The Mercyhurst football team has been selected to finish fifth in the West Division in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Coaches Preseason Poll, announced today at the annual PSAC Football Media Day.
Mercyhurst, which returns 16 starters from a year ago, will be playing its first season in the PSAC in 2008. California (Pa.) went 13-1 a year ago and was selected to finish first in the West Division after advancing to the NCAA Division II semifinals in 2007. Indiana (Pa.) was selected second, followed by Edinboro and Slippery Rock. The Lakers were chosen ahead of Clarion, Gannon and Lock Haven.
In the East Divison, West Chester was picked to finish first. The Lakers are scheduled to play the Golden Rams in the final regular season game of the season Nov. 8, but that opponent could change if either Mercyhurst or West Chester win their division and qualify for the PSAC Championship game that day.
The Laker offense returns mostly intact after breaking the school record by averaging over 32 points per game in 2007. Senior running back Richard Stokes broke the program’s single season and career rushing totals a year ago and wide receiver Aaron Haynes head a break-out campaign. Tight end Josh Szeluga tied the school record with 10 touchdown receptions last year and the offensive line is a cohesive, veteran group. The Lakers will need to replace graduated quarterback Mitch Phillis.
On the defensive side of the ball, defensive end Zac Wild anchors the line. Linebackers Jimmy Kokrak and Bryan Boyce missed the entire 2007 season with injuries but that unit should be a strength of the team. Dynamic cornerback/kick returner Theo Hall will be a major threat in a secondary capable of making big plays.
Mercyhurst opens the season Aug. 30 with a game at former conference opponent Wayne State (Mich.) before two games against PSAC Eastern Division opponents Cheyney and Bloomsburg. The Lakers then have three consecutive home games against Clarion, Slippery Rock (on Homecoming), and Lock Haven. The squad then heads back on the road for three weeks, playing a set of enticing contests at Gannon, at Indiana (Pa.), and at Edinboro for a Thursday night tilt. The Lakers close the schedule at home against California (Pa.) and West Chester.
PSAC Coaches Preseason Football Poll
Western Division
1 - California (Pa.)
2 - Indiana (Pa.)
3 - Edinboro
4 - Slippery Rock
5 - Mercyhurst
6 - Clarion
7 - Gannon
8 - Lock Haven
Eastern Division
1 - West Chester
2 - Bloomsburg
3 - East Stroudsburg
4 - Shippensburg
5 - C.W. Post
6 - Kutztown
7 - Millersville
8 - Cheyney