Complete Game Notes

ERIE, Pa. - Coming off its most complete win of 2011, defeating C.W. Post in convincing fashion 34-7 last Saturday at Tullio Field, the Mercyhurst College football team will take to the road for the first time in 2011, traveling to Lock Haven on Saturday in the PSAC West opener for both schools.

Mercyhurst brings a 2-1 overall mark to Hubert Jack Stadium, including a perfect 3-0 lifetime record against the Bald Eagles. Lock Haven, meanwhile, is 0-2 on the season, and has lost 34 consecutive games, including 21 straight conference contests. The Lakers have outscored the Bald Eagles 109-21 in their three previous meetings.

However, the Lakers definitely know that if they don't come to play, Lock Haven's streak of futility could come to an end.



Offensively, the Lakers are clicking, especially the senior connection of Travis Rearick-to-Trevor Kennedy. Rearick has thrown for 796 yards in the last two contests, including a career-high 424 in the 35-28 loss to Kutztown. Last week, the senior quarterback threw for 372 yards and two scores. He currently leads the PSAC in passing yards per game (356.3) and total offense per game (378.7) and is also among the nation's leaders in both statistical categories.

However, overshadowing Rearick may be his favorite target, Kennedy. The Akron, Ohio native is on pace to shatter all kinds of single-season records at Mercyhurst, having already caught 23 passes for 463 yards and seven touchdowns in three games. The last two weeks alone, Kennedy has reeled in six touchdowns and 399 yards, including a career-high 206 yards in the win over C.W. Post. The week prior, he caught a school record four touchdown passes in the loss to Kutztown.

Kennedy currently leads the country in receiving yards per game (154.3) and is among the conference's and nation's leaders in receptions per game (7.67), all-purpose yards per game (179.7), and points scored per game (14.00).

As mentioned, the Lakers are coming off their most impressive victory of the young season, outscoring the Pioneers 34-7 and outgaining C.W. Post 455-123.

Senior linebacker Ian Wild was named the PSAC West Defensive Player of the Week, marking the second Laker to earn a weekly conference award this season. Rearick was named the PSAC West Offensive Player of the Week in week one. Wild registered 10 total stops on Saturday, also forced two fumbles, one of which he recovered to set up a Mercyhurst score. Wild also broke up a pass and had a tackle for a loss in the victory. He was later named the ECAC Division II Defensive Player of the Week.

However, despite the lopsided victory, Mercyhurst dropped out of the AFCA's Division II poll for the first time since the Lakers upset third-ranked California (Pa.) last season, 31-21. The Lakers are currently the top team listed among others receiving votes.

Lock Haven, meanwhile, comes in with an 0-2 mark and has not won a game in 34 consecutive tries. Lock Haven's last victory came in the season finale of the 2007 season, a 17-14 overtime win against Clarion.

The Bald Eagles were clipped by Kutztown last week 49-6, one week after nearly knocking off Millersville, losing by the score of 21-20. Sophomore running back Brandon Brader has had a fine start to the season, having carried 43 times for 214 yards in two games. Brader has rushed for more than 100 yards in both games this season, the first time a Lock Haven running back has had consecutive 100-yard games since 2004.

The Bald Eagles have improved, statistically, at both ends of the field. However, a major concern is that opponents are converting nearly 60% of third-down opportunities, which bodes well for Mercyhurst, who are converting at 44% - second in the conference.

The Lakers and Bald Eagles will kickoff from Hubert Jack Stadium in Lock Haven at 3 p.m.