READING, Pa. -- When the Albright players and coaching staff looked at the 2015 schedule several games where identified as being critical if they were to reach their goals for the season. This week is one of those games as the 16th-ranked Lions host Delaware Valley in a Middle Atlantic Conference matchup on Saturday (Oct. 24) at 1 p.m. in Shirk Stadium in the 65th annual Pretzel Bowl.
Albright enters the game with a 6-0 record and a 5-0 mark in the MAC, while Delaware Valley has a 5-1 overall record and a 4-1 record in conference play. The Lions sit atop the conference standings, while the Aggies are currently in a three-way tie for second place.
While Albright is averaging 51.3 points per game in the last three contests, points will be a lot harder to come by on Saturday as this game features two of the top defenses in NCAA Division III.
Albright is ranked 16th in the nation allowing just 11.8 points per game, while Delaware Valley is ranked 19th nationally permitting opponents just 12.5 points per contest. Additionally, Albright is ranked 21st in the nation in total defense and third in the nation in turnovers gained with 22.
From an offensive standpoint this game will feature a battle of wills. Delaware Valley enters the game ranked eighth in the nation averaging 309.3 yards per game on the ground, while Albright is ranked 30th in the country permitting just 99.8 yards rushing per game.
Albright has rushed for over 200 yards in three of the past four games, but the Aggie defense is allowing just 99.7 yards per game on the ground.
Albright senior All-American
Daniel Sobolewski could play a vital role in this game as he gives the Lions a big advantage in the kicking game. Sobolewski has converted 9-of-11 field goal attempts this season, while Delaware Valley has converted just one field goal on the year in five attempts. Sobolewski also is ranked sixth in the nation averaging 42.9 yards per punt, which could be key in a game that could very well swing on field position.
Lions freshman quarterback
Mike Knight has been the Lions driving force behind their recent offensive explosion. Knight has completed 76.5 percent of his passes in the last two games and has thrown for 368 yards and two touchdowns. He also has rushed for 115 yards on the ground and two scores in the past two contests.
The trio of
Brian Wickkiser,
Chris Dawson and
Roemello Monroe have helped the Lions churn out 808 yards rushing in the past four games, including a 235-yard effort in the Lions victory over Wilkes.
Sophomore
Malik Jackson has been Knight's favorite target this season as he has a team-high 33 catches for 312 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore
Khari Jefferson leads Albright with three touchdown catches, while
Vinny Williams and
Gerrod Gainer each have two TD receptions.
The Albright defense continues to shine this season as it has not permitted an opponent to score more than 13 points in any of the past five games. It marks the first time an Albright defense has held the opposition under 13 points in five straight games since the 1978 season.
Junior
Kevin Mason leads the Lions with 43 total tackles and ranks among the national leaders with three forced fumbles. Senior
Jamal Hayden leads the Lions with 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, while
Isaiah Baylor has 2.5 sacks on the season.
Senior linebacker
Steve Barroso continued his incredible season last week as he intercepted his team-leading fourth pass of the year. He also has 35 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries and a sack.
All tickets for the 65th Annual Pretzel Bowl are $5 with the proceeds going directly to the Shriner's Charity Funds.
Albright play-by-play announcer Bob McCool will call all the action and the game can be seen and heard on the
Albright Athletic Network.
Albright Game Notes
