Albright College (4-0/2-0 MAC) at Lycoming College (2-1/0-1 MAC)

The Lions of Albright College will be on the road for the second straight week, this time to face the Warriors of Lycoming College. Albright is in search of its fifth win this season and third in MAC conference play. Coming off another big game on both sides of the ball, the Lions will look for continued support from a threatening passing attack and impenetrable defense.

Where: David Person Field (Williamsport, Pa.)
When: 1:30 PM

Albright Depth Chart
Albright Stats
Lycoming Depth Chart
Lycoming Stats

LiveStats: http://www.lycoming.edu/liveStats/football/
Live Audio: http://www.teamline.cc/sportpage?teamcode=5466&eventcode=20

LIONS LAST WEEK:

Sophomore safety Drew Peterson and senior wide receiver Scott Pillar continued their on-field success in Albright's 57-17 victory over King's College. The Lions recorded eight touchdowns and forced three turnovers as they continued their winning ways in 2011.

ALBRIGHT HONORS:

Again this week a Lion was named to the BSN National Team of the Week. This time it was safety Drew Peterson. Peterson's team-high seven tackles, along with two interceptions – one returned for a touchdown – were enough to earn him the honor one week after Pillar's selection. Peterson was also named the MAC Defensive Player of the Week. Pillar's achievements didn't cease after last week either, as he was named to the MAC Honor Roll.

ALBRIGHT OFFENSE:

The Lions passing attack has been dominating the national statistical categories, thanks to a strong group of receivers. Lions quarterback Adam Galczynski is currently the NCAA Division III leader in passing efficiency, while Pillar ranks ninth with 522 receiving yards and 13th in receiving yards per game (130.5). What makes this offense so dynamic is its depth, highlighted by the successes of TJ Luddy at quarterback and Josh Bakala and Caleb Shilko at wide receiver.

ALBRIGHT DEFENSE:

Week after week, the Lions' defense has been able to create turnovers that have led to Albright points. The Lions have recorded at least one interception in all four games this season. Leading tackler Mark Bergery and cornerback David Webb each have one interception, while Peterson leads the team with three, two of which have been returned for touchdowns.

SERIES HISTORY:

Last year when these two teams collided, the game ended in favor of Lycoming 50-0. The blowout was one of the worst in Lions' history, despite Albright entering that game with the highest-ranked offense in the MAC. Similarly, the Lions enter this week's matchup with a strong offense, but will look for a far more favorable outcome in 2011.

Lycoming leads the series 32-17-2.
Last five meetings:
LYC 50-0 (2010)
ALB 26-7 (2009)
LYC 23-13 (2008)
ALB 40-7 (2007)
ALB 42-35 (2006)

THE WARRIORS:

The Warriors are coming off of a tough loss to Widener, one that almost became a comeback for the record books. After going down 31-0 in the first half, Lycoming came out in the second half and refused to back down. The Warriors didn't allow a single point after the break and responded by scoring 28 points of their own, falling just short of the victory.

LYCOMING OFFENSE:

Lycoming brings to the table a balanced offense that averaged 154 rushing yards per game and almost 200 passing yards per game. Quarterback Zach Klinger leads the team in scoring with seven total touchdowns (four through the air and three on the ground), making him a dynamic portion of the offense. His target of choice, wide receiver Warren Oliver, ranks second on the team in receptions (11) and leads the team in receiving yards (281) and receiving touchdowns (3).

LYCOMING DEFENSE:

Lycoming's defense boasts an impressive average of just 27.3 yards allowed on the ground per game. Not allowing teams to take control of the clock and moving the ball on the ground late is part of the reason Lycoming has given up just six second-half points all year. Sophomore middle linebacker and team tackles leader Kabongo Bukasa will try to help continue that trend against an offense that has scored more points in the fourth quarter than in any other period of play this season.

LYCOMING'S KEYS TO THE GAME:

1) Balance – Lycoming will not want to become a one-dimensional team as they were forced to be in the second half last week. Look for them to explore the passing game more this week, however, after they had success with it late last week.
2) Keep the ball on the ground – Albright's passing attack ranks among the top in the nation, so allowing the Lions to throw the football effectively will make the task of beating them extremely difficult. With the run defense Lycoming possesses, the Warriors will need to force Albright to run the football.
3) Second-half showdown – Lycoming seems to be an entirely different opponent after the half. Keeping Albright on their toes and not falling behind early will be instrumental in letting the defense take care of putting this one away.

ALBRIGHT'S KEYS TO THE GAME:

1) Turnovers – Albright's defense has created points for the Lions all year long. If the Lions want to walk away victorious, they'll need more of the same this week.
2) Galczynski – Adam Galczynski has earned the right to be his own key. His play has created an offensive attack that rivals any defense, and his success seems to correlate with that of the Lions.
3) Run, run, run – While this may be the most difficult for the Lions to achieve, it may also be the most important.  Backs Josan Holmes and Zach Groff must move the ball late in the game. The Lions will need to control time of possession and put up points in the second half to contend against Lycoming.