Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst football begins the 2024 season this Thursday, August 29th, as the team goes to see Wheeling in a game set to kick off at 7:00 p.m. The Lakers embark on what promises to be an exciting season as they take the leap to Division I, looking to further establish themselves on the gridiron under Head Coach Ryan Riemedio.

A Look Back

Mercyhurst comes off a season in 2023 in which they finished 2-9 and now look to take steps forward in the newest chapter of the program's history. In the team's two victories, Mercyhurst put on a strong showing on offense with 36 or more points in each of those games. Their first win came against former PSAC foe Lock Haven in the team's home opener in a 41-29 win while their second came against Clarion in a 36-35 thriller. 

Top Returners

Mercyhurst brings back most of the talent on their roster from a season ago, hoping that the experience of their veteran laden group will help them reach new heights. The team had two players named to the Phil Steele Preseason NEC Second Team on defense in Camden White and Tyler Buterbaugh. White was a strong presence on the line with 6.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. Buterbaugh proved be another in a long line of great Laker linebackers with him being named to the PSAC West Defensive Second Team thanks to his 79 total tackles and 2.5 for a loss. On offense, quarterback Adam Urena returns after one of the most efficient seasons in program history from the position while the entire receiving core also comes back for 2024.

Pack Your Bags

The Lakers play their first game of the new season on the road against Wheeling and will need to grow accustomed to be away from their friendly confines here in the early part of the new campaign. Each of the team's first four games are scheduled to be on the road with Howard in week two on September 7th in Washington, DC with Robert Morris to follow. The team then rounds out their road trip with Montana State on September 21st, traveling to Bozeman, Mt. for that matchup with the Bobcats. Mercyhurst's trip on the 21st will be their longest one to date in program history as it is their first time ever traveling past the Mississippi River for an official contest.

Scouting the Cardinals

Wheeling comes off a season in which they finished 5-5, going 4-5 in the MEC and hope for their first year with a record above .500 for the first time in four years. With the Cardinals beginning the new season with Mercyhurst, they snap a string of three consecutive campaign in which they have played their season opener against Seton Hill, going 2-1 in those three games with 2023's iteration being a 35-24 win at home. The team returns some of their top talent from a season ago including the majority of their offensive line and receiving core.On defense, All-MEC honoree Caleb Grant is back for another year after 39 total tackles and 4.5 sacks alongside linebacker Dalton Hoover who led the team in tackles with 49.

Next Game

The Lakers open the month of September with an exciting matchup with Howard on the 7th. The team goes on the road for their battle with the Bison with kick-off set for 7:00 p.m. as Mercyhurst takes on their first Division I opponent of 2024.