The Mercyhurst Lakers football team is back in Erie, ready to take on Lincoln University after a hard-fought 31-24 loss to Duquesne last weekend. The Lakers are 2-7 on the year and will spend the rest of the season on their home turf. Game time is scheduled for 11:00 AM. Senior recognition will take place prior to kickoff.
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A Look Back
Despite the defeat last week, the Lakers showed resilience and determination, led by strong performances from quarterback
Adam Urena and wide receiver
Rylan Davison. Urena delivered one of his better outings this year, completing 38 of 52 passes for 345 yards and three touchdowns. Davison was his go-to target, setting an NEC season high with 14 receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns, marking an impressive connection between the two.
Cameron Barmore added a solid contribution with eight catches for 86 yards and a touchdown, rounding out a productive day for the Lakers' passing game.
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Season So Far
The season has posed numerous challenges for the Lakers, who currently hold a 2-7 record. Despite the tough schedule, the team has demonstrated moments of offensive brilliance, averaging 361.3 yards per game, with Urena leading the charge. Urena has surpassed 2,300 passing yards and contributed 23 touchdowns, making him a consistent force on the field. Key players like
Cameron Barmore, who leads with 697 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, have been vital to the Lakers' offensive success. Defensively, linebackers
Tyler Buterbaugh and
Zach Hill have anchored the unit, combining for over 130 tackles. Their leadership and effort have kept the Lakers competitive, even against formidable opponents.
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Scouting Lincoln University
Lincoln University, a Division III program from California, enters this weekend's matchup with an 0-9 record. Lincoln's struggles this season have been evident, particularly on defense, as highlighted by their recent 88-12 loss to West Georgia. In that game, West Georgia piled up 324 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Lincoln's quarterback, Jack Clavel, completed 17 of 28 passes for 194 yards, though he also threw two interceptions. Receiver CJ Broy led the team with six catches for 95 yards, showing potential but facing significant defensive pressure. Lincoln has grappled with both offensive and defensive challenges, including turnovers and difficulty in stopping the run, which have contributed to their winless season.
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What to Expect
Mercyhurst will look to take advantage of Lincoln's defensive vulnerabilities, particularly against the run, aiming to blend their aerial strength with a solid ground game. With the momentum from last week's offensive success and the added support of their home crowd, the Lakers are poised to deliver a strong performance. Saturday's game will also feature Senior Day celebrations, adding extra motivation for the Lakers to close out their home schedule with a win. Mercyhurst aims to improve to 3-7 and send their seniors off with a memorable victory at Saxon Stadium. Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m.