Sunday Morning Quarterback

photo by Vinny Tennis, Lancaster Sunday News

It's the final Sunday Morning QB for September and after four weeks of the Centennial football schedule, there are three unbeatens remaining in Conference play.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that faced with adversity, the McDaniel defense did not come up with the optimal response in the loss to Dickinson. He also contributes a notebook.

Dennis Weller of the Pottstown Mercury pens that the old adage that the best defense is a good offense held true in Ursinus' 24-7 win vs. Susquehanna.

Dave Byrne of the Lancaster Sunday News writes about John Harrison's record-setting day in F&M's 55-13 win against Juniata.

Staff Reports
Allentown Morning Call, Baltimore Sun, Philadelphia Inquirer, Carlisle Sentinel, Daily Item, Annapolis Capital, Harrisburg Patriot-News.

Five-Star Matchups

Welcome back to another season of Five-Star Matchups. For our newcomers ... Five-Star Matchups is our look at the day's key games. These games could have importance on the Conference and/or national level and deserve your attention. As we close out the summer, it's time for Centennial play to begin in most sports and Saturday features some early-season showdowns.

Franklin & Marshall at Washington (Field Hockey)
The Diplomats (1-0 CC, 5-1) and the Shorewomen (1-0, 3-3) meet for the 18th time since 1993 with Washington holding a two-game winning streak and a 10-7 all-time lead in the series. F&M, ranked 17th nationally in the most recent poll, is led by Eileen O'Reilly who has 6-4-16 through six games. Washington GK Shannon Davis is third in the CC with a 1.27 goals-against average. The last time both F&M and Washington made the playoffs in the same season - 2004.

Dickinson at Swarthmore (Men's Soccer)
This is the 22nd time that the Red Devils (1-0, 5-1-1) and Garnet (1-0, 7-0) have met on the pitch since 1993 with Dickinson holding a 13-5-3 advantage. However, the Devils are 0-3-2 in their last six trips to Clothier Field and the two draws ended as postseason defeats in penalties. Swarthmore is ranked fourth in the country by D3soccer.com and fifth by the NSCAA. It is the highest ranking for a Centennial team since Johns Hopkins was second in 2004. The Garnet is also first in the Mid-Atlantic region for the first time in program history. Morgan Langley leads the nation in total assists (7) and assists per game (1.17). Dickinson suffered its first defeat in seven matches with an overtime defeat at #10 Messiah on Wednesday. Javier Mena leads the Devils with five goals.

Gettysburg at Haverford (Women's Soccer)
The Bullets (1-0, 5-2) and the Fords (1-0, 4-2) do battle for the 19th time since 1993 with Gettysburg holding an 11-7 all-time series lead. Haverford has won two straight and three of the last four meetings. Gettysburg's Rachel West leads the Conference with 12 points on four goals and four assists. The stingy Ford defense has surrendered only four goals this season in front of GK Kayleigh Herrick-Reynolds.

The Friday Tailgate

Week 4 of the Centennial football season finds a full slate of Conference games, including a pair of home tilts for the two 3-0 teams. The weather looks great for the first weekend of the fall ... hope to see you at a game on Saturday.

Dickinson (0-2) at McDaniel (3-0)
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: WDCV-FM 88.3, WTTR-AM 1470.
It is the 66th meeting between the Red Devils and the Green Terror in a series that began in 1904. McDaniel holds a 36-28-1 advantage but Dickinson has won four of the last five meetings. The Terror is undefeated on Parents and Families Weekend since at least 1994. McDaniel has not been 4-0 since 2005 and has had 25 undefeated Septembers in 116 seasons of football. Terror coach Tim Keating and Devil mentor Darwin Breaux both began at their respective institutions in 1993. Keating is 10-7 vs. Breaux. DB Chris Kolb was named the CC Defensive Player of the Year after picking off three Catholic passes in McDaniel's 24-14 win last weekend. Dickinson is 0-2 for the first time since dropping its opening three contests in 2002. QB Ricky Martz has completed 57.5 percent of his passes for 318 yards and three scores.

Juniata (0-3) at Franklin & Marshall (2-1)
Live Stats: Yes. Video: Yes.
It is the seventh meeting between the Eagles and the Diplomats on the gridiron with F&M holding a 5-1 series lead. Juniata's lone win was a 21-11 triumph in Lancaster on Sept. 13, 1986. The Eagles' offense has produced just three points in three contests, leading JC to its sixth straight 0-3 start. DE Matt Walton leads the Conference in sacks with 3.5. Diplomat QB John Harrison is closing in on a pair of career passing records at the school. His next TD pass will be the 53rd of his career, establishing a new school mark, while he needs 466 passing yards to set the career yardage record. RB John Kaschak is 69 yards shy of becoming just the eight F&M runner to amass 1,500 yards in a career.

Gettysburg (1-1) at Muhlenberg (1-1)
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: WMUH-FM 91.7. Video: Yes.
This is the 75th time that the Bullets and Mules have met on the gridiron with Gettysburg holding a 42-31-1 advantage. Muhlenberg is 19-16 in Allentown, including six straight victories since a 27-9 loss in 1995. Gettysburg leads the CC in rushing and is second in total offense. QB Kyle Whitmoyer leads the Conference in scoring with four rushing TDs. The Orange and Blue defense has created six turnovers in two games. Muhlenberg QB Dan Deighan is fourth in the CC in total offense (183.0). LB Patrick McDonough is second in the Conference with 12.5 tackles per game.

Johns Hopkins (1-1) at Moravian (1-2)
Live Stats: No. Audio: WSAN-AM 1470.
This is the 12th time that the Blue Jays and Greyhounds have met with Moravian holding a 7-4 series advantage. The constant in JHU's four victories is head coach Jim Margraff, who was Hopkins' starting QB in three wins in 1978-79-81. His 328 passing yards vs. the 'Hounds in 1978 was the first 300-yard game in school history. Margraff grabbed career coaching win #122 with last season's 27-0 win in Baltimore. Hopkins has amassed over 400 yards of total offense in seven of its last eight games. WR Sam Wernick leads the Conference in receiving (124.0), kickoff return (21.3) and all-purpose (198.5) yards per game. The Greyhound defense has allowed just 13.3 points per game. QB Phil Gardner leads all CC freshmen with 473 passing yards and two scores. It's Family Day in Bethlehem.

Susquehanna (1-2) at Ursinus (3-0)
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: WQSU-FM 88.9, Ursinus Sports Network.
The Crusaders and the Bears meet for the 25th time and the first time as Conference members with SU holding a slim 12-11-1 advantage. Ursinus is 7-5 in games in Collegeville, including a 6-0 triumph in the teams' last meeting in 2006. The Bears are looking to go 4-0 for the first time since that '06 campaign. The UC defense leads the Conference in scoring defense (6.7). RB Bryan Ellis leads all Centennial freshmen with 231 yards rushing. QB Justin Decristofaro surpassed the 3,000-yard mark in career passing yards (3,085). Sophomore DB Chris Rountreehas 14 interceptions in just 14 career games. Susquehanna WR Mike Ritter leads the CC with 19 receptions and is second with 108.0 yards per game. The Crusader pass defense is first in the Conference (126.3 yds/game).

NCAA Statistical Leaders

Sunday Morning Quarterback

Dennis Weller of the Pottstown Mercury writes that the Ursinus defense and special teams made the job easy for the Bear offense in a 41-0 win over Juniata.

Rich Dubroff of the Carroll County Times notes that while the McDaniel defense was impressive again, the offense wasn't shoddy either in a 24-14 win at Catholic.

Tom Ash of the Carlisle Sentinel writes that for the first time since 2003, the Conestoga Wagon Trophy will reside in Lancaster as Franklin & Marshall defeated Dickinson, 35-26.

The Daily Item writes that Susquehanna has learned that while the defense should keep it in every game, the offense still lacks consistency after a 21-14 home loss to Muhlenberg.

Tom Sixeas of the Hanover Evening Sun writes that a pair of blocked punts led to great field position and powered Johns Hopkins past Gettysburg, 29-21.

James Phillips of the Harrisburg Patriot-News notes that Moravian ran into "Dutchmen football" in a 21-6 loss at Lebanon Valley. Pat Huggins of the Lebanon Daily News writes that LVC finally got back on its feet after two straight losses.

Staff Reports
Allentown Morning Call, Philadelphia Inquirer, Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader, Baltimore Sun.

The Friday Tailgate

It's week 3 of the Centennial Conference football season and we already have our second "Trophy" game on tap. Last week, it was Susquehanna retaining the "Goal Post Trophy" with a home win against Juniata. Tonight, it's the battle for the "Conestoga Wagon Trophy" as Dickinson and Franklin & Marshall resume their long rivalry in Carlisle. Elsewhere, Gettysburg and Johns Hopkins open Centennial play in Baltimore, while Muhlenberg commences Conference play at Susquehanna. Ursinus looks to join McDaniel atop the Centennial at 2-0 when the Bears take on Juniata.

Franklin & Marshall (1-1) at Dickinson (0-1)
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: Yes. Video: No.
This is the most-played rivalry in the Conference as the Diplomats and the Red Devils meet for the 102nd time since 1889. Dickinson has won six straight in the series to close the all-time deficit to 59-39-3. F&M is 32-20-3 in its 55 trips to Carlisle. Since 1963, the Diplomats and Red Devils have played for a model of the wagon that transported both teams to play each other in the two 1889 meetings. A gift of F&M Athletic Director J. Shober Barr and Dickinson A.D. Dave Eavenson, the trophy is meant to symbolize the friendly gridiron rivalry between the two institutions, F&M holds a 24-21 advantage since the inception of the trophy game, including an 18-year winning streak from 1970 until 1987. Dickinson has held the trophy since 2004. This is the Diplomats' fourth "Friday Night Lights" game (0-3). F&M QB John Harrison is one TD pass away from 50 for his career. The Devils had more first downs (16-9) and outgained Hobart (268-198) last weekend in their opener.

Johns Hopkins (0-1) at Gettysburg (1-0)
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: No. Video: Yes.
This is the 38th meeting between the Blue Jays and the Bullets in a series that dates to 1911. Hopkins has won the last two matchups to close the all-time deficit to 20-15-2. Gettysburg was idle last week after a 42-28 week 1 win at Lebanon Valley. Hopkins lost a wild 41-37 shootout at Randolph-Macon last weekend. Bullet RB Jamel Mutunga became the seventh Gettysburg back to rush for more than 2,000 yards in his career, after carrying 31 times for 151 yards vs. LVC. JHU is the most successful team in Conference history in Centennial openers with a 17-10 record and 16-3 in the last 19 CC lidlifters. Gettysburg is 14-13 in Conference starters. Hopkins played its final four games of 2009 on the road and opens the 2010 campaign with three more games away from home. The Jays' home opener is Oct. 2 vs. Muhlenberg. The game features the two winningest coaches in CC history - Gettysburg's Barry Streeter (88 CC wins) and Hopkins' Jim Margraff (85).

Juniata (0-2) at Ursinus (2-0)
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: Yes. Video: No.
This is the 16th time that the Eagles and Bears have met on the gridiron with Juniata holding a 10-5 advantage. Ursinus has won the last three games - all coming in conjunction with the Eagles' joining the Centennial as an associate football member. The Bears are looking to go 3-0 for the first time since 2007. Coach Peter Gallagher became the winningest coach in UC gridiron history (42) with the victory at F&M. Freshman RB Bryan Ellis carried 23 times for 126 yards vs. the Diplomats. QB Justin Decristofaro needs 34 passing yards to reach 3,000 for his career. Juniata has scored just three points in two games, coming on a 31-yard field goal by Scott Andrews vs. Susquehanna.

Muhlenberg (0-1) at Susquehanna (1-1)
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: Yes. Video: Yes.
The 19th meeting between the Mules and the Crusaders will break a tie that is 103 years in the making. The series, that began in 1907, is tied at 9-9 and is renewed for the first time since a 35-11 SU win in 1992. Muhlenberg's last win in the series was in 1988 (26-13). Susquehanna retained the "Goal Post Trophy" with a 45-3 victory vs. Juniata last weekend. QB Rich Palazzi threw four TD passes - including a pair to WR Mike Ritter. The Mules were idle last week after a season-opening loss to Delaware Valley. 'Berg has not started a season with two losses since 2003 ... of course, the Mules went onto share the Centennial title that season. Muhlenberg is just 11-16 in Centennial openers.

McDaniel (2-0) at Catholic (2-0)
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: Yes. Video: Yes.
This is the 16th time that the Green Terror and Cardinals have squared off in a series that dates to 1912. McDaniel holds an 11-4 advantage, including a 21-17 win last season. The Terror looks to go 3-0 for the first time since the '05 squad opened with four victories. For the first time in 116 seasons of McDaniel football, the Terror has won back-to-back games by three points or fewer. The Green and Gold is first in the Conference and 12th in Division III in scoring defense (5.0). The Cardinals enter the game with a 2-0 record. QB Greg Cordivari threw five TD passes in last week's win vs. Apprentice School.

Moravian (1-1) at Lebanon Valley (0-2)
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: Yes. Video: No.
It's the 68th meeting between the Greyhounds and the Flying Dutchmen since 1901 with Moravian holding a slim 34-32-1 edge in the series. LVC won last year's game by a 32-2 count in Bethlehem, but the 'Hounds are 4-1 in their last five trips to Annville. Moravian has scored just 11.0 ppg in its first two games, but the defense has also allowed just 11.0 ppg and 167.5 yards in a 1-1 start. The Dutchmen are 0-2 for the first time since 2005. LVC is 6-4 against Centennial members, but dropped a 42-28 decision to Gettysburg in its opener. PK Brittany Ryan - already the unofficial NCAA all-divisions leader for PATs by a female player - tied the national record of 87 career points with a couple of PATs last week vs. Grove City. She has 72 PATs and five FGs in her three-plus seasons.

Sunday Morning Quarterback

Dennis Weller of the Pottstown Mercury writes that Ursinus' lone touchdown against Franklin & Marshall was a long time in coming, but proved to be all that was necessary.

Doug Kraft of the Lancaster Newspapers noted that big plays and scoring were at a premium and that converting opportunity into points would be the difference in the Ursinus-F&M game.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that McDaniel's defensive performance in the first two weeks reminds many of the good old days on The Hill. Land also adds a sidebar notebook.

William Bowman of the Daily Item notes that Susquehanna looked like the 2009 Liberty League champions, rather than the team that fell to Moravian last week, in a 45-3 win over Juniata.

Dave Lawrence of the Richmond Times-Dispatch writes that Johns Hopkins, a top-20 team, found a black hole of despair as Randolph-Macon downed the Jays, 41-37.

Gregory McNall of the Finger Lakes Times notes that Hobart made an impressive 2010 debut as refurbished Boswell Field with a 38-7 win over Dickinson.

Regional review
Philadelphia Inquirer; Harrisburg Patriot-News

The Friday Tailgate

A good first week for the Centennial Conference with McDaniel and Moravian jumping out to 1-0 CC starts and F&M, Gettysburg and Ursinus taking out non-conference opponents. Dickinson and Johns Hopkins, both idle last week, kick-off their seasons on Saturday, while three Centennial games take place, including a showdown in Lancaster.

Ursinus at Franklin & Marshall
Video: Yes. Audio: Yes. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 92nd renewal of a series that dates to 1894 with the Diplomats holding a 62-25-4 all-time advantage. F&M has won two straight matchups and six of the last eight. The Blue and White is 34-11-2 vs. the Bears in Lancaster. F&M and Ursinus were picked two and three, respectively, in the CC's preseason coaches poll, while both teams received votes in this week's D3football.com poll. Bear head coach Peter Gallagher tied Steve Gilbert for the school's career victory list (41) with last Saturday's win at Albright. F&M QB John Harrison was the Conference's co-Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 305 yards and three TDs vs. W&L. It was the sixth time he has thrown for over 300 yards. Ursinus QB Justin Decristofaro (pictured) threw for 248 yards and two scores vs. Albright. This is the only away game that the Bears will play on grass this season. Did you know that Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen '94 is a graduate of Ursinus? He was first-team All-Centennial as a tight end in 1993.

Moravian at McDaniel
Video: No. Audio: WTTR-AM 1470, WSAN-AM 1470. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 15th meeting between the Greyhounds and the Green Terror in a series that dates to 1972. Moravian holds a 10-4 advantage including three straight victories since joining the Conference in 2007. The last McDaniel triumph was a 21-7 victory in the 2002 ECAC Southeast Bowl. The Terror's 3-0 win at Juniata last week was its first shutout since Oct. 16, 2004 (Dickinson 20-0) and first 3-0 victory since an Oct. 17, 1942 contest against Mount St. Mary's. It is just the second time that a Conference game has been decided by a 3-0 score, joining the Sept. 24, 1983 game between Muhlenberg and F&M won by the Mules. PK Bill Castor was named the Centennial's co-Special Teams Player of the Week for his game-winning 27-yard field goal. The Greyhounds opened their CC slate with a 12-6 home win against Susquehanna. RB Rocco DelPriore ran for 76 yards and a touchdown.

Juniata at Susquehanna
Video: Yes. Audio: Yes. Live Stats: Yes.
It is the 51st edition of the "Goal Post Trophy Game," with the Crusaders holding a 26-23-1 lead in the series. The Trophy is a piece of the Susquehanna goal post that was taken by enthusiastic Juniata fans after a 1952 victory. It is the first home Centennial game for the Crusaders, who joined the Conference this fall as an associate member for football. Juniata has not won in Selinsgrove since 1980 (27-10) - a stretch of 14 games. Both teams are in search of their first win of the season, as Juniata was blanked by McDaniel, 3-0, and Susquehanna was downed by Moravian, 12-6. Bobby Eppleman kicked a pair of field goals, covering 20 and 23 yards, for SU in its defeat.

Dickinson at Hobart
Video: Time Warner Cable Sports. Audio: Yes. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 20th time that the Red Devils and Statesmen have met on the gridiron since 1934 with Dickinson holding a slight 10-8-1 advantage. The Devils captured a 26-3 win last season in Carlisle but has not on in Geneva since a 15-9 win in 1998. It will be both teams' first appearance on the all-new Boswell Field which now sports FieldTurf, new stands and press box, and a video board. Dickinson was 8-2 a year ago but must find a replacement for All-Centennial QB Ian Mitchell who graduated as the only CC quarterback to ever rush for 2,000 and throw for 5,000 yards. PK Gordon Craig could be a difference-maker for the Devils, after booting 37-of-39 PATs and 9-of-10 FGs in 2009. Hobart finished 6-3 a year ago and returns 11 starters, including QB Doug Vella, who threw for 1,369 yards and seven TDs last season.

Johns Hopkins at Randolph-Macon
Video: Yes. Audio: Yes. Live Stats: No.
This is the 34th time that the Blue Jays and the Yellow Jackets have met with Hopkins holding a slim 17-15-1 advantage. JHU has won the last two meetings, including a three-OT thriller in Ashland in 2008. Hopkins is 11-8-1 in season-openers under head coach Jim Margraff and 8-3 in its last 11 lidlifters. The Blue Jays are ranked 19th in the latest D3football.com poll. Hopkins is 36-13 away from Homewood since 2001 and 18-8 vs. the ODAC since 1996. Randolph-Macon opened its season with a 54-14 win at Methodist last weekend. QB Austin Faulkner threw for 220 yards and three scores in the victory.

Sunday Morning Quarterback

Franklin & Marshall DB Ty Savastio breaks up a pass in this photo by Justin Graybill, Lancaster Sunday News

Tom DeMartini of the Allentown Morning Call writes that Moravian CB Travis King suspected a big play was coming his way in the fourth quarter. He was right and his pick helped seal the 'Hounds 12-6 win over Susquehanna.

Tom Hinkel of the Express-Times writes that 2010 is a new beginning for Moravian and the Greyhounds are not a pushover anymore.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that McDaniel will take what it got from its 3-0 victory at Juniata - its first 3-0 triumph since 1942. Notebook.

Pat Huggins of the Lebanon Daily News writes that Gettysburg spoiled the most-anticipated season opener in recent memory for Lebanon Valley, downing the Dutchmen, 42-28. Dan Sernoffsky writes about LVC's costly mistakes and how the Bullets took advantage.

David Bohr of the Patriot-News writes about Gettysburg's season-opening 42-28 win at Lebanon Valley.

Dave Byrne of the Lancaster Sunday News writes that Franklin & Marshall brought down the house on Washington & Lee in its 35-7 victory.

Jimmy Johnson of the Reading Eagle notes that Ursinus did just enough on offense and the defense held strong in the Bears' 21-13 win at Albright.

Tom Pfaff of the Doylestown Intelligencer talks about Delaware Valley's 27-7 win at Muhlenberg.

Regional roundups from the Philadelphia Inquirer and Baltimore Sun.

The Friday Tailgate

The Friday Tailgate returns for its third season here on the Centennial Conference Today blog. We hope you'll enjoy our weekly look at the weekend's gridiron games.

This year, we welcome Susquehanna University to the Conference as an associate football member, bringing the Centennial to 10 teams. The Crusaders won the Liberty League title last fall, advancing to the NCAA tournament.

Washington & Lee at Franklin & Marshall
Audio: WLUR-FM 91.5. Video: Yes. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 11th time that the Generals and the Diplomats have met on the gridiron with the series tied at 5-5. F&M is 67-52-3 in season openers and 3-1 under head coach John Troxell. The Diplomats are also 87-34-1 in their home opener. W&L was picked to finish fifth in the seven-team Old Dominion Athletic Conference, while F&M was slotted in the #2 spot in the Centennial preseason poll. The Generals are 57-52-1 in season lidlifters and has not won a road opener since a 14-13 win at Towson on Sept. 20, 1969 - a string of 19 straight losses away from Lexington.

Gettysburg at Lebanon Valley
Audio: WMSS-FM 91.1. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 37th time that the Bullets have lined up opposite the Flying Dutchmen since 1898. Gettysburg holds a 30-6-1 lead but LVC has won four of the last six matchups, including the last three in Annville. Bullet head coach Barry Streeter ranks 11th among active Division III coaches with 155 victories. He is 6-2 in games at Lebanon Valley - his alma mater. LVC was picked second in the Middle Atlantic Conference preseason poll.

McDaniel at Juniata
Audio: WTTR-AM 1470. Live Stats: Yes.
It is the 23rd time that the Green Terror and the Eagles meet on the gridiron in a series that dates to 1923. Juniata holds a slim 11-9-1 lead, but McDaniel captured a 30-3 decision last year in Westminster. The Terror is 61-48-6 on opening day and coach Tim Keating is 8-9 in season lidlifters. This is the first time since 1985 that McDaniel has opened with a league foe and the September 4 date is the earliest ever for the Green and Gold to play a Conference opponent. McDaniel was picked seventh in the 10-team preseason Centennial poll, while Juniata was slotted at No. 10. The Eagles are opening with a Conference opponent for the first time since 2001.

Susquehanna at Moravian
Audio: WQSU-FM 88.9; WSAN-AM 1470.
Saturday's game is the 37th in the series between the Crusaders and the Greyhounds - who are back in the same conference for the first time since 2006. Moravian holds a 20-15-1 series lead with three straight wins over SU in Bethlehem. Susquehanna's last win at Moravian was a 41-14 triumph in 2001. The 'Hounds are 7-2 in their last nine season openers. Susquehanna - the newest member of the Centennial - won the Liberty League championship last season. SU head coach Steve Briggs (110-93) and Moravian mentor Scot Dapp (137-99-1) are the winningest coaches in their respective school's histories.

Delaware Valley at Muhlenberg
Audio: DVC Sports Network. Video: Yes. Live Stats: Yes.
The Mules and the Aggies - separated by just 33 miles - will meet for the first time since 1972. Delaware Valley captured that contest, 35-14, while Muhlenberg avenged that defeat the following year, aqlso by a 35-14 count. After a season in which five of their 10 opponents continued onto postseason play, the Mules open with an Aggie squad ranked 10th in the preseason by D3football.com. Muhlenberg is 8-2 in its last 10 season lidlifters.

Ursinus at Albright
Audio: WXAC-FM 91.3; Ursinus Sports Network. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 18th meeting between the Bears and the Lions with Albright holding a 10-6-1 series lead. UC head coach Peter Gallagher (40-52) needs just one more win to tie Steve Gilbert for the most victories in school history with 41. This is the Bears' first night game since a 2007 tilt with LaSalle. Both teams were picked to finish third in their respective conference preseason polls. Albright was won nine straight games at Shirk Stadium since a loss in the 2008 season opener to Salisbury. The Lions will be sporting brand-new red uniforms for the contest.