The Mercyhurst Football team looks to build on last week's 38-20 win on the road against Clarion, as they host Erie rival Gannon on the CW Network in their final PSAC West contest of the season.
All-Time Series
Mercyhurst Leads 16-7-1
Last Mercyhurst Win: Nov. 2, 2019, 28-7
Last Gannon Win: April 24, 2021, 28-21 (OT)
Largest Margin of Victory Mercyhurst: Oct. 17, 2013, 51-21
Largest Margin of Victory Gannon: April 24, 2021, 28-21 (OT)
How to Watch
Mercyhurst University and Lilly Broadcasting are partnering to televise Saturday's football game against Gannon. Fans will be able to be view the game on the CW Network (Spectrum: Channel 3 or 1003, Dish Network: Channel 3 or 7048, DirecTV: Channel 36, and 35.2 over the air). Lilly Broadcasting viewers reach the tri-state area with Erie County, Crawford County and Warren County being the primary viewing areas. Fans outside of the televised area will still be able to view the game on the Mercyhurst Sports Network.
Thank You Sir, May I Pick Another
The Mercyhurst defense created a season-high five turnovers last week against Clarion, all of which were interceptions. Four of the five picks came in the second half, with Ryan Funa's resulting in the Lakers' second defensive touchdown over the last two games. The secondary (2), linebackers (2) and defensive line (1) were all responsible for at least one interception.
Better Late Than Never
The Mercyhurst run game was stagnant to say the least in the opening parts of the season, ranked towards the bottom in Division II. The Lakers have found more success on the ground starting in week seven once David Alize got into the mix. Alize combined for 127 yards on 30 touches in weeks seven and eight, before a season-high 101 yards on 25 carries last week. Alize only tallied three carries all year prior to the Edinboro matchup.
One Last Hoorah
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. This week serves as his last home game.
Dynamic Duo
The Laker defense has been keyed by a pair of dynamic linebackers, Jacob Holl and Thomas Zacharyasz. Holl finds himself ranked 18th in the nation in tackles per game with 9.8, while Zacharyasz is not too far behind at 9.2 per outing, good for t-28th in DII.
Spreading the Ball
The Lakers have scored 13 touchdowns through the air this season with eight different players pulling in a touchdown pass. Mercyhurst have had 19 different players catch a pass this season. Jason Armstrong has 34 catches for 353 yards and four scores. Cameron Barmore adds 25 receptions for 355 yards and three scores. Joe Carter threw for 202 yards and three TDs last week.
Scouting Gannon
The Golden Knights head into the PSAC West finale at 4-5, 3-3 in conference play. They come off a 63-21 loss to #15 Slippery Rock, the third time this year they have allowed 38+ points. Melvin Blanks leads the run game with 965 yards and eight TDs, Johnny Freeman has 26 catches for 434 yards, and Kory Curtis has collected 1866 yards with an 18-4 TD to INT ratio. Trey Baker leads the Gannon defense with 66 tackles. The Golden Knights are searching for their first win at Mercyhurst since 2015.
Up Next
The Lakers are currently slated for a road contest against Shippensburg next Saturday to close out their season. That game will kick off at 1 p.m.
