Mercyhurst Game Notes vs Kutztown

Laker Gameday Central

ERIE, Pa. - It's not every Saturday, especially early in the season, that two nationally-ranked football teams get the opportunity to square off. But, this Saturday at Tullio Field, that opportunity exists for the 18th-ranked Mercyhurst Lakers. Coming off a 24-23 overtime victory over Notre Dame College in the season opener last week, Mercyhurst will host 19th-ranked Kutztown on Saturday with kickoff slated for 12 p.m.



The Lakers played just their fourth overtime game in school history a week ago (first ever on opening day) in knocking off Notre Dame College. The Lakers had leads of 10-0 and 17-7 in the game, but the Falcons kept coming and forced overtime on a 37-yard field goal by Chris McClearn with just under four minutes left. In overtime, Notre Dame had the opening possession and scored on its first play from scrimmage, on a trick-play pass from running back Jack Foy back to quarterback Rob Partridge. But, McClearn would miss the extra point, leaving the door wide open for the Lakers. On the seventh play in overtime, senior quarterback Travis Rearick just got across the goal line from a yard out and sophomore Steven Wakefield booted the point after for the victory.

Rearick, on the day, finished 29-of-45 passing for 273 yards and two scores, and carried the ball six times for 49 yards and the tying touchdown in overtime. He accounted for 322 yards of total offense and all three touchdowns en route to winning the PSAC West Offensive Player of the Week award. Rearick found his favorite target, Trevor Kennedy, early in the second quarter, to give the Lakers a 7-0 lead. Rearick's other touchdown strike went to the hands of fullback Jeff Groene from two yards out midway through the third.

Defensively, senior Ian Wild led the way with nine tackles, while seniors Bryant Kimball and Nick Jackson each had seven tackles apiece. Senior Linnell Robinson and redshirt freshman Deonte Huggins each had their first career interception on Saturday as well. 

Kutztown, who set a school record for total yards in a game on Saturday, moved up four spots in the rankings after defeating Saint Anselm 56-30. The Golden Bears racked up 697 yards of total offense, including 384 yards on the ground. The running back duo of junior Josh Mastromatto and senior Robbie Frey accounted for 260 rushing yards, while junior quarterback Kevin Morton threw for 313 yards and six touchdowns. The Golden Bear defense also forced four turnovers in the victory - two interceptions and two fumbles.

In week two last season, the Lakers lost at Kutztown 35-14, marking the first meeting between the two programs. Morton threw for 364 yards and three scores, all to wide receiver Josh Smith. However, the Laker defense was able to pick Morton off five times in the game, three by Brandon Harper, who was lost to graduation after the season. The Lakers did hold the Golden Bears to just 58 yards on the ground on 25 attempts. Mercyhurst, offensively, had a strong game from Gerald Anderson who had 119 yards on 16 carries, including a 70-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. That run is the fifth-longest in Mercyhurst history. 

This Saturday, Mercyhurst will also be honoring veterans and their families to mark the 10-year anniversary of September 11. All veterans and their families will receive free admission to the game in honor of their duty to serve and protect our country. The colors, before the game, will be presented by the Cathedral Prep ROTC. Again, kickoff for Saturday's showdown starts at 12 p.m. at Tullio Field.

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.