Newtown, Pa. – On Thursday afternoon the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) announced the Football Preseason Coaches' poll. The Lions will open the season as the number 10 team in the conference.
 
FULL MAC RELEASE
 
Prior to this season Shaun Weaver was named the 21^st head coach in school history after previously serving on Albright's defensive staff for four seasons and most recently as Frostberg State's defensive line coach. 
 
Assisting coach Weaver on the sidelines will be a number of returners including both coordinators. Danny Collins will take charge of the offense after being promoted to offensive coordinator while retaining his title of quarterbacks coach. Mark Fetterman Will begin year two as the defensive coordinator and will look to build upon a defensive effort that allowed the second fewest passing touchdowns in the conference (11). 
 
Additional staff returners include Joseph Detorie IV, Antwan Rogers Jr., and John Leighty while Jeff Knarr and Michael Cruz Jr. return as the team's directors of Player Personnel and Football Operations. 
 
The Lions will open 2025 with two road games beginning with Gallaudet (9/5) and then jumping right into conference play against Misericordia (9/13). 
 
After their two-game road trip, the home opener for the Lions will take place on Saturday (9/20) against Delaware Valley followed by the 74^th Rajah Shrine Pretzel Bowl against Widener (9/27). 
 
The team's third home game (10/25) against FDU-Florham will kick off the school's Homecoming weekend. 
 
Following a road matchup against King's, the Lion's will conclude their regular season with home games against Stevenson (11/8) and Senior Day against Lebanon Valley (11/15). 
 
Key returners for the Lions on offense include Chase Roberts (QB), John Boston (RB) and Alden Stickler (WR). Roberts appeared in all 10 games last season and put-up back-to-back 300+ yard passing efforts against Eastern and Misericordia. Boston led the team in scrimmage yards (600) and four total touchdowns. Stickler proved himself to be a big play threat in 2024 and led the team in receptions (28), receiving yards (499) and receiving touchdowns (4). Stickler's four touchdowns tied Boston for the team lead. 
 
Key defensive returners include Samuel Moratori and CJ Partridge. Moratori found himself involved in almost every play last season and finished as the team leader in total tackles (111) and was named Second Team All-Conference as a result. Partridge missed all of last season with an injury but was an impact player in 2023 and tied for the team lead in interceptions with three to go along with five pass breakups.