Albright College (1-0/0-0 MAC) vs. Geneva College (0-1/0-0 PAC)

After an impressive 24-17 come-from-behind victory at Ursinus, the Lions host Geneva College in their 2011 home opener. The game will be a part of the PAC-MAC Challenge, featuring teams from the two conferences squaring off.

When: Saturday, September 10th
Where: Shirk Stadium
Start time: 6 p.m.
Ticket Prices: Reserved Seating: $7, General Admission: $5, Senior Citizens and Children: $3, Albright Students and Staff (with ID): Free

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

Game Program
2011 Albright Media Guide
Albright Depth Chart
Albright Stats
Geneva Depth Chart
Geneva Stats

2011 PAC-MAC CHALLENGE:

Other games featured in the challenge include:
Delaware Valley @ Washington and Jefferson
FDU-Florham @ St. Vincent
King's @ Bethany
Lebanon Valley @ Grove City
Lycoming @ Westminster
Widener @ Thiel
Wilkes @ Waynesburg

THE LIONS LAST WEEKEND:

The outlook was bleak for Albright after three turnovers all led to points and gave Ursinus a 17-7 halftime lead, with the Bears set to receive in the second half. The Lion defense tightened up and locked down UC for rest of game however, and a blocked field goal helped key a comeback, 24-17 Albright win.

ALBRIGHT OFFENSE:

The Albright offense starts with senior caption Josan Holmes, who had two touchdowns last week including a 63-yard catch-and-run that featured multiple broken tackles. The Lions rotate two talented quarterbacks, as sophomore TJ Luddy gets the start and junior Adam Galczynski (133 yards and a TD vs. Ursinus) is ready off the bench. Captain Jake Bentsen leads the offensive line, and upperclassmen wide receivers Josh Bakala, Scott Pillar and Caleb Shilko are all threats.

ALBRIGHT DEFENSE:

Albright's young defense proved it was ready to step up by shutting down Ursinus for the entire second half of a comeback win. Defensive highlights included a key red zone stand that led to a blocked field goal in the third quarter, and sophomore cornerback David Webb locking up the victory with an interception at the 5-yard line, with under a minute to play and Albright leading by just seven. Captain Mark Bergery made 10 tackles and broke up three passes in the secondary, while influential linebacker Ryan Ott was back in the lineup after a medical redshirt in 2010.

ALBRIGHT SPECIAL TEAMS:

The Lions' special teams are led by senior Brooks Mitzkewich, who handles both punts and kickoffs. Freshman Jordan Loiodice kicked a crucial late field goal in his first collegiate game last week to cap the victory at Ursinus. Senior Josan Holmes and sophomore Drew Peterson are among Albright's top return men.

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 Saturday's match-up will only be the fourth time that Albright has faced Geneva. The Lions have out-scored the Golden Tornadoes by an average of 22 points over three victories for the Red and White.

Albright leads series 3-0
2010 – AC 54-27
1938 - AC 19-0
1937 - AC 20-0

SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION:

Geneva was 5-5 in 2010, including a victory over the Frostburg State team that just beat them in Week One. A former NAIA powerhouse, the Golden Tornadoes have just completed a four-year provisional period as part of their transition to the NCAA.

HEAD COACH:

Geneva's Gene DeMarco is now in his 19th season with the Golden Tornadoes and is the all-time winningest coach in school history, with 121 victories.

THE TORNADOES LAST WEEKEND:

Geneva stormed back from an early 14-0 deficit to tie the game, but ultimately fell 34-21 to Frostburg State in its season opener. The Golden Tornadoes allowed 222 yards rushing in the contest.

GENEVA OFFENSE:

An explosive Geneva offense averaged 28 points and almost 400 yards per game last season. A deep, veteran offensive line attempts to protect new starting quarterback Zach Hayward, who threw for 299 yards and 2 TDs in his first career start last week. Senior AJ Delmonico totaled 109 yards on eight catches in the loss to Frostburg State.

GENEVA DEFENSE:

Geneva's defense yielded 54 points to the Lions a year ago, and struggled overall for the first six games of the season. However, a young defensive group matured and cut opponent's points-per-game output in half over the final four contests of 2010. Key returners in 2011 include senior defensive backs Marcus Costanza and Jon Baldwin, and defensive lineman Dan Dillman.

GENEVA SPECIAL TEAMS:

Both Phil Hayden and Jake Delmonica (A.J.'s brother) averaged over 20 yards per kickoff return in last week's opener. John Lord handles kickoffs while Bryan Visingardi takes the field goal attempts.

PAC PRESEASON POLL:

In its first season as a full member of Division III, Geneva was eligible to be voted on in the PAC preseason poll for the first time. The Golden Tornadoes were picked sixth overall, with three-time defending champion Thomas Moore (24 of 26 first-place votes) earning the top spot.

MOMENT OF SILENCE:

One day before the 10th anniversary of 9/11, a brief moment of silence will be held before kickoff.

NEXT UP FOR ALBRIGHT:

Next up for the Lions is their 2011 MAC opener, at home to Wilkes. Kickoff is at 1:00 on Saturday, September 17.