Erie, PA- Fresh off a bye, the Mercyhurst Football team will look to rectify their loss against CCSU, now facing Sacred Heart University on Saturday, October 26th at 12:00 PM. The Lakers are 2-5 on the season, while Sacred Heart posts a 3-5 record.
A Look Back
The Lakers suffered a tough loss against Central Connecticut State in their second conference matchup of the season, falling 38-20. The Lakers initially took the lead in the first quarter with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Adam Urena to Brian Trobel but the Blue Devils quickly answered in the second quarter, scoring 17 unanswered points, including an 8-yard touchdown run by Ricky Ortega and a 10-yard touchdown pass from Brady Olson to Paul Marsh Jr.
Central Connecticut continued to dominate in the second half, with Olson throwing two more touchdown passes to extend their lead to 31-7. Mercyhurst attempted a comeback, with Trobel scoring twice on the ground, narrowing the deficit to 31-20. Yet, the Blue Devils put the game away with a 59-yard touchdown run by Jadon Turner.
Mercyhurst Outlook
The Lakers will continue to rely on their quarterback, Adam Urena, to spread the ball around to multiple receivers. Against CCSU, Urena finished with 286 passing yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.
His main target, Cameron Barmore, has also continued to put up solid numbers. On the season, Barmore has accumulated 515 yards and 8 touchdowns. Brian Trobel has also been a bright spot for the Laker backfield, scoring three touchdowns against CCSU (two rushing, one receiving).
Cam Barmore, Brian Trobel, and Adam Urena are all currently ranked #1 in the NEC in receiving, rushing, and passing touchdowns.
Defensively, Tyler Buterbaugh and Zack Helsley will continue to lead the Laker defense. Each total 61 and 52 tackles respectively.
Scouting Sacred Heart
The Sacred Heart Pioneers are coming off a 31-17 loss to Lafayette College. The pioneers will look to lean on John Michalski, Jalen Masdison and Payton Rhoades on the offensive side of the ball while Myles Talley and Maximus Mongelli anchor the defensive side of the ball.
Pioneer quarterback, John Michalski, has thrown for 901 yards this season, including three touchdowns. Michalski has also been successful using his legs, rushing for 280 yards on the year and 3 scores on the ground.
Defensively, the pioneers currently rank within the top 20 in FCS in four different categories, which include passing Yards Allowed (5th - 126.0), redzone Defense (10th - .680), Team Passing Efficiency (12th – 112.34), and Scoring Defense (20th - 21.6).
Up Next
The Lakers will remain on the road on November 2nd, as they travel to Pittsburgh, PA to take on Duquesne University. Game time is scheduled for 12:00 PM.
