Mercyhurst Game Notes vs Notre Dame College

Laker Gameday Central

ERIE, Pa. - Nearly nine months after the record-breaking 2010 season came to a close for the Mercyhurst College football team, the Lakers' chance to repeat history begins on Saturday with a non-conference tilt against Notre Dame College at Tullio Field. Kickoff against the Falcons is slated for 12 p.m.



Last season, the Lakers won a school-record 10 games, won its first-ever conference championship, and advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time in history, where it knocked off Bloomsburg in the second round before bowing to Shepherd in the quarterfinals. 2010 marked the 30th year of football at Mercyhurst College, but now the team's eyes are set on the school's 31st season and the Falcons of Notre Dame College.

Mercyhurst defeated the Falcons 23-0 in the season opener for Mercyhurst, and the program opener for Notre Dame on August 28 of last year. All of the Laker offense came from two players, running back Andrew Bailey, who scored two touchdowns, and kicker Steven Wakefield, who was a perfect 3-of-3 on field goal attempts. The Laker defense stifled the Falcon offense all game long, allowing Notre Dame just 127 yards of total offense, with 34 of those coming on the ground (36 attempts).

The Lakers return three All-PSAC performers on offense this season, led by senior quarterback Travis Rearick, who threw for more than 2,000 yards last season despite taking over the starting job in week six. Also returning is PSAC West Offensive Player of the Year Trevor Kennedy, who was also the championship game's Most Valuable Player when he amassed 250 all-purpose yards in the victory over Bloomsburg. Joining them is Second Team All-PSAC selection Kevin Poropat, who anchors the offensive line.

Defensively, Mercyhurst returns just four starters from a year ago, but does return All-PSAC West First Team selection Ian Wild. Wild shifts to the linebacker position this season and looks to anchor the defense in his senior season. He was last year's PSAC Male-Scholar Athlete of the Year. Joining Wild on defense is three-year starter Bryant Kimball, who is eight tackles shy of 200 for his career. Senior lineman Dan Kruper is working his way up the all-time record books for sacks and tackles for a loss at the college, while senior linebacker Kevin Williams is doing the same in career tackles.

Head coach Marty Schaetzle begins his 10th season with the Lakers, becoming the longest-tenured coach in school history. He also is the all-time winningest coach in program history with 42 victories.

Complete Mercyhurst game notes can be found here.

For additional information on both teams - rosters, schedules, media guides, etc., as well as information about Tullio Field, ticket information, and parking information, please visit Laker Gameday Central. This feature will be updated for each and every game this season.