Albright College Lions (5-3, 4-3) vs. Misericordia University Cougars (0-8, 0-7)

The Albright College football team was seeking a second road victory over a nationally-ranked opponent last Saturday, as the Lions visited #12 Widener. The Red and White had their chances but ultimately fell short, with a Widener goal line stand in the fourth quarter playing a major role. Now with two regular season games left, the Lions (5-3) are looking to improve their ECAC candidacy heading into a home finale against Misericordia.
 
When: Saturday, November 3
Where: Shirk Stadium
Start Time: 1:00 p.m.
 
Gameday Media:
Live Video: http://mac.ezstream.com/
Live Stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/albright/football
Live Audio (ESPN Williamsport): player.streamtheworld.com/liveplayer.php?callsign=MISERICORDIA
Live Audio (Misericordia Student Radio): http://www.cougarradio.net/live-feed/

Senior Day Game Program
Albright Stats
Albright Roster
Albright Depth Chart
Misericordia Stats
Misericordia Roster
Misericordia Depth Chart

SENIOR DAY:

Today is Albright's final regular season home game and the Lions' graduating student-athletes will be recognized before kickoff. This year's seniors are Richie Applegate, Josh Barndt, Jake Bentsen, Troy Brennan, Shane Catts, Malik Compton, Adam Galczynski, Jim Gallagher, Zach Groff, JT Harding, Miller Hinds, Ty Hughes, Ed Leech, Tim McCaffrey, Ryan Ott, Matt Pattison, Scott Pillar, John Reimer, Marty Reinhardt, Caleb Shilko and Dan Wenclewicz. Also being recognized is cheerleader Hillary Houck.

ALL-TIME SERIES:

This is the inaugural meeting between Albright and Misericordia, a first-year program.

HEAD COACHES:

John Marzka is 42-22 since taking over at Albright, and has a MAC co-championship (2008) and National Coach of the Year award (2009) on his resume. Mark Ross is leading the Cougars in their inaugural season, after previously serving as the defensive coordinator at Ithaca.

MAC PICTURE:

Widener (8-0, 7-0) moved a step closer to the MAC's automatic bid by beating the Lions, but still has a tough season finale on November 10 vs. Delaware Valley (6-2, 6-1). A DVC win in that game could still create a three-way tie for first place with Lycoming (6-2, 6-1).

ALBRIGHT OFFENSE: 

Pillar earned his third MAC Offensive Player of the Week honor in 2012 after a 13-catch, 223-yard, 3-TD performance against nationally-ranked Widener. Pillar currently ranks 13th in the nation in receptions (7.63/game) and 15th in receiving yards (105.38/game).

Quarterback TJ Luddy has completed 64.4% of his passes for 1406 yards, 13 TDs and just six interceptions for a Lions offense that averages 395.3 yards and 29.4 points per game.

ALBRIGHT DEFENSE: 

Junior safety Joe Magosin intercepted two passes in the second half against Widener, following a forced fumble in a shutout of FDU. He is part of a promising young Albright secondary that includes two-time BSN National Defensive Player of the Week Drew Peterson and d3football.com All-Region selection Matthew Hnatiuk (both juniors), and sophomore Chris Stephens (35 tackles, 7 pass breakups).

ALBRIGHT SPECIAL TEAMS: 

The Lions had an extra-point blocked in the loss to Widener, the first time Albright has had a kick of any kind blocked since 2010.

WEEKLY AWARDS:

Pillar was named both a BSN National Offensive Player of the Week and to the D3football.com National Team of the Week following his performance vs. Widener.

Pillar is the second Lion recognized this year by D3football.com, one of three national organizations to reward Albright players in 2012. Peterson was named by both D3football.com and BSN after two interceptions against Wilkes, and freshman kicker Daniel Sobolewski was the ncaa.com National Special Teams Player of the Week vs. Stevenson.

The Lions have also won a number of MAC weekly awards this season. Hughes (week one), Luddy (week two) and Pillar (three times) have garnered MAC Offensive Player of the Week recognition, while Peterson (Defense), Sobolewski (Special Teams) and Mark Krisak (Special Teams) also have MAC weekly honors in 2012.

MISERICORDIA OFFENSE: 

The Cougars offense has scored seven touchdowns in their first collegiate season. The first-ever MU touchdown was a pass from quarterback Jeff Puckett to tight end Dean Lucchesi against Lebanon Valley.

Puckett has completed 54.3 percent of his passes for six touchdowns on the season. He is questionable for this week's game with an injury however, and could be replaced by freshman Michael Pheasant. Cody Lamoreaux has rushed for 351 yards on 96 carries.

MISERICORDIA DEFENSE: 

Freshman Michael Cornerford leads the Cougars with 25 solo tackles (45 total). Classmate Hunter Pates has 42 tackles, and two forced fumbles on the season.

MISERICORDIA SPECIAL TEAMS: 

Senior Steve Clemson, a member of the MU track team, has taken on kicking duties and converted both of his field goals and 6-of-7 PATs.

Greg Zotian has blocked two kicks on special teams. Freshman Juwan Petties-Jackson returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown at Wilkes.

LIONS NEXT WEEK:

Albright concludes its regular season with a trip to rival Lebanon Valley next Saturday. The game will likely be a battle for fourth place in the MAC, and the Lions could also use a victory to bolster their chances of being selected for an ECAC bowl game.