WHEELING, W.Va. -- The Mercyhurst football team will take the field for the first time in 511 days when they travel to Wheeling Island Stadium for a 3 p.m. matchup with Shepherd University. 

The Lakers return experience on defense with a youthful outlook on the offensive side of the ball. 

"The players are extremely excited to get on the field against another team," said head coach Marty Schaetzle. "The guys want to show what they have learned on the practice field and apply it to game situation." 

The Lakers will lean on an experienced defensive line and linebacking corps. The Lakers three top sack producers from 2019 return in Bradley Burrows, Ayron Thompson and Jacob Holl. 

The Lakers will look to replace senior signal caller Doug Altavilla with a host of young talent at the quarterback position. Mercyhurst will also need to find production from the skill position players at running back and wide receiver. 

The tight end room returns a host of talent with first-team All-PSAC selection Jason Armstorong and sophomore Dustin Shoaf leading the way. 

"As a coaching staff we are looking at a players mentality and execution," said Schaetzle "For some of our players it will be the first time competing at the college level. Their play in these games will give us a great starting point for next fall."