ERIE, Pa. -- For the first time in 672 days, the Mercyhurst football team will take the field at Saxon Stadium when they host Alderson Broaddus Saturday at 6 p.m.

Special Events
The Lakers will play under the lights at Saxon Stadium for the second time in history and the first time since the season opener in 2019. The Lakers will also alcoholic beverages for the first time at Saxon Stadium. Fans can purchase beer, wine and seltzers at the concession stand and on the new patio overlooking Saxon Stadium just behind Alumni Hill. All alcohol sales will be cash only. Sales will start at 5 p.m. and end at the conclusion of the third quarter. No outside alcohol will be permitted inside Saxon Stadium.

A New Opponent
The season opener features a first-time opponent for the Lakers. Alderson Broaddus has had varsity football since 2013. This will be the first time that the Lakers and Battlers will meet on the football field.

Schaetzle's Announces Retirement 
On July 22, head coach Marty Schaetzle annouced his retirement at the end of the season. Schaetzle enters his 20th season at the helm of the Laker program. He is the winningest coach in the Laker history with 93 victories. He has guided the Lakers as they transitioned from the GLIAC to the PSAC. He led the Lakers to the 2010 PSAC Championship and an NCAA Regional appearance. Assistant head coach Ryan Riemedio will assume head coaching duties after the 2021 season.

Home at Last 
When the Lakers hit the field on Saturday it will be their first game inside Saxon Stadium in 672 days. Mercyhurst won its last home game 28-7 over Gannon on Nov. 2, 2019. 
All-PSAC Selections Returning: The Lakers return three All-PSAC selections from the 2019 squad in tight end Jason Armstrong, and defensive linemen Ayron Thompson and Bradley Burrows. Armstrong led the team in touchdown catches with six. He hauled in 21 passes for 233 yards. Burrows and Thompson combined for 22.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks in the 2019 season.

In the Trenches 
Mercyhurst will have some new faces at the skill positions but up front on both sides of the ball there is plenty of returning experience. On offense Dylan Browning and Thomas Leskovac bring starting experience while the entire defensive front seven bring back starting or significant experience.

Scouting the Battlers 
Alderson Broaddus went 0-4 in spring of 2021. The Battlers scored 22 points in four games last spring. Jaylen McNair returns under center after completing 22-of-53 passes in two games last spring. The Battlers will put a lot of youth on the field with 25 freshman on the AB two-deep. PK Ackah-Yensu leads the defense bringing back 18 tackles including 3.5 for loss from last spring.