The Friday Tailgate

For the final time this season, we present "The Friday Tailgate." It has been quite the football season in the Centennial Conference and it's not over yet. Muhlenberg has clinched a share of the CC championship and the league's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, but Johns Hopkins and Ursinus can also still get a share of the title. A Moravian win over the Mules, combined with wins by either the Blue Jays or the Bears will result in a shared crown.

Muhlenberg at Moravian
Audio: WMUH-FM 91.7, WSAN-AM 1470. TV: Service-Electric TV-2
It is the 59th time that the two Lehigh Valley rivals will meet on the gridiron with the 'Hounds holding a 32-24-2 advantage. Moravian has a 15-11-1 lead in games played in Bethlehem, including a thrilling 27-24 overtime win in 2008, breaking the Mules' five-game win streak at Rocco Calvo Field. Muhlenberg (7-1 CC, 7-2) lead the Conference in scoring defense (16.4), while Moravian (5-3, 5-4) is ninth in scoring offense (18.4). But the Greyhound offense has come alive behind QB Matt Johnson, amassing over 300 yards in each of his starts after failing to do so in the first four games. Johnson leads the Conference in yards per play (7.7). 'Berg RB Terrence Dandridge needs just 18 yards to reach 1,000 for the season.

McDaniel at Johns Hopkins
Live Stats: Yes. Video: HopkinsSports.com. Audio: WTTR-AM 1470.
The battle for Free State supremacy is renewed for the 89th time as the Green Terror (4-4, 5-4) visits Baltimore to take on the Blue Jays (6-2, 6-3). Hopkins holds a 48-35-5 all-time lead and has nine straight wins - the longest JHU streak in the 110-year history of the matchup. McDaniel is 17-34-2 all-time in the Charm City and has not defeated the Blue Jays since 2000 (41-7) at Homewood. The Terror played its second-ever triple-overtime game last weekend vs. Gettysburg and came away with a 36-30 victory. Freshman RB Joe Rollins had the second-biggest day ever by a McDaniel back, rushing for 294 yards. DB Chris Kolb recorded his second defensive PAT of the season vs. the Bullets. The Terror can record its first winning season since 2004 with a victory. Hopkins' win at F&M last weekend was the 1,000th game in JHU history. The Blue Jays are 24-4 in November since 2001. WR Tucker Michels will break the school record for career starts with his 44th. WR Sam Wernick has a school-record 14 TD receptions on the year and is one shy of the Conference mark. A Hopkins win and a Muhlenberg loss gives the Jays a share of the Centennial title.

Dickinson at Ursinus
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: WDCV-FM 88.3, ursinusathletics.com.
The Red Devils (3-5, 3-6) and the Bears (6-2, 7-2) meet for the 82nd time in a series that dates to 1894. Dickinson holds a 44-31-6 overall lead and a 22-13-4 lead in games in Collegeville. Ursinus captured last year's clash in Carlisle by a 35-32 count. A Bear victory, combined with a Muhlenberg loss, would give Ursinus a share of the Conference title - its second in school history. Dickinson PK Gordon Craig is second on the all-time Centennial kick-scoring list with 217 points. He has made 11-of-15 field goal attempts (73.3 percent) this season. WR Craig Helfer is fifth among CC leading receivers in yards per catch (16.3). QB Justin Decristofaro is the first Ursinus QB to throw for over 2,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. RB Bryan Ellis needs 93 yards to set the school record for rushing yards by a freshman. WR Nick Giarratano is two TD catches shy of the UC career record of 19.

Franklin & Marshall at Gettysburg
Live Stats: Yes. Video: gettysburgsports.com. Audio: godiplomats.com.
This is the 96th time that the Diplomats (5-3, 6-3) and the Bullets (4-4, 5-4) have met on the gridiron since 1890. F&M holds a 45-43-7 lead in the series, but Gettysburg has won the last two games at the Battlefield. In fact, the home team has won the last five contests in the series. Diplomat DL C.T. Marsh has a sack in eight straight games. QB John Harrison has accounted for 66 career touchdowns and needs three to tie the school record of 69. WR Jarrell Diggs has caught at least one pass in 30 consecutive games. RB John Kaschak needs one reception to register 100 for his career. Gettysburg can clinch its first winning season since 2007 with a victory. Kyle Whitmoyer tied the school single-season record for rushing TDs by a QB (10). RB Jamel Mutunga needs 46 yards to move into sixth place on the school career rushing list and 290 to reach 3,000 for his career. WB Charles Curcio needs nine receptions to break the Gettysburg career catch mark of 130.

Washington and Lee at Juniata
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: WLUR-FM 91.5.
The Eagles (0-9, 0-9) and the Generals (7-2) meet for the first time. The teams have one common opponent - Franklin & Marshall. W&L lost at F&M in the season opener, 35-7, while the Eagles also dropped a 55-13 decision to the Diplomats. The Juniata offense has struggled in 2010, totaling more than 200 yards in a game just twice. This is the eighth time that the Eagles have played an opponent with a record above .500. The JC defense is second in the CC in stopping teams on fourth-downs (63.2 percent), while the red-zone defense is third (72.9). LB Kevin Gorman leads all Centennial freshmen with 73 tackles. W&L does not have "A Friend in Pennsylvania," as the Generals have not won in the Keystone State since 1998 (0-6). Washington and Lee won the ODAC title with a 38-27 win over Hampden-Sydney last week.

The Friday Tailgate

Welcome to November football! It's time to crown a Centennial gridiron champion and Saturday's games will go a long way to identifying the Conference's best team and automatic qualifier to the NCAA tournament. The top four teams in the CC match up against each other as Ursinus travels to Muhlenberg and Johns Hopkins visits Franklin & Marshall. Not to go unnoticed is the fact that the hottest team in the Centennial - Gettysburg - puts its four-game win streak on the line at McDaniel, while Dickinson visits Juniata. Finally, Susquehanna carries its new Conference banner into battle against a member of its old league - WPI of the Liberty League.

Ursinus at Muhlenberg
Video: Yes. Live Stats: Yes. Audio: WMUH-FM 91.7, Ursinus Sports Network.
The Bears (6-1 CC, 7-1) and the Mules (6-1, 6-2) meet for the 74th time in a series that dates to 1900. Muhlenberg holds 42-24-7 all-time lead, including a 24-11-5 advantage in Allentown. Ursinus broke a nine-game losing streak to 'Berg last year with a 24-10 win, but has not won at Scotty Wood Stadium since 1999 (35-23). The winner clinches at least a share of the Centennial championship. A Bear victory would give Ursinus the Conference's AQ to the NCAA tournament, while a Mule triumph, combined with a Hopkins win at F&M, would send Muhlenberg to the dance. Two of the top young RBs in the CC are on display in the Mules' Terrence Dandridge and the Bears' Bryan Ellis. Dandridge has rushed for over 100 yards in five straight games and is averaging a Centennial-best 111 yards per game. Ellis is third in the CC at 78.8 yards per outing and needs 120 yards in his final two games to break the school's all-time record for a freshman. Do you like defense? Ursinus and Muhlenberg rank in the top two in the Conference in six different defensive categories. The two squads also control the ball on offense, ranking in the top 25 nationally in time of possession.

Johns Hopkins at Franklin & Marshall
Video: Yes. Live Stats: Yes.
The Blue Jays (5-2, 5-3) and the Diplomats (5-2, 6-2) meet for the 62nd time in a series that began in 1912. F&M holds a 34-25-2 series lead and a 16-13 advantage in Lancaster. Hopkins has won 12 of the last 13 meetings and has not lost in Amish Country since 1996 (20-14). The winner of this game keeps their Conference title hopes alive, while it appears that only F&M can remain in the hunt for the NCAA tournament bid. It is the 1,000th game for the Blue Jays, who sport a 468-473-58 record since playing game No. 1 in 1882. Four other Centennial teams have played 1,000 games - F&M (1,086), Gettysburg (1,064), Dickinson (1,025) and McDaniel (1,009) - while Muhlenberg will play game No. 1,000 next Saturday. The Jays posted over 5000 yards of total offense again last week, marking the first time in 999 games that Hopkins has gone over 500 yards in back-to-back contests. WR Sam Wernick has set a Hopkins single-season record with 13 TD receptions. QB Hewitt Tomlin is the school's all-time leading passer with 6,702 yards. F&M ensured its first back-to-back winning seasons since 1995-96 with its dramatic win vs. McDaniel. The Diplomats have won the coin toss in seven of eight games in 2010. WR Jarrell Diggs is five catches away from 100 for his career. QB John Harrison is 18 pass attempts away from the College's career record.

Gettysburg at McDaniel
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: WTTR-AM 1470.
The Bullets (4-3, 5-3) and the Green Terror (3-4, 4-4) meet in the annual Route 97 battle. The teams' series began in 1891 and Gettysburg holds a 45-17-1 all-time edge, including a 14-8 advantage in Westminster. McDaniel has won five of the last six at Bair Stadium. The Orange and Blue has won four straight games - its longest since reeling off seven straight in 1994. QB Kyle Whitmoyer accounted for six TDs in the wild win vs. Susquehanna, throwing for five scores and running for another. The Bullets had only eight of 32 TDs through the air on the year prior to last week. Gettysburg leads the Conference in rushing, total and scoring offense. It's Homecoming in Westminster and the Terror is 52-23-1 in front of its alums. WR Matt Cahill needs one reception to set the school's career catch record and 121 yards to reach 2,000. Freshman RB Joe Rollins rushed for 124 yards on just 13 carries vs. F&M. The loss in Lancaster last weekend was the first time in 21 games that McDaniel failed to hold a fourth-quarter lead.

Dickinson at Juniata
Live Stats: Yes.
The Red Devils (2-5, 2-6) and the Eagles (0-8, 0-8) meet for the 22nd time in a series that began in 1921. Dickinson has a seven-game win streak and holds a 13-8 all-time advantage. Juniata's last win was a 26-9 triumph in Carlisle in 2002 - the first game in the series since 1956 - the Eagles' last victory in Huntingdon (44-13). Turnovers have hurt both teams this season, as Dickinson (-3) and Juniata (-14) are eight and 10th, respectively, in the CC in turnover margin. Devil PK Gordon Craig is third on the all-time Centennial list with 34 field goals. RB Tim Smith needs 315 rushing yards in his final two games to reach 2,000 for his career. Juniata has dropped 10 straight games and has been kept out of the end zone in six of its last eight contests. WR Julian Valdiserri leads the team with 22 catches for 244 yards. RB Derek Kramer has 449 rushing yards and a 4.3 yard per carry average.

Susquehanna at WPI
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: WQSU-FM 88.9.
The Crusaders (1-8, 1-8) close out their 2010 season with a trip to Massachusetts to take on the Engineers (3-5) in a matchups between old Liberty League foes. Susquehanna scored the most points it has in six years but came up on the short end of a 61-50 loss at Gettysburg. The 111 combined points fell short of the school record, set in a 1998 victory against Juniata (62-61). WR Mike Ritter is second in the CC in catches (59) and yards (862) and needs 138 yards to reach 1,000 for the season. He would become just the second SU player to amass a grand in a year, joining Mark Bartosic who did it all four years from 2000-03. PK Bobby Eppleman is a perfect 8-of-8 on field goal tries. The last time Susquehanna won just one game in a season was 1978.

The Friday Tailgate

Three weeks to go ... and three teams realistically remain in the chase for the Conference championship. Undefeated Ursinus goes on the road to Bethlehem looking for a measure of revenge against Moravian. One-loss Muhlenberg heads west to Carlisle to take on Dickinson, while two-loss Franklin & Marshall welcomes alumni and McDaniel to Lancaster.


Ursinus at Moravian
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: WSAN-AM 1470, Ursinus Sports Network.
This is the 13th time that the Bears (6-0 CC, 7-0) and the Greyhounds (4-3, 4-4) will meet on the gridiron since 1901. Moravian has won two straight to take a 7-4-1 overall lead. Ursinus has not won in Bethlehem since the 1982 season, losing in the only other game at Rocco Calvo Field in 2008. The 'Hounds knocked the Bears out of the Centennial playoff race last season, booting a late field goal for a 20-19 win in Collegeville. Ursinus is 7-0 for just the third time in school history, joining the 1902 and 1996 teams. The Bears are ranked 21st by the AFCA and 24th by D3football.com. QB Justin Decristofaro is fifth on the all-time UC passing chart with 4,193 yards. He was responsible for a school-record six TDs last week vs. McDaniel. WR Al Desiderio set a Conference single-game record with a 53.7 yard per catch average vs. the Terror (3-161). Moravian has won three of its last four starts after inserting starting safety Matt Johnson in at quarterback. Before Johnson took over at QB, the 'Hounds were averaging 64.0 yards rushing per game ... after ... 177.8. Moravian has 12 interceptions on the season and has taken four to the house. Can the 'Hounds pressure Decristofaro? Moravian is last in the Conference with six sacks on the season.

Muhlenberg at Dickinson
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: WDCV-FM 88.3, WMUH-FM 91.7.
The Mules (5-1, 5-2) and the Red Devils (2-4, 2-5) meet for the 66th time in a series that began in 1923. Muhlenberg has an 18-13-1 lead in games in Carlisle and a 38-25-2 lead overall. The teams have split the last four games, winning once at home and once on the road. 'Berg outgained Franklin & Marshall by over 140 yards last weekend, but suffered two blocked punts, including one that ended in a Diplomat touchdown in the defeat. RB Terrence Dandridge ran for 140 yards and a touchdown - his fifth 100-yard effort of the season - and has a CC-leading 697 yards on the year. QB Dan Deighan posted his third 200-yard passing day of the campaign with 220 vs. F&M. The Red Devils are 0-3 at home this season and will finish under .500 at Biddle Field for the first time since 2003. Dickinson has struggled in the third period this season and has been outscored, 83-27. RB Tim Smith is eighth in the CC in all-purpose yards (98.9 ypg). Muhlenberg is +7 in turnover margin, while Dickinson is -3.

McDaniel at Franklin & Marshall
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: WTTR-AM 1470. Video: godiplomats.com
It's Homecoming at F&M as the Diplomats (4-2, 5-2) entertain alums and the Green Terror (3-3, 4-3). Franklin & Marshall has won six straight in the series to take a 25-16-2 all-time lead. McDaniel has a 9-13-2 record in Lancaster and has not won at Sponaugle-Williamson Field since 2003 (21-7). A Terror victory would equal McDaniel's win total from 2009 and guarantee a second consecutive non-losing season. DB Chris Kolb returned a blocked PAT for two points vs. Ursinus last week - something that has not been done by the Green and Gold since 2001. He also has a Centennial-leading seven interceptions. WR Matt Cahill needs six receptions to equal the program career record of 145 and has a 21-game streak with at least one catch. QB Tom Massucci had his streak of 159 pass attempts without a pick snapped vs. the Bears. Diplomat LB Sam Massaro blocked a punt and recovered it in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown in the win at Muhlenberg. QB John Harrison became the school's first 6,000-yard passer and has 6,031 for his career. He has thrown for 62 career TDs and is six shy of the Conference all-time record of 68. An F&M win would ensure back-to-back winning season for the first time since 1995-96. The Diplomats lead the Conference in sacks (22).

Susquehanna at Gettysburg
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: WQSU-FM 89.7. Video: gettysburgsports.com
It's a renewal of acquaintances after 88 years as the Crusaders (1-7, 1-7) and the Bullets (3-3, 4-3) meet at Shirk Field at Musselman Stadium. The last game between the school took place at the Battlefield in 1992 and Gettysburg's 46-6 victory gave the Orange and Blue a 4-3 series advantage. Despite 347 passing yards and two TDs from new starting QB Matt Lottes, Susquehanna dropped a 49-24 decision to Johns Hopkins last weekend. WR Mike Ritter, the CC's top receiver with 52 receptions, snared nine balls for 133 yards, while TE Matt Knause caught seven for 99 yards. This is the final CC game of the season for the Crusaders, who close the year next week at WPI. P Bobby Eppleman is the son of Gettysburg alum Dick Eppleman '79 - who holds the school record for longest field goal (48). Gettysburg ran for over 300 yards for the second straight week, amassing 304 vs. Dickinson for its third straight win. WR Brian Betley needs 65 receiving yards to become the fourth Bullet to gain over 1,500 yards in a career. Charles Curcio is 14 yards away from fifth place on the Centennial career kick return list (1,583).

Juniata at Johns Hopkins
Live Stats: Yes. Video: hopkinssports.com
The Eagles (0-7, 0-7) and the Blue Jays (4-2, 4-3) meet for just the fifth time in the series. Hopkins has taken all three games since Juniata joined the CC, while the Eagles captured the series opener in 1929 in Baltimore (7-0). Juniata is in the throes of a nine-game losing streak and enters the afternoon averaging 5.7 points on offense, while surrendering 40.0 points on defense. Six of the Eagles' seven opponents have a record of .500 or better and have a combined mark of 30-21 (.588). Juniata has 21 freshmen on its two-deep, including five starters. RB Derek Kramer is sixth in the Conference in rushing with 449 yards. Hopkins WR Sam Wernick tied a school and Conference record with four TD catches vs. Susquehanna. He snared seven passes for 250 yards on the day. QB Hewitt Tomlin is the third JHU and 10th Centennial quarterback to throw for more than 40 career scoring passes (41). His 19 career 200-yard performances is second in Conference annals. Hopkins' 515 total yards last week was the third-highest total in coach Jim Margraff's tenure. JHU is third nationally in red-zone offense (96.3).

The Friday Tailgate

Well, "Showdown Saturday" quickly became "Separation Saturday," as Ursinus and Muhlenberg now have a two-game lead on the field in the chase for the Centennial championship. McDaniel and Franklin & Marshall have a chance to make amends for last week's losses and can bring the "field" back in the race with wins against the Bears and Mules.

Gettysburg at Dickinson (Friday night)
Radio: WDCV-FM 88.3.
The Red Devils (2-3 CC, 2-4) play their third Friday night game of the season and second at home when they welcome long-time rival Gettysburg (2-3, 3-3) to Biddle Field in the battle for the Little Brown Bucket. The Bucket was presented in 1938 by trustees of the two schools. This is the 76th meeting between the schools with Gettysburg holding a 40-33-2 all-time advantage. Dickinson has won four straight in the series and has not lost to the Orange and Blue in Carlisle since 1986 (31-0). The Bullet offense has been firing on all cylinders recently, averaging 42.7 points over its last three games. Gettysburg leads the Centennial in scoring (36.3), rushing (242.2) and total offense (429.0). QB Kyle Whitmoyer is second in the CC in total offense (237.7). RB Jamel Mutunga needs 61 rushing yards to reach 2,500 for his career and one TD to reach the 30-plateau. The Dickinson defense has struggled this season, allowing an average of 360.3 yards and 30.2 points per game. DB Scott Sullivan leads the unit with 52 tackles and two interceptions. PK Gordon Craig has converted 9-of-12 field goals and is 3-of-4 from beyond 40 yards. RB Tim Smith leads the Devils in rushing (276 yds) and receiving (26 rec).

McDaniel at Ursinus
Live Stats: Yes. Radio: WTTR-AM 1470, Ursinus Sports Network.
It's Homecoming in Collegeville as the undefeated 24th ranked Bears (5-0, 6-0) welcome the Green Terror (3-2, 4-2) to the alumni. Ursinus is looking to go 7-0 for the first time since 1996 - the last time that UC won the Conference title. McDaniel leads the all-time series, 24-9-1, but has dropped four straight to the Bears. Green Terror WR Matt Cahill has caught a pass in 20 consecutive games and has 135 career receptions. QB Tom Massucci has thrown 122 passes without an interception. The shutout loss to Muhlenberg was the first time in 18 games that McDaniel has failed to score a point. DB Chris Kolb leads the Centennial with six interceptions. Ursinus freshman RB Bryan Ellis leads the Centennial with 96.7 yards per game in his bid to become the first rookie to lead the Conference in that category. He is 169 yards away from the school freshman record of 749, set by Aaron Harper in 2006. QB Justin Decristofaro needs 274 passing yards to reach 4,000 for his career. The Bears are ranked first in the CC in scoring (13.8), rushing (60.5) and total (231.5) defense.

Franklin & Marshall at Muhlenberg
Live Stats: Yes. Audio: WMUH-FM 91.7, F&M Sports Network. Video: Yes.
One of the oldest rivalries in the Conference in renewed for the 94th time on Saturday as the Diplomats (3-2, 4-2) and the Mules (5-0, 5-1) meet. F&M has a 51-41-1 all-time lead in the series, but everything is tied in Allentown with each team winning 25 times. This is the second straight trip to the Lehigh Valley for the Dips, who visited Moravian last weekend. WR Jarrell Diggs is on a roll, catching a scoring pass in four straight games. He is 16 receptions shy of 100 for his career. Fellow wideout Jay Ridinger has a reception in 23 consecutive contests - the 16th longest active streak in DIII. QB John Harrison is 90 yards shy of the 6,000-yard mark for his career and will join an elite list of five other passers whom have reached the plateau. Muhlenberg RB Terrence Dandridge has rushed for over 100 yards in four straight games, including a career-high 140 vs. McDaniel. He is the 22nd Mule to gain more than 1,000 career yards (1,062). The Mules have outscored their last two opponents, 67-3, and only a missed extra point last week prevented 'Berg from reaching 30 points for a fourth straight contest. PK Michael Katz became the first kicker in program history to boot three 40-yard field goals in a game, connecting from 40, 46 and 44 yards vs. the Terror. He has made six consecutive three-pointers. LB Pat McDonough leads the defense with 61 tackles, while Kenneth Cobb has 3.5 sacks.

Johns Hopkins at Susquehanna
Live Stats: Yes. Radio: WQSU-FM 88.9. Video: Yes.
The Blue Jays (3-2, 3-3) and the Crusaders (1-6, 1-6) meet for the first time in more than 30 years Saturday in Selinsgrove. The last meeting was in 1978, when a Hopkins freshman QB named Jim Margraff (now head coach at JHU) led his squad to a 30-0 victory for a 4-3-1 Blue Jay series advantage. Hopkins' Centennial title defense hopes suffered a crippling blow with its loss at Ursinus last weekend. In JHU's three losses, it has committed 12 turnovers, compared to two miscues in its three wins. WR Sam Wernick is second in the CC in all-purpose yards (141.7) and third in receptions (6.0) and yards (84.0) per game. The Jays are first in the Conference in passing offense (257.5). The Crusaders have had some outstanding individual performances in the midst of a difficult debut season in the Conference. WR Mike Ritter leads all receivers with 43 catches and 589 yards, while RB Greg Tellish is third with 89.9 rushing yards per game. P/K Bobby Eppleman is second in the CC in punting (38.4) and has yet to miss a field goal this season (6-of-6). DL Ken Schetroma leads all defensive linemen in the Conference with 46 tackles.

Moravian at Juniata
Live Stats: Yes. Radio: WSAN-AM 1470.
The Greyhounds and the Eagles square off for the 56th time in a series that dates to 1932. Moravian holds a slim 27-26-2 all-time advantage and has a 13-6-1 record in the last 20 games. Juniata spoiled the 'Hounds Homecoming with a 10-3 triumph last season. The teams had a four-year stretch from 1996-99 that saw each game end in a regulation tie. Greyhound DL Allen Petros was the CC Defensive Player of the Week after recording 2.5 sacks in the upset win over F&M. He is second on the school's all-time list with 34.5 tackles for loss. QB Matt Johnson is now 2-1 as a starter since moving from safety. He has thrown for 589 yards and rushed for 229 more, accounting for five TDs. The Eagles are 10th in the Conference in both scoring offense (6.7) and defense (39.7). RB Derek Kramer rushed for 139 yards last week vs. Gettysburg and is sixth in the CC with 69.7 per game. It was the second straight year that he broke the century mark vs. the Bullets. The 21 points produced vs. Gettysburg was the most since the season finale against Dickinson in 2008 (41).

The Friday Tailgate

Forgive us for "borrowing" an ESPN term ... but it's "Showdown Saturday" in the Conference on what promises to be a windy mid-October day. The two Centennial unbeatens - Ursinus and Muhlenberg - face major challenges from a pair of teams with one CC loss - Johns Hopkins and McDaniel. The other one-loss team - Franklin & Marshall - heads to the Lehigh Valley to take on Moravian, trying not to get caught looking ahead to a game with the Mules next week.

Johns Hopkins (3-1 CC, 3-2) at Ursinus (4-0, 5-0)
Audio: Ursinus Sports Network. Live Stats: Yes.
Irresistible force meets immovable object as the Conference's top offense (JHU-433.8) and defense (UC-248.2) square off in Collegeville. The two schools have met every season since 1958 with JHU holding a 29-19-4 series advantage. Ursinus has won four of the last five meetings, but the Blue Jays won the last contest at Patterson Field in 2008 (14-0). The teams have split their series in Collegeville (12-12-2). Will turnovers be the story? In Hopkins' three wins, the Jays have committed two turnovers. In the two losses ... eight turnovers. Ursinus leads the CC in turnover margin (+1.40). JHU's Hewitt Tomlin became the school's all-time winningest starting QB, picking up his 20th victory vs. Dickinson. WR Sam Wernick is second in the CC in all-purpose yards (145.4). Ursinus, the Conference's lone unbeaten, was idle last week. The Bears are 2-7 in games following their bye week since 2001. QB Justin Decristofaro, the lone senior signal-calling starter in the Conference, has thrown for 998 yards and nine TDs. Freshman RB Bryan Ellis leads the Centennial with 88.4 yards per game. Ursinus looks to go 6-0 for the first time since 1996 - the only time that the Bears have won the Conference title.

Muhlenberg (4-0, 4-1) at McDaniel (3-1, 4-1)
Audio: WTTR-AM 1470. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 41st meeting between the Mules and the Green Terror in a series that began in 1927. McDaniel captured a 16-9 decision last year in Allentown to increase its all-time series advantage to 22-15-3. Muhlenberg won the last meeting in Westminster in 2008 to break a nine-game losing streak on The Hill. Terror coach Tim Keating is 13-3-1 against 'Berg, while counterpart Mike Donnelly is 2-11 against the Green and Gold. Muhlenberg is one of two unbeatens in Conference play. Keep your eye on the special teams ... particularly if a team is in a kicking formation. McDaniel has successfully executed four fake punts this season, while Muhlenberg is known for pulling rabbits of its hat on fourth down situations. But don't ignore the other side, as Terror WR Nick Bender has blocked four punts in his career, while the Mules' Chase Nadell has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. McDaniel WR Matt Cahill needs two catches to move into second place on the all-time reception list at the school and 220 yards to amass 2,000 for his career. Muhlenberg LB Pat McDonough leads the Conference with 52 tackles. RB Terrence Dandridge ran for 100 yards for the third straight game, gaining 104 on just nine carries. The last two Mules to gain 100 yards on fewer than nine carries - John DeLuca and Justin Jones - went onto earn CC Player of the Year honors in future seasons.

Franklin & Marshall (3-1, 4-1) at Moravian (2-3, 2-4)
Audio: WSAN-AM 1470, F&M Sports Network.
This is the 23rd renewal of a series that began in 1932 with the Diplomats holding a 17-5 overall lead. F&M also has a 5-3 advantage in games played in Bethlehem, but the 'Hounds hold a 2-1 lead on games in Centennial play. The Diplomats were idle last week and are 2-0 under coach John Troxell after a bye. WR Jay Ridinger is 254 yards shy of 2,000 for his career. RB John Kaschak needs 75 yards to become the sixth F&M back to gain 1,600 in a career. Moravian WR Shawn Sylvainus needs two more receptions to reach 100 for his career. Greyhound QB Matt Johnson has taken over as the starter since beginning the season in the defensive secondary.

Dickinson (1-3, 1-4) at Susquehanna (1-5, 1-5)
Video: Yes. Audio: WQSU-FM 88.9, WDCV-FM 88.3. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 22nd meeting between the Red Devils and the Crusaders and first since the 2000 camnpaign. Dickinson holds a 14-7-1 overall lead, but Susquehanna has taken the last two games and four of the seven played in Selinsgrove. Red Devil WR Craig Helfer is fifth in the Conference with 22 receptions for 342 yards and four scores. PR Mike Shimkin is second in the CC with a 14.1 average on punt returns. Crusader RB Greg Tellish is third among Centennial backs with 79.0 yards per game. WR Mike Ritter tops the league with 33 catches for 447 yards and five TDs. P Bobby Eppleman averages 37.5 yards per punt.

Gettysburg (1-3, 2-3) at Juniata (0-5, 0-5)
Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 25th time that the Bullets and Eagles have teed it up with Gettysburg winning four in a row to extend its series lead to 16-8. Juniata's last victory was a 28-14 win at the Battlefield in 1979 with its last home win coming in 1976. Bullet WB Charles Curcio became the third player to register 100 career receptions and the fifth player to amass over 4,000 career all-purpose yards. Gettysburg has yet to trail in the opening quarter this season. QB Kyle Whitmoyer is second in the CC in total offense (232.6). Bullet offensive coordinator Kevin Burke was the head coach at Juniata from 1998-2003. The Eagles are struggling on both sides of the ball, placing 10th in the CC in scoring offense and defense. RB Derek Kramer is 10th in the Conference in rushing (55.8), while DE Matthew Walton is second in sacks (4.5).

The Friday Tailgate

We are officially at the halfway mark of the Conference football season and the time to determine whether your team is a contender or pretender is here. Johns Hopkins (2-1 CC, 2-2) kicks off the weekend under the lights on Friday night against Dickinson (1-2, 1-3). The Jays are a game behind league-leading Ursinus (4-0, 5-0) and Muhlenberg (3-0, 3-1) and may not be able to afford another loss. The Red Devils' Conference title hopes rest in the balance each week with two CC defeats on their record. The Mules look to close that half-game gap with the Bears when it welcomes Juniata (0-4, 0-4) to the Lehigh Valley. McDaniel (2-1, 3-1) also cannot afford another CC defeat when it entertains Susquehanna (1-4, 1-4) on Saturday. Moravian (2-2, 2-3), fresh off last week's upset at Dickinson, takes on the top offense in the Conference in Gettysburg (0-3, 1-3) at the Battlefield. F&M (3-1, 4-1) and Ursinus are idle this Saturday.

Dickinson at Johns Hopkins
Video: Yes. Audio: WDCV-FM 88.3. Live Stats: Yes.
The Red Devils and the Blue Jays meet for the 64th time in a series that began in 1891 with Hopkins holding a 32-27-4 lead. JHU is 19-11-2 in games in the Charm City and has won three straight from Dickinson since a 21-13 loss at home in 2006. Hopkins is 27-13-1 (.671) in Friday night games at Homewood Field. Dickinson is 1-1 vs. the Jays in night games, winning in 2004 (17-7) and losing in 2008 (36-34). The winner of this game has claimed at least a share of six of the last eight Conference titles (2002-03-04-05-06-09). This is the first time in school history JHU has opened a season scoring 27 or more points in four straight games. Hopkins has intercepted at least one pass in 18 straight games dating back to the final game of the 2008 season vs. Catholic. Dickinson QB Ricky Martz is second in the CC in completion percentage (63.8) and efficiency (136.6) in his first season as a starter. WR Craig Helfer has 22 receptions for 342 yards with four of those catches going for scores.

Juniata at Muhlenberg
Video: Yes. Audio: WMUH-FM 91.7. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the sixth meeting between the Eagles and the Mules since 1929 with the previous five decisions going to 'Berg. Juniata has only scored 17 points in the five games and no more than seven in any contest. Muhlenberg RBs Terrence Dandridge and J.T. Merklinger are 3-5 in the Conference in rushing with 78.2 and 75.0 yards per game, respectively. KR Chase Nadell leads the Centennial in kickoff return average with eight returns for 32.89 yards per. LB Patrick McDonough shares the CC lead in tackles with 46. Juniata RB Derek Kramer is 10th in the Conference with 208 rushing yards. PK Scott Andrews has made 3-of-4 field goal attempts with a long of 35 yards. Freshman LB Kevin Gorman is eighth in the CC with 34 tackles with 6.5 leading to loss of yardage.

Susquehanna at McDaniel
Audio: WTTR-AM 1470, WQSU-FM 88.9. Live Stats: Yes.
The Crusaders and the Terror meet for the 11th time in a series that is deadlocked at five wins apiece. On closer inspection, the series is even closer, as both teams have won twice in Westminster and three times in Selinsgrove. McDaniel has won each of the last two meetings in 2001 (63-27) and 2002 (27-7). Susquehanna's last triumph was a 21-14 win at home in 1995 and has not won in Westminster in 1969 (28-8). The Terror can match its Centennial win total from last season with a victory. WR Matt Cahill is third on the all-time Terror reception list (130) and needs five more to tie Alan Pietkiewicz '95 for second place. QB Tom Massucci has thrown for over 200 yards in seven games in his career. McDaniel is 13-3 under coach Tim Keating in games after a bye. Susquehanna RB Greg Tellish is second in the CC in rushing (78.6 ypg). QB Rich Palazzi has thrown nine TD passes, including five to WR Mike Ritter. Ritter is second in the Conference in all-purpose yards (585). PK Bobby Eppleman has not missed a kick this season, converting all 11 PATs and five field goals. He is also averaging 38.3 yards per punt. Susquehanna is last in the Conference in time of possession (23:18).

Moravian at Gettysburg
Video: Yes. Audio: WSAN-AM 1470. Live Stats: Yes.
It is the ninth time that the Greyhounds and the Bullets have met on the gridiron with Gettysburg holding a 7-1 series advantage. The Orange and Blue has won the last seven meetings since a 17-7 win by Moravian in Bethlehem in the teams' first game in 1978. Gettysburg has started fast this season, outscoring its opponents, 42-14, in the first 15 minutes. The Bullets lead the CC in rushing offense (204.5) and are second in total offense (389.8). The problem is that the defense is 10th in total defense (415.8). RB Jamel Mutunga is fourth in the Conference with 76.5 yards rushing per game. QB Kyle Whitmoyer has completed 58.1 percent of his passes for 739 yards, while rushing for an additional 223 yards. RB Anthony DeSalva is third among Centennial players in all-purpose yards (570). SS Joe Delaney shares the CC lead in tackles with 46. Moravian went on the road and came away with a 24-16 win at Dickinson last weekend behind reserve QB Matt Johnson. Johnson, the team's starting strong safety for the first four games, ran for 61 yards and a score while also throwing for 174 yards. The 'Hounds amassed 320 total yards - their best offensive output of the season. WR Shawn Sylvainus is fifth in the CC in receiving yards (71.6). Moravian's defense is third in the Conference against the run (100.0) and in total defense (260.8).

The Friday Tailgate

It's the first weekend of October and it really feels like fall. The marquee game of the weekend is in Baltimore as Johns Hopkins plays its home opener against Muhlenberg in a battle of CC unbeatens.

Muhlenberg (2-0 CC, 2-1) at Johns Hopkins (2-0, 2-1)
Live Stats: Yes. Video: Yes. Audio: WMUH-FM 91.7.
This is the 43rd consecutive year that the Mules and the Blue Jays have met on the gridiron in a series that began in 1968. Muhlenberg holds a 22-19-1 overall lead, but Hopkins has an 11-8-1 advantage in the Charm City. 'Berg has won three of the last four games at Homewood, including a 28-23 decision in 2008. In the 27 years of Conference play, Muhlenberg has outscored JHU, 467-464. Both teams are riding two-game win streaks. The Mules are second in the Centennial in rushing offense (158.3), while Hopkins tops the CC in total offense (455.0). 'Berg's J.T. Merklinger (225 yds) and Terrence Dandridge (196 yds) are a potent 1-2 combo in the backfield, while QB Dan Deighan has thrown just one pick in 80 attempts. LB Patrick McDonough is tied for second in tackles (33). Blue Jay QB Hewitt Tomlin leads the Conference in passing (929 yds) and total offense (1,007). He has tied the JHU school record for career wins by a starting quarterback (19). WR Sam Wernick is second in the CC with four TDs among his 17 catches. Did you know that starting LT Roland Massimino is the grandson of former Villanova men's basketball coach Rollie Massimino?

Ursinus (3-0, 4-0) at Gettysburg (0-2, 1-2)
Live Stats: Yes. Video: Yes. Audio: Ursinus.
The 53rd meeting between the Bears and the Bullets takes place on Homecoming Weekend at the Battlefield. Gettysburg holds a 31-18-4 all-time lead and a 15-8-1 advantage at home. Ursinus has not won at Shirk Field at Musselman Stadium since 2000 (38-36). It's a classic matchup of irresistible force meets immovable object, as the Bullets lead the Conference in rushing (226.3 ypg) while the Bears top the Centennial against the run (51.8 ypg). Ursinus freshman RB Bryan Ellis ran for 109 yards vs. Susquehanna - his second 100-yard effort in four games. WR Nick Giarratano leads the CC with six TD catches. DB Chris Rountree is tied for the Centennial lead with five interceptions and has 13 career picks midway through his sophomore season. Gettysburg RB Jamel Mutunga leads the CC in rushing (87.3 ypg) and QB Kyle Whitmoyer is second in total offense (235.3 ypg). DBs Joe Delaney and Peter Hak are 1-2 in the Conference in tackles with 37 and 33, respectively.

Franklin & Marshall (2-1, 3-1) at Susquehanna (1-2, 1-3)
Live Stats: Yes. Video: Yes. Audio: WQSU-FM 88.9, F&M.
This is just the 11th meeting between the Diplomats and the Crusaders and first since 1980 - a stretch of 10,927 days according to F&M's game notes. F&M is 8-0-2 against Susquehanna since 1898 and won the two most recent matchups in 1979 and 1980. Diplomat QB John Harrison now owns the school career marks for completions (485) and passing TDs (56) and needs 112 yards to move into second place on the career yardage list. RB John Kaschak is third in the CC in rushing (313 yds). The Diplomats have scored on 15 of their 16 trips into the red zone this season with 14 touchdowns. Susquehanna leads all Centennial teams in pass defense, allowing just 146.5 yards per game. Freshman DL Bill Mancini is fifth in the CC in sacks (3). QB Rich Palazzi is second among CC passers with seven TDs. His favorite target, WR Mike Ritter, has a CC-leading five scoring catches.

Moravian (1-2, 1-3) at Dickinson (1-1, 1-2)
Live Stats: No. Audio: WSAN-AM 1470, WDCV-FM 88.3.
The Greyhounds and the Red Devils meet for the 14th time in a series that began in 1933 with Dickinson holding a 7-4-2 advantage. The Devils have won three straight since Moravian joined the Conference in 2007. The 'Hounds' last win was a 33-12 triumph at home in 1980. The Moravian offense is averaging just 7.8 points per game and is ninth in the CC in total offense (207.8 ypg). DE Allen Petros is third on the school career tackles-for-loss list (30). WR Shawn Sylvainus is 11 receptions shy of the 100-mark for his career. Dickinson rolled to a 41-16 victory vs. McDaniel last weekend for the Devils' first win of 2010. QB Ricky Martz is second in the CC in pass efficiency (152.5) and third in total offense (219.0 ypg). WR Craig Helfer is fourth among qualifying receivers in yards per reception (17.1). PK Gordon Craig has connected on 4-of-6 field goals, including a 47-yarder. DL Adam Farrell is tied for second in sacks (1.0 per game).

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

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.

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.

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.

The Friday Tailgate

It's a milestone weekend for the Centennial Conference, as we post for the 500th time and we crown a football champion for 2009. The gridiron champion thing is a bit more important, but we didn't want to fail to pat ourselves on the back.

Johns Hopkins is in the driver's seat. A Blue Jay win at McDaniel gives Hopkins at least a share of the Centennial title and the Conference's automatic berth to the Division III championship tournament that begins next weekend. Dickinson can get at least a piece of the crown with a home win vs. Ursinus and can also get the outright championship and the AQ with a victory and a Hopkins loss.

Ursinus still has hopes of both a Centennial title and NCAA berth. A Hopkins loss, combined by a Bears win over the Red Devils, makes UC the tri-champions and the recipient of the automatic spot in the NCAA field. Franklin & Marshall can force a four-way tie at the top with a win over Gettysburg and losses by Hopkins and Dickinson. It will be a day filled with scoreboard watching, as we bring the curtain down on the 2009 regular season.

Johns Hopkins at McDaniel
Audio: WTTR-AM 1470. Video: No. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 88th all-time meeting between the two Maryland football representatives in the Conference with the Blue Jays holding a 47-35-5 lead after eight straight wins. The Terror's last win was a 41-7 triumph in 2000. It is the first time in the history of college football in the Free State that two coaches with more than 100 wins at their respective in-state schools will face each other - Jim Margraff (126-74-3) and Tim Keating (103-69-3). Hopkins has posted back-to-back 50-point performances for the first time since 1967 and the 109 points over the last two games is the second-most by a JHU team in school history. JHU amassed over 200 yards rushing and passing vs. F&M and is 23-2 in the 25 games since 1955 when that has happened. RB Andrew Kase (4,132 yards) is 48 yards away from becoming the No. 2 rusher in state history. The leader - McDaniel's Eric Frees who totaled 5,281 from 1988-91. This is the 1,000th game in McDaniel program history. The Terror is 507-443-49 (.532) in its 115th gridiron season. A Green and Gold win would give McDaniel its first winning season since finishing 6-4 in 2004. QB Tom Massucci has five 200-yard passing games to his credit this season - the most since three-time CC Offensive Player of the Year Ron Sermarini did it in 1999. The offensive line has allowed just 11 sacks this season - the fewest since the 1992 unit surrendered just four. WR Matt Cahill has 699 receiving yards which is the most since Teron Powell gathered in balls for 771 yards in 2001.

Ursinus at Dickinson
Audio: WDCV-FM 88.3. Video: No. Live Stats: No.
It's the 81st matchup between the Bears and the Red Devils with Dickinson riding a three-game home win streak in the series. Dickinson holds a 44-30-6 series lead. Ursinus mustered just seven first downs last week vs. Muhlenberg but turned four turnovers into 24 points and a 24-10 win. QB Justin Decristofaro needs 112 passing yards to become the first Bear to throw for 2,000 in a season since Frank Vecchio in 1999. The Bears are looking for things to break their way and secure a piece of the Centennial title for the first time since 1996. QB Ian Mitchell tied the Centennial record for career rushing TDs by a quarterback (27) and raised his Conference single-season mark to 14. He also needs 125 passing yards to reach 5,000 for his career. The Red Devils are 15th in D-III in rushing offense (245.3), while the defense leads the CC in pass efficiency defense and is 10th in the country in turnover margin.

Gettysburg at Franklin & Marshall
Audio: No. Video: godiplomats.com. Live Stats: Yes.
The Bullets and the Diplomats square off for the 95th time with F&M holding a slim 44-43-7 advantage. The home team has won the last four games. Gettysburg has not won in Lancaster since 2001 (24-16). The game features the top two passing offenses in the Conference, as the Dips are averaging 302.1 yards per game while the Bullets are next at 275.4. Gettysburg is ranked third in D-III in total offense (498.3). Although QB Matt Flynn already has a truckload of records to his credit, there are still some within reach on Saturday, including school marks for single-season TD passes (needs one) and the Conference single-season record for total offense (needs 149). Flynn is 259 yards away from the Centennial season standard for passing yards, but F&M counterpart John Harrison is closer, needing just 58 yards to surpass the old mark. Harrison has already set most Diplomat single-season passing marks, including completions (224), yards (2,652) and TDs (28). WR George Eager is 15th in D3 in receptions (69), 32nd in yards (881) and 37th in all-purpose yards (1,294).

Moravian at Muhlenberg
Audio: WSAN-AM 1470, WMUH-FM 91.7. Video: muhlenberg.edu/sports. Live Stats: Yes.
It is the 58th time that the 'Hounds and the Mules have met on the gridiron with Moravian holding a 32-23-2 advantage, including a 17-12-1 lead in Allentown. Both teams are 2-7, the fewest combined win total for the two teams since the Mules (2-6) and Greyhounds (0-7-1) met in 1981. Moravian RB Ryan Rempe is one of the top backs in the CC with 716 rushing yards. DL Allen Petros leads the defensive line with 37 tackles and four sacks. KR Travis King needs one kickoff return and 97 yards to set single-season school marks in both categories. Muhlenberg WR Phil Cresta needs 12 receptions and 144 yards to become the school's career leader in those categories. The Mules have dropped four straight games, despite allowing an average of just 258 yards to the opposition. The 29 turnovers by 'Berg is the most by the team since 2001.

The Friday Tailgate

At the end of the day on Saturday, the Centennial Conference football championship race will have either (1) one team atop the standings at 6-1 and three others at 5-2; (2) two teams with 6-1 CC marks and two more at 5-2; (3) two at 6-1 and one at 5-2. It is possible that we will have an outright champion for the fifth straight season. It is plausible that we could have a four-way tie for the title, reminiscent of the infamous 2004 five-way deadlock for the championship. It also harkens back to 1995, when Dickinson, F&M and Hopkins all entered the penultimate weekend of the season with 4-1 CC marks.

Franklin & Marshall at Johns Hopkins
Audio: godiplomats.com. Video: hopkinssports.com. Live Stats: Yes.
It is the 61st meeting between the Diplomats (5-1 CC, 7-1) and the Blue Jays (5-1, 6-2) in a series that began in 1912. F&M holds a 34-24-2 lead in the series and has an 18-11-2 mark at Homewood Field. Last season, Hopkins picked off a potential game-winning two-point conversion pass in the waning moments of the final period to secure a 26-25 win in Lancaster. The Diplomats, Blue Jays and Dickinson are tied for first place in the CC. Dickinson edged F&M with a last-second field goal, while Johns Hopkins knocked off Dickinson. F&M needs to win out with a Dickinson loss to either Juniata or Ursinus to get the automatic NCAA bid. A Hopkins win would leave the Jays in charge of their own fate heading into the season’s final game at McDaniel. The last time that these two teams when tied for first place was 1995. In that contest Diplomat RB Matt Eisenberg capped a long drive with a 1-yard plunge with :17 left for a 27-22 F&M win. Last week, Diplomat QB John Harrison threw for a school-record 404 yards vs. McDaniel, setting program marks for completions, yards and TDs in a season. Hopkins RB Andrew Kase ran for 146 yards and four touchdowns in the first half of the win at Juniata. Both shared the Centennial Offensive Player of the Week award. Franklin & Marshall is 31-27-2 all-time when playing in the Free State and 10-10 in its last 20 trips across the Mason-Dixon line. The Johns Hopkins SAAC is running a program called "Reuse a Shoe" at this week's game. Fans are encouraged to bring their old sneakers and running shoes to donate. The recycled shoes will be used to build basketball courts, tennis courts and tracks around the country.

Juniata at Dickinson
Audio: WDCV-FM 88.3. Video: No. Live Stats: No.
The Red Devils (5-1, 7-1) and the Eagles (1-6, 1-8) meet for the 21st time with Dickinson holding a 12-8 series advantage, including six straight victories. Juniata's last win was a 26-9 triumph at Biddle Field in 2002. This is the second night game for Dickinson at Biddle Field. Last year, the Red Devils defeated Franklin & Marshall, 34-20, in Dickinson's 1,000th all-time game and 100th meeting with the Dips. Last week, Dickinson was held to its lowest offensive output of the season (326 yards) but rallied for 17 fourth-quarter points to defeat Muhlenberg. PK Gordon Craig booted a 41-yard FG with :07 left for the game-winning points. It was the third game-winning kick of his career. Dickinson ranks 22nd nationally in turnover margin (+10). Juniata brings down the curtain on its season on Friday night. RB Derek Kramer leads the Eagles with 419 rushing yards. The Eagles are looking for their second road win of the season, something they have not done since 2003.

Muhlenberg at Ursinus
Audio: Ursinus Sports Network. Video: No. Live Stats: Yes.
The Mules (1-5, 2-6) and the Bears (4-2, 4-4) meet for the 73rd time in a series that began in 1900. Muhlenberg has won nine straight in the series to forge a 42-23-7 advantage. Ursinus' last victory was a 35-23 triumph in Allentown in 1999, while its last win in Collegeville came in 1996 (13-7, OT). Mule RB J.T. Merklinger had its first 100-yard game of his career last week vs. Dickinson, running for 101 yards. The defense held the Devils to their lowest offensive production of the season (326 yards). PK Michael Katz booted three FGs (29, 32 and 37 yards). He shares the CC lead with eight three-pointers. Ursinus is still in the CC championship chase, but needs wins against Muhlenberg and Dickinson, along with a little help, to get a share of its first title since 1996. QB Justin Decristofaro has thrown for 1,773 yards this year and needs 227 to become the first Bear to reach 2,000 for a season since Frank Vecchio in 1999. For the second straight week, KR Al Desiderio returned a kick for a touchdown, scampering 90 yards with a punt for a score vs. Moravian. He leads the Centennial in all-purpose yards (1,200). PK Keith Baker booted a career-long 42-yard field goal vs. the 'Hounds.

McDaniel at Gettysburg
Audio: WTTR-AM 1470. Video: gettysburgsports.com. Live Stats: Yes.
The Route 97 rivalry began in 1891 and is renewed for the 63rd time on Saturday. Gettysburg has won the last two meetings and holds a 45-16-1 series advantage. McDaniel has not won at the Battlefield since 2001 (55-7). Gettysburg ranks third in Division III in total offense, 17th in scoring offense, 23rd in passing offense and 25th in rushing offense. RB Jamel Mutunga has rushed for 822 yards and 12 TDs and needs 178 yards to become Gettysburg's 17th 1,000-yard back. QB Matt Flynn can become the Centennial's all-time leader in total offense with 70 yards in his final two games. McDaniel QB Tom Massucci became just the fifth different Terror passer to throw for over 1,500 yards in a season. Freshman C.J. Billera shares the team lead in all-purpose yards with 829. He had a career-best 110 receiving yards last week vs. F&M. The defense is sixth in Division III with 29 sacks. The Terror is 1-13 over its last 14 Centennial road games.

The Friday Tailgate

Well, well, well. Three weeks remaining in the Conference football season and we have a four-team race. Four teams - Dickinson, Franklin & Marshall, Johns Hopkins and Ursinus - all with 4-1 Centennial records. Raise your hand if you had the Diplomats and Bears in the mix at the start of the season! The quartet could be considered the favorites in their games on Saturday, but better not be caught looking ahead.

Dickinson at Muhlenberg
Audio: WDCV-FM 88.3, WMUH-FM 91.7. TV: Service Electric 2. Video: Mule TV. Live Stats: Yes.
It is the 65th meeting between the Red Devils (4-1, 6-1) and the Mules (1-4, 2-5). 'Berg has won nine of the last 10 meetings to take a commanding 38-24-2 lead in the series. Dickinson has not won in Allentown since 1997. The Red Devils are 18th in the NCAA in rushing offense and have scored on 28-of-29 trips inside the red zone, scoring 22 touchdowns. DB Michael Maxwell is tied for the Centennial lead and is 13th nationally with five interceptions. The Red and White is 10th in the country in turnover margin (+11). The Mules lead the CC in rushing and scoring defense. QB Dan Deighan makes his second collegiate start, while fellow freshman RB Terrence Dandridge is fifth in the Centennial averaging 77.5 yards per game.

Franklin & Marshall at McDaniel
Audio: WTTR-AM 1470. Video: No. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 43rd time that the Diplomats (4-1, 6-1) and the Green Terror (2-3, 4-3) will meet on the gridiron since 1904. F&M has won five in a row to take a 24-16-2 series lead. McDaniel's last win at Bair Stadium came in 2003 (21-7). Strange fact for Halloween -- F&M and McDaniel have played twice before on Oct. 31 (1942, 1959) and both games ended in 14-14 draws. The Diplomat defense has been stingy on third-downs this season, stopping its opposition 69.6 percent of the time. DB Barry Lovett's 69-yard fumble return for a touchdown last week was the team's first fumble return for a score in 17 years. QB John Harrison has 21 TD passes and is one away from establishing a school single-season record. With 1,973 passing yards, he is 27 away from becoming the fifth F&M passer to throw for 2,000 in a season. McDaniel can secure its first .500 season since 2005 with a victory in one of its final three games. QB Tom Massucci needs 98 passing yards to become just the fifth Terror passer to reach 1,500 yards in a season. The Green and Gold defensive line ranks sixth in D-III, averaging 3.71 sacks per game. DL Mike Ford ranks 14th in the country with 1.04 per outing.

Johns Hopkins at Juniata
Audio: No. Video: No. Live Stats: No. Twitter Updates: @hopkinssports
This is just the fourth time that the Blue Jays (4-1, 5-2) and the Eagles (1-5, 1-7) have played football against each other with Hopkins holding a 2-1 lead. This is the third straight Hopkins road game in which the Jays are the Homecoming opponent. A JHU win would be the 125th career victory for coach Jim Margraff and also the 100th all-time victory for Hopkins in Centennial play. The 69 wins this decade are the most in school history, surpassing the old mark of 55 set in the 1990s. RB Andrew Kase has run for over 100 yards in three straight games. Hopkins has scored on 25-of-29 trips to the red zone, scoring 18 touchdowns. Juniata broke a 23-game road losing streak with a 10-3 win at Moravian last week. The Eagles protect the ball, turning it over one time or less in six of their eight games. QB Alex Snyder has only been picked off three times this season- the fewest of any passer in the Conference (150 attempt minimum).

Moravian at Ursinus
Audio: WSAN-AM 1470. Video: No. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 12th game in the Greyhound-Bear series with Moravian holding a 7-3-1 lead. 'Hound RB Ryan Rempe has 1,390 career rushing yards needs 410 in his final two games to break into the school career top 10. DL Allen Petros, who missed the Johns Hopkins and Dickinson contests, still leads the line with 34 tackles and three sacks. LB Evan Bauer leads the team with 59 stops. Ursinus had a pair of RBs go over 100 yards last week vs. McDaniel, as Teddy Conrad and Travis Evans each ran for 133 yards and combined for five TDs. KR Al Desiderio was named the Conference's Special Teams Player of the Week, after returning a kickoff 77 yards for a score. DB Chris Rountree shares the Centennial lead with five interceptions.