Erie, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Football team heads to Clarion for a matchup with the Golden Eagles after falling 20-17 to No. 17 Slippery Rock last week.
All-Time Series
Mercyhurst Leads 8-4
Last Mercyhurst Win: Nov. 9, 2019, 57-10
Last Clarion Win: Sept. 24, 2016, 35-34
Largest Margin of Victory Mercyhurst: Nov. 9, 2019, 57-10
Largest Margin of Victory Clarion: Oct. 4, 2015, 41-27
Getting Defensive
The Mercyhurst defense held an explosive Slippery Rock offense to just 20 points last Saturday. The Laker defense forced four Slippery Rock turnovers by forcing six fumbles and recovering three as well as intercepting a pass. It was the most turnovers the Lakers have forced since taking the ball away from Clarion five times on Nov. 9, 2019.
Defensive Touchdown
Jehrod Gregory took one of the Slippery Rock turnovers 30-yards for a touchdown. His scoop and score was also the first defensive score since the 2019 contest with Clarion when Jacob Holl had a 37-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
Schaetzle's Final Season
Marty Schaetzle announced that he would retire at the end of the season. In his 20th season, Schaetzle has led the Lakers in two conferences and one PSAC title. Assistant Head Coach Ryan Riemedio has been tabbed the next head coach of the Laker program.
Dynamic Duo
The Laker defense has been keyed by a pair of dynamic linebackers, Jacob Holl and Thomas Zacharyasz. The duo has combined for 20+ tackles in each of the last five games including 31 against Slippery Rock on Saturday. Both rank in the top 10 in the PSAC in tackles per game with Holl ranking second at 9.6 and Zacharyasz checks in at fourth with 9.4.
Spreading the Ball
The Lakers have scored 10 touchdowns through the air this season with eight different players pulling in a touchdown pass. Mercyhurst have had 18 different players catch a pass this season. Jason Armstrong has 32 catches for 298 yards and three scores. Cameron Barmore adds 24 receptions for 332 yards and two scores.
Scouting the Golden Eagles
Clarion slipped to 0-7 overall and 0-4 in PSAC West play after a 49-0 loss to Seton Hill on Saturday. Clarion has used a pair of quarterbacks in Taylor Eggers and Zechariah Sanderson. Both players have 88 attempts with Eggers passing for 657 yards and seven touchdowns while Sanderson has two scores and 514 yards. Quinn Zinoble is the top target for Clarion catching 29 pass for 494 and six touchdowns. Khalil Owens leads the rushing attack with 229 yards and a touchdown. Karem Hamdon has 57 total tackles with 4.5 coming for a loss. Drew Blon adds 48 stops.
Up Next
The Lakers close out PSAC West play with a matchup with crosstown rival Gannon at Saxon Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon while the game will also be broadcasted locally on the CW along with the PSAC Digital Network.
