Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst Football begins another campaign this Thursday, August 31st, as they travel to Big Rapids, Mi. to take on Ferris State in their season opener. After a 2-9 effort a season ago, Coach Riemedio and company look to get off on the right foot and establish momentum for the year.
Tough Task
Mercyhurst is tasked with the reigning champions Ferris State in their season opener. The Bulldogs come off a great year in 2022 in which they finished 14-1, winning nine straight on their way to the NCAA DII championship. If the Lakers hope to steal one on the road to begin the season, they'll need to put their best effort on the line against a team that outscored opponents 537-193 in 2022.
Top Returners
The Lakers bring back some of their top talent on offense from a season ago. Captain Dustin Shoaf looks to lead the way for Mercyhurst after a solid effort last year, helping him earn PSAC West Offensive Second Team honors. He's joined by Cameron Barmore and Trevon Tate who combined for 58 catches, nine touchdown, and over 800 recieving yards to give the Lakers a solid mixture of weapons on the ground and through the air.
New Faces
Mercyhurst welcomes plenty of new talent to the roster with 38 newcomers on the roster. Of that group, 10 have prior experience playing in college and look to make their presence known right away.
Nonconference Competition
Coach Riemedio and company has fared well against their nonconference opponent here of late, going 6-5 in such games since the beginning of the 2018 season. They found plenty of success a season ago when they defeated Anderson Broaddus on the road to begin the year 45-28 followed by a shellacking of Lock Haven by a final of 49-7. The Lakers look for similar success this time around as they venture out of the PSAC West.
Next Game
After seeing the Bulldogs, Mercyhurst is set to come back to Erie for their first home game of the new season. Mercyhurst plays host to Lock Haven on Saturday, September 9th, with the two teams set to square off inside Saxon Stadium starting at 6:00 p.m.
