Albright College (2-0/0-0) vs. Wilkes University (0-1/0-0)

After beginning the season with two convincing wins, the Lions continue in search of a third this Saturday against the Colonels of Wilkes University. This is the first conference match-up for both teams and the Lions will be hungry to lock up a MAC victory.

When: Saturday, September 17
Where: Shirk Stadium
Start Time: 1 p.m.
Tickets: Reserved Seating: $7, General Admission: $5, Senior Citizens and Children: $3, Albright Students and Staff (with ID): Free

Gameday Media
Webcast (Audio): http://www.teamline.cc/sportpage?teamcode=5466&eventcode=20
LiveStats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/albright/football/

Game Program
2011 Albright Media Guide
Depth Charts
Albright Stats
Wilkes Stats

FIRST MAC MATCH-UP:

This will be the first conference game for either team this year. The Colonels are coming off of an unexpected bye week due to flooding and enter Shirk Stadium for the conclusion of what was originally a season-opening three-game road stretch.

OLD VS. NEW SCHOOL:

Head coach John Marzka represents a new era of football for Albright College. Since coming to the Lions, Marzka has turned around the program and led them to a 33-14 record over four-plus seasons. The Colonels have been led for the last 16 years by Frank Sheptock - the record-holder for most wins of any coach in program history with 94. Both are examples of the great leadership that will be on the sidelines on Saturday.

TANDEM TOSSERS:

The on-going Albright quarterback battle has yet to resolve itself, but that may be more of a benefit than a point of concern for the red and white. Both TJ Luddy and Adam Galczynski are taking snaps under center for the Lions, having completed 68% of about 20 passing attempts each, with equal TD/INT ratios.

ALBRIGHT OFFENSE:

The Lions' offensive strategy will continue to focus around senior running back Josan Holmes. He will need to continue carrying the ball 20+ times a contest to help control the pace of the game and open up the passing attack. Seniors Josh Bakala and Scott Pillar have the ability to help Albright's quarterbacks in a game where they will surely need to move the ball through the air.

ALBRIGHT DEFENSE:

Seniors Mark Bergery and Nelson Delgado lead the team in tackles going into the game while the impact of junior Don Gould (two sacks in two games) continues to make the Albright pass rush as fearsome as any in the league.

SERIES HISTORY:

This will be the 35th meeting between the Lions and Colonels. Last year's game was a hard fought battle that ended in favor of Wilkes, 38-35. Albright holds the series lead with a record of 19-16.

THE COLONELS:

Wilkes' aerial assault carried them in week one, but it was their inability to stop the pass on defense that was ultimately responsible for their demise.

WILKES OFFENSE:

Wilkes University can be expected to come out firing on Saturday. In week one, quarterback Alex George threw for 216 yards and three TDs while completing 20 of his 26 passes. The main beneficiary of George's success was Todd Eagles, who caught eight passes for 143 yards and all three touchdowns. George and leading rusher Zach Tivald each broke long plays on the ground as well.

WILKES DEFENSE:

With five senior defensive linemen returning as well as linebacker and preseason All-American Tate Moore-Jacobs, the Lions will face a stiff opposition. Moore-Jacobs had 11 tackles in week one including one interception. Wilkes' secondary will have to improve for the Colonels to have success, after it surrendered over 400 yards and four TDs through the air last week.

PRESEASON POLLS:

Both teams are vying for a spot atop the MAC, and their battle begins this weekend in Shirk Stadium. Wilkes was picked to finish third this season while Albright was picked to finish fifth; neither team received any first place votes.

WILKES' KEYS TO THE GAME:

1) Stop the run – The Lions have enjoyed Holmes and the ground game. The Colonels will look to limit Holmes' impact and force the young passing attack of the Lions to make plays.
2) Rush the QB – Getting to the quarterback will be important for the Wilkes defense. Forcing pressured, errant throws will help the bruised secondary.
3) QB Play – Alex George played extremely well last week, completing 77% of his pass attempts. Moving the ball against the Lions defense will be no easy feat, so expect his play to set the tone for the Colonel offense.

ALBRIGHT'S KEYS TO THE GAME:

1) Air Attack – The Lions offense will need to move the ball down the field in the air in order to win against a secondary that gave up four TDs two weeks ago.
2) No Big Plays – Through the air and on the ground, Wilkes QB Alex George led his team with big yardage gains two weeks ago. Limiting long runs and big passes will force the Colonels to use the ground game; something that Albright can defend well.
3) Attack Early and Often – Wilkes is coming off a “bye week” and Albright must take advantage. Getting up early will allow Holmes to take over and control the pace of the game.