Albright College (0-0/0-0 MAC) at Ursinus College (0-0/0-0 Centennial)
After introducing a large number of young players in a 5-5 2010 campaign, the Albright Lions are older, more experienced, and ready to take on all comers in 2011. Albright opens up its season with a tough trip to Ursinus, where the Bears will be breaking in a brand-new turf field.
When: Saturday, September 4th
Where: Patterson Field (Collegeville, Pa.)
Start time: 7 p.m.
Webcast (Audio): http://www.teamline.cc/sportpage?teamcode=5466&eventcode=20
LiveStats: http://livestats.prestosports.com/ursinus/
2011 Albright Roster
2010 Albright Statistics
2011 Ursinus Roster
2010 Ursinus Statistics
LIONS OUTLOOK:
The Lions were 5-5 last season after an 11-2 campaign in 2009 that saw the team reach the NCAA quarterfinals and earn a #9 national ranking. With a young team getting valuable experience last year, head coach John Marzka expects his talented and athletic squad to be more mature and ready to handle the rigors of the Middle Atlantic Conference this fall. Albright will also benefit from a spring trip to Canada that included a victory over Vanier College and the chance to hold 10 extra padded practices. That experience will be even more valuable in developing some of the 2010 newcomers who will now be called upon to fill major roles.
2011 CAPTAINS:
This year's captains include senior running back Josan Holmes, junior offensive lineman Jake Bentsen and senior cornerback Mark Bergery. Holmes rushed for an Albright-record 16 TDs in 2010, and already holds the school career record for rushing touchdowns as well. Bentsen has earned the reputation of a tireless worker and will anchor the Lions' offensive line. Bergery had 47 tackles and two picks last season.
QUARTERBACK BATTLE:
Sophomore T.J. Luddy out-fought a crowd of competitors for the quarterback job and earned the starting nod heading into this season. He will have to fight to keep it however, as 2010 starter Adam Galczynski (1179 yards, 5 TDs) is back and should see time under center as well.
ALBRIGHT OFFENSE:
Luddy will have options to throw to with returning receivers Scott Pillar (26 catches, 3 TDs) and Josh Bakala (2 TDs). Both are seniors. The backup running back position is open after junior Ty Hughes went down with an injury.
ALBRIGHT DEFENSE:
This could be Marzka's most athletic defense ever, led by Bergery and linebacker Ryan Ott- who returns after a season-ending injury in 2010. Two All-MAC defensive ends will key a dangerous Albright pass rush- senior Francis Hall (2.5 sacks) and junior Don Gould (2 sacks). Sophomore Drew Peterson should step into a starting role at safety, while classmates Paul Hobbs and Matt Filosa could take over at linebacker.
MAC PRESEASON POLL:
The Lions were picked fifth in this year's Middle Atlantic Conference preseason coaches poll. Three-time defending champion Delaware Valley was picked first, but a competitive league also saw Lycoming and Widener earn first-place votes.
SERIES HISTORY:
This will be the seventh meeting in less than a decade for these two squads, renewing a rivalry that originally took place sporadically from 1912 to 1937. The series includes a 0-0 tie, way back in 1937.
Albright leads 10-7-1
Last 10 meetings:
2010- UC 21-13
2009 - AC 28-3
2006 - UC 32-16
2005 - AC 34-33
2004 - AC 51-34
2003 - AC 37-19
1937 - T 0-0
1935 - AC 23-0
1931 - UC 13-7
1929 - AC 18-0
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION:
UC finished 8-2 last season, and earned a three-way split of the Centennial Conference title with Muhlenberg and Johns Hopkins. After a 7-0 start, the Bears were ranked as high as 21st in the AFCA National Coaches Poll.
URSINUS OFFENSE:
The Bears return four All-Centennial selections on offense, including sophomore running back Bryan Ellis, a first-team selection as a freshman. Ellis rushed for 793 yards and two touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Nick Giarratano was a second-team selection after grabbing 11 touchdown catches last season. His next TD catch will set an Ursinus career record. The Bears also return an impressive offensive line, led by All-Conference blockers Anthony Figueroa and Mike D'Amico.
URSINUS DEFENSE:
The Ursinus defense will also benefit from four returning All-Conference players, led by junior defensive back Chris Rountree, a former ECAC Rookie of the Year. Rountree picked off five passes in 2010. Joining him in a playmaking secondary is classmate Joe Henry (2 INTs, 2.5 sacks). Juniors dominate the Bears' defense, as third-year players Greg Martell and Sean Whelan also return after outstanding 2010 campaigns. Martell, a linebacker, led the team with 69 tackles, while Whelan, a defensive lineman, registered 3.5 sacks.
URSINUS SPECIAL TEAMS:
Ursinus also has a returning All-Conference honoree on special teams in junior punter Derek Giannetti. A Centennial All-Star in his freshman year as well, Giannetti averaged 36.9 yards per punt in 2010.
CENTENNIAL PRESEASON POLL:
The Bears were picked second in this year's preseason coaches poll, coming in behind preseason favorites Johns Hopkins (14 first place votes). Muhlenberg (3rd, 4 first place votes) and Franklin & Marshall (4th, 2 first place votes) both received less consistent support than Ursinus despite earning top votes.
NEXT UP FOR ALBRIGHT:
Next up for the Lions is their home opener against Geneva in the PAC-MAC Challenge. Kick-off is at 6:00 p.m. at Shirk Stadium on September 10.
