourth on this year's preseason poll, Wilkes closed out their 2009 season with a 6-5 record overall and an ECAC Bowl game appearance. In the conference standings the Colonels finished '09 in fourth place with a 3-4 record. Of the five players that were named all-conference selections last fall, three returned for the 2010 season. Also not returning to this year's roster was 2009 Co-rookie of the year, Andrew Yacina.
NEXT UP FOR THE LIONS
The Lions will host Lycoming College next Saturday at 1 p.m. in Shirk Stadium as part of Albright's 2010 Homecoming.
