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Rowan has won all seven previous meetings against Western Connecticut. The Profs travel to Danbury for a evening kickoff of 6 pm Saturday. Rowan dominated the Colonials last year, winning 49-18.

Western Connecticut State lost at home last week to SUNY Morrisville, 25-17 on Saturday. Quarterback James Williams passed for 148 yards and one touchdown.

In the middle of the this decade, it was beginning to look like Western Connecticut was about to take the next step and move into the top tier of NJAC football programs. After a .500 record in 2006, the Colonials have only won six games the past two seasons. They are 0-4 thus far this season, and except for a blowout against Albright 48-7, they have been in most games.

It appears that West Conn has had trouble generating enough offense this season. 227 total yards of offense with 90 yards rushing per game isn’t going to get it done in the NJAC when the rest of the league averages 357.7 yards of total offense. It doesn’t get much better on defense for the Colonials as they give up 403 yards per game while the rest of the league give up an average of 341 yards. They are last in pass defense and next to last in pass defense efficiency.

Quarterback James Williams is the team’s leading rusher and passer. Williams has compiled 517 yards passing with two touchdowns, completing 55 of 101 attempts. He has tallied 160 rushing yards and one TD on 43 attempts. In the conference, Williams ranks 10th in passing (129.2) and total offense (169.2). He is 11th in pass efficiency (98.0) and 14th in rushing (40.0).

Wayne Neal is Western Connecticut’s top scorer with 24 points. He has racked up 70 rushing yards and a team best four touchdowns on 31 carries. Neal has added 10 receptions for 89 yards, which is second on the team. He is tied for sixth in the NJAC in scoring (6.0).

This is a big trap game. Rowan should be able to pass at will, and with the defense spread out run at will. However, a team like Western Connecticut can ruin a season at this point. The Profs have a few of these games coming up. Rowan needs to focus on good special teams, limit stupid penalties, and pressure the quarterback. West Conn has given up the second most sacks in the league at 13. Get pressure, and the Profs should increase their +6 turnover margin. The Colonials have –1 turnover margin. As long as the mid-season in synch Rowan team shows up, a win should be forthcoming.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
MIKE BARONE • Rowan University
Senior • Free Safety • Hammonton, NJ/Hammonton
Barone earns NJAC Defensive Player of the Week honors after helping the Profs secure a homeopening 56-20 NJAC victory over Brockport. In the win, he garnered two interceptions, including one that he returned 100 yards for a touchdown. His second quarter pick was one of three interceptions returned for touchdowns in the game by the Profs, and tied a school record for the longest interception return in program history. Barone, who also recorded three tackles from his safety position,
currently is tied for the conference lead in interceptions with three on the season.

OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
KAY ROBINSON • Rowan University
Freshman • Wide Receiver • Camden, NJ/Camden Catholic
Robinson becomes the third different Prof to earn NJAC Offensive Rookie of the Week honors after helping Rowan secure a 56-20 home-opening NJAC victory over Brockport. In the win, he recorded four receptions for a team-high 103 yards, marking the first 100-yard receiving game of his collegiate career. Robinson currently ranks 22nd in the NJAC in receiving yards per game (35.3).

After three straight road games to open the season, the Profs were finally home.  Home is now a remodeled John Page Field with new stands and press box.  The stadium will be named after Coach Richard “Dick” Wacker.  Coach Wacker restarted a football program that went dormant after the 1950 season when the college did not have enough men to field a team due to the Korean War.  He was able to resume the program in 1963.

So it was certainly fitting that Rowan “pumped up the volume” by opening up their rebuilt home with a thumping of Brockport, including three defensive touchdowns.    The defense was led by Safety Mike Barone, the NJAC  Defensive Player of the Week. He had two interceptions, including one that he returned 100 yards for a touchdown. His second quarter pick was one of three interceptions returned for touchdowns in the game by the Profs, and tied a school record (Jabrill Joseph, 2005) for the longest interception return in program history. Barone, who also recorded three tackles from his safety position, currently is tied for the conference lead in interceptions with three on the season.  Rowan picked off Brockport quarterback Jake Graci five times.

The game was not as close as the 36 point win would indicate. Rowan scored the first 35 points, including Barone’s 100 yard interception return. Late in the second quarter the Golden Eagles managed to put togther a 71 yard, 10 play drive capped by runnng back Aaron Zurn’s five yard touchdown. The Profs scored the next 21 points, including two more interception returns for touchdowns.  After that, both teams made wholesale substitutions, allowing Brockport to score two more touchdowns, capping the scoring.

Safety Jack Buckley had a game-high 10 tackles. Yezzi added seven stops and safety Steve Wall followed with six tackles. Linebacker Moe Ghotok and cornerback Husain Shakir each intercepted one pass. Linebacker Andrew Yezzi had a 45 yard interception return for a touchdown, while cornerback Cody High took a lateral from Ghotok and scored on a 64 yard pick.

Profs’ quarterback Frank Wilczynski completed 12 of 17 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed for a game best 147 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries. Superback Ryan Leafey added 50 yards and one touchdown on seven rushes. Tight end Kevin DelleDonne made five catches for 50 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Kay Robinson, the NJAC Offensive Rookie of the Week racked up 103 yards on four receptions.

The Profs (1-1, 2-1)are looking to build on last week and start a winning streak to the NJAC title and/or playoff bid.  It starts with Brockport on Saturday. Only three NJAC teams remain undefeated in the NJAC: TCNJ (3-0, 3-0), Kean (2-0, 2-1), and Montclair (2-0, 2-1). TCNJ travels to Kean this Saturday night which will eliminate one of the undefeated teams.  TCNJ has been explosive on offense averaging over 57 points per game on offense while allowing 31 points on defense.

The Profs hold a 5-1 series advantage. Last season, Rowan recorded a 37-20 road victory over Brockport.

Brockport lost to Montclair State University, 41-39 on Saturday.  Quarterback Jake Graci scored on a quarterback sneak from two yards out with 52 seconds left to put Brockport ahead 39-35.  After the kickoff, the Red Hawks drove 61 yards on 6 plays in 38 seconds for the win.  Dan Keegan made a 14 yard TD reception from quarterback Tom Fischer for the win.

Quarterback Jake Graci completed 31 of 58 pass attempts for 442 yards and three touchdowns. He also had one rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Matt Newman made eight catches for 124 yards and one TD. Wideout Felipe Diaz added 84 yards on eight grabs. Wide receiver Hector Rosas racked up 106 yards and a touchdown on two receptions. Running back Aaron Zurn rushed for 54 yards and two TDs on 18 touches.

Graci broke four school records against Montclair State. He surpassed the Brockport single game marks for total yards (460), passing yards (442) and passing attempts (58). His 95 yard touchdown toss to Rosas was the longest pass in the team’s history. Graci leads the NJAC in passing (294.7) and total offense (313.3) and he is second in pass efficiency (144.6)

Brockport is first in the NJAC in passing offense (294.7). The Golden Eagles are second in total offense (428.3) and pass efficiency (144.6). Brockport ranks third in scoring offense (32.7) and fourth in rushing (133.7).

Diaz is the conference leader with 6.0 receptions per game. He is also seven in receiving yards per game (66.7). Newman is tied for third in receptions (5.0) and fifth in receiving yards per game (76.3). Zurn is tied for sixth in rushing (59.7) and eighth in all-purpose yards (96.3). Linebacker Matt Mangano is fourth in tackles (9.7), while cornerback Cody Geffers ranks second in passes defended (2.0). Cornerback Derek Austin is fourth in punting (39.9). Emilio Genzano is tied for first in field goal percentage (100.0).

Profs quarterback Frank Wilczynski is second in the NJAC in scoring (9.0) and fifth in rushing (77.5) and total offense (227.0).  Ryan Leafey is fourth in rushing (79.0). Matt Hoffman is the leader in tackles for a loss (7.5) and he is second in sacks (3.5). Kicker Mark Getsinger is tied for second in field goals (1.0), tied for third in field goal percentage (75.0) and fourth in PAT percentage (88.9). Punter Andrew Smith ranks fifth (37.9). Safety Steve Wall is first in punt return average (10.6).

The Profs are the NJAC leaders in scoring defense (14.7), total defense (245.7), sacks (11) and rushing defense (72.7). Rowan is second in rushing (168.0) and third in punt return average (10.7). The Profs’ 115.6 pass efficiency defense is fourth and they are fifth in pass defense (173.0).

Rowan will be looking at a familiar offense on Saturday.  Brockport spreads the field just like the Profs.  The main exception is that the Golden Eagles uses a two back FB/RB set with three wide receivers without a tight end most of the time.  While Rowan usually uses a one back set with three wide receivers and a tight end.

Brockport is a pass happy offense. Pressure is going to be necessary for the Profs to win. The Golden Eagles have allowed only three sacks this season.  Graci spreads the ball around, five receivers have caught at least 10 passes.  The good news is that Brockport gives up almost 31.7 points-per-game.  Each team has played and beaten one common opponent this year in William Paterson.  Profs won last week 28-13. Brockport won three weeks ago 22-19 in their first game of the year.

I’d like to see more ball control from the offense this Saturday, and for the Profs to keep up the good special teams play.  This will give Rowan the field position advantage which will help the defense.  Lastly, Rowan has had a problem with fumbles in their own territory.  Two of which have led to touchdowns for the opponent.  If the Profs can take care of the football, I expect a win on Saturday.

Rowan is back in the hunt for the NJAC crown with a win over William Paterson.  The win marks the 300th victory of the Prof football program for an overall record of 300-183-8.

Quarterback Frank Wilczynski was back in action after missing last week with an ankle injury.  He led the team in rushing with 69 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns.  He also threw for 220 yards on 15 completions, spreading the ball around to seven different receivers.   Superback Ryan Leafey added 45 yards and touchdown on 10 attempts.  Jon Downes contributed 26 yards and one touchdown on 14 touches. Tight end Kevin DelleDonne caught three passess for 54 yards.  Freshman wideouts TJ Pratt and James Kinloch  contributed with 39 and 37 receiving yards respectively.

Linebackers Kevin Taylor and Andrew Yezzi had 10 tackles and one sack apiece. Defensive end Matt Hoffman added nine tackles and two sacks. Defensive tackle Frank Olexson forced one fumble. Safety Rocky Aliberti  recorded one interception and safety Mike Barone had a fumble recovery.

For William Paterson, quarterback Matt Marshall threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns. He completed 24 of 32 pass attempts. Running back Marcus McKinney carried the ball 19 times for 75 yards. Wide receiver Joel Rivera  made six grabs for 72 yards and one touchdown. Tight end Chris Schule chipped in with six receptions for 70 yards and touchdown. Wideout Bruce Katkowski had three receptions for 51 yards.

Rowan is home for the first time this season next week hosting Brockport in an early 12 noon start.

Profs will be looking to get back on track in the NJAC race against the Pioneers this Saturday. Rowan owns a 31-7 series advantage, last losing 21-20 in 2007.  Profs will also make their second attempt to win the 300th game of the program.

Frank Wilczynski was out nursing an ankle injury last week.  He is listed as the starter on the two deep.  He was also listed as the starter on the two deep last week.  Hopefuly Frank can go.  If not, Tim Hagerty will have a second full week of taking most of the practice snaps..  The offense should not ba as conservative as they were against Cortland.  Hagerty should be expected to do many of the same things as Wilczynski.

William Paterson (1-1) lost to NJAC opponent Brockport 22-19 last week. The Pioneer offense is a balanced. Running back Marcus McKinney has rushed for 214 yards and one touchdown on 56 carries. He leads the NJAC in rushing yards per game (107.0) and is fourth in all-purpose yards (116.0).  Quarterback Matt Marshall has completed 37 of 65 pass attempts for 396 yards and two touchdowns. Marshall is sixth in the conference in passing yards per game (198.0) and total offense(201.5). Joel Rivera is the big threat at wide receiver. He has caught nine passes for 136 yards and one touchdown. His 68.0 receiving yards per game ranks seventh in the NJAC.  Tight end Chris Schule is another big target.  He has grabbed 6 passes for 93 yards and one touchdown.

The Pioneers’ defense  has stepped up this year. William Paterson limited King’s to seven points and 160 yards of total offense (81 passing and 79 rushing). In the conference, the Pioneers are first in scoring defense (14.0) and pass defense (89.5). William Paterson is also second in total defense (238.2) and pass defense efficiency (95.4).

Marshall ranks eighth in pass efficiency (112.1) and Rivera is sixth in all-purpose yards (106.5). Rivera is tied for seventh with 4.5 receptions per game. Hamill’s 12.5 tackles per game are second. Defensive end Dyon Moore is tied for seventh in tackles for a loss (2.5). Brzycki ranks first in field goals (2.0) and fourth in scoring (7.5). He is tied for the lead in PAT (100.0) and field goal percentage (100.0). Punter Dan DeCicco is seventh in punting (36.1) and eighth in kickoff return average (26.0). Thomas is first in punt returns (17.0).

The Pioneers lead the NJAC in punt return average (17.0).  The Pioneers are second in punting (34.6), third in total offense (353.5) and fourth in rushing offense (155.5).

The strength of Rowan’s offense comes from its running game. Leading the way is Ryan Leafey with 192 yards and one touchdown on 39 carries. He is third in the NJAC in rushing (96.0) and seventh in all-purpose yards (104.5). The Profs missed Wilczynski who compiled 86 yards and one TD in Rowan’s win over Lycoming. He is fourth in the conference in rushing (86.0), tied for seventh in scoring (6.0) and ninth in total offense (165.0).

Yezzi is tied for fifth in tackles (10.0), while Taylor is tied for eighth (8.5). Kane is tied for third in sacks (2.0) and tied for ninth in tackles for a loss (2.0). Defensive end Matt Hoffman ranks fourth in tackles for a loss (4.0) and is tied for seventh in sacks (1.5). Linebacker Steve Hague is tied for third in passes defended (1.5). Kicker Mark Getsinger is second in field goals (1.5) and sixth in scoring (6.5). Safety Steve Wall is second in punt return average with 10.6.

In the conference team statistics, the Profs are first in total defense (193.5), rushing defense (62.5), pass defense efficiency (90.2) and inteceptions (four). Rowan is tied for first in turnover margin (+1.0). The team ranks second in rushing offense (182.0) and pass defense (131.0). Rowan is tied for second in scoring defense (15.5) and sacks (six). The Profs are third in punt return average(10.6) and fourth in punting (33.6) and field goal percentage (.750).

Keys to winning will be to nutralize the runnning game, stopping wide receiver Joel Rivera, and winning the time of possession battle. Force third and long and get pressure on the quarterback Marshall.  The Pioneers have only allowed one sack this season.

Note: Coach Jay Accorsi is 11-3 after a loss.

Junior Tim Hagerty started at quarterback replacing the injured Frank Wilczynski.  Hagerty  threw for 114 yards on nine completions in 17 attempts with one interception. Hagerty also had a 34 yard touchdown run.

The Profs stayed pretty consevative and tried to rely on the defense to keep them in the game.  The defense had two interceptions, one of which led to one 15 yard touchdown run by Ryan Leafey.  The inability of Rowan to convert of third down deep in their own territory combined with poor kickoff coverage, gave Cortland and average starting field position of the 50 yard line for Red Dragon scoring drives. The field position disadvantage plus a 13 minute time-of-possession deficit wore down the Profs dedense in the second half.

Rowan rushed for 177 yards on 41 attempts led by Ryan Leafey who had 124 yards on 24 attempt with one touchdown and an early fumble that led to Cortland’s first touchdown. Freshman wide receiver James Kinloch had three receptions for 52 yards. Wideouts Val Terebizh  and Mark Lisa contributed with 40 and 32 yards receiving respectively.

Profs defense was led by linebackers Kevin Taylor and Andrew Yezzi registered 10 tackles apiece. Taylor also forced a fumble. Safety Mike Barone made eight stops. Defensive end Kyle Kane tallied two sacks. Cornerbacks Husain Shakir and Malcolm Dock each had one interception. Safety Steve Wall forced a fumble and defensive lineman Steve Williams chipped in with one fumble recovery.

Quarterback Dan Pitcher threw for 192 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the game in the forth quarter with an apparent season ending injury to his right leg.  Red Dragons’ defensive end Brian Wiley posted a game-high 15 tackles, three tackles for a loss and 0.5 sacks.

The season is far from over and the NJAC title is still up for grabs and two teams from the NJAC could make the playoffs. Rowan heads to William Paterson next week at 1 pm.

The 2009 season heats up early for the Profs.  Rowan begin its second week on the road seeking to snaps Cortland’s two game win streak against the Profs.  A win would be the program’s 300th victory. The last time Rowan lost two in a row to the Red Dragons was during the 1964-65 season. The Profs are 10-5-1 against Cortland on two streaks of five consecutive wins (1996-2000, 2002-06). Last year,  Cortland scored a touchdown with 45 seconds left winning 27-20.

Cortland beat Morrisville last week 26-17. Colgate transfer Dan Pitcher, a junior now, leads the Red Dragons at quarterback. He compiled over 300 yards of offense. He threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns, and led the team with 98 yards rushing and one touchdown. Wide out Eric Hajnos grabbed six passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. Defensive end Evan Wyler paced the defense with 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.  Linebacker James Lenhart followed with 10 tackles and two sacks.

The Profs must get pressure on Pitcher who seems to be similar to the Profs’ Frank Wilczynski.  Give Pitcher running lanes and he may take off.  The Rowan defense must stay in their gaps as they apply pressure.  With the graduation of running back Andrew Giuliano, the Red Dragon backfield may take a step back this year.  Giuliano ran well against Profs, including 136 yards and two touchdowns last year.

The keys to this game will be how often Cortland is forced into third and long, which team performs better on special teams, and if the Profs improve in the passing game over week one. Rowan was really good at forcing third and longs last week.  And except for one breakdown, Profs specials teams helped win the position battle against Lycoming. I think special teams may decide this one.

It always seems to take forever for football season to start once it ends. Rowan opened their first of three straight games on the road yesterday at Lycoming. Great defense, enough offense, and only one special team’s lapse gave the Profs an opening day win 29-7.

The defense held the Warriors to 104 yards of total offense and only 34 on the ground. The team had four sacks, recovered one fumble and returned one interception 14-yards for a touchdown. Linebacker Kevin Taylor led the team with seven tackles. Defensive end Matt Hoffman added five tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. Linebacker Steve Hague had one sack and one interception, which he returned 14 yards for a touchdown. Safety Mike Barone also intercepted a pass, while linebacker Jerome Gordon had one sack. Linebacker Dom Marchiani forced a fumble and recovered it.

Profs opened the scoring by gaining the field position advantage gaining by good defensive and special teams. The offense drove 38-yards ending with a 26-field goal by Mark Getsinger midway through the first quarter. Early in the second quarter Freshman wide receiver James Kinloch hauled in 39-yard pass from quarterback Frank Wilczynski putting the Profs up 9-0. A personal foul after the touchdown made the try for point a 33-yard attempt, which was missed. Late in the second quarter Rowan began an 11 play, 56 yard drive ending with a Getsinger 20-field goal, giving the team a 12-0 halftime lead.

Lycoming kick returner Ray Bierbach returned an early third quarter line drive punt from Andrew Smith 45-yards to the Rowan 21-yard line. Wide out Ryan Wagaman grabbed a 21-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Colin Dwyer on the next play, closing the gap to 12-7. Rowan took advantage on the next possession by creating a big return of their own. Steve Wall returned the ensuing kickoff 33-yards to the Warrior 45-yard line. Wilczynski executed a fake draw and took it 45-yards to the house for 16-7 lead. Midway through the third quarter linebacker Steve Hague returned an interception 14-yards for touchdown and a 26-7 lead. Mark Getsinger capped the scoring with 36-yard field goal and a 29-7 win.

Rowan travels to Cortland to take on the Red Dragon at 1 PM next Saturday.

The Profs begin the 2009 campaign with the first of three games on the road.  The team travels to Williamsport, PA… famous for the Little World Series, but also home to a historically successful Lycoming College football program.  Last year Rowan rebounded from its first sub .500 season in over 20 years by finishing 8-2 in 2008.  Losses to Cortland and Montclair State left the Profs on the playoff bubble in which selection criteria put lesser teams in.  Looking to control their own destiny, begins with the Lycoming Warriors on Saturday.

The series is tied 1-1 between the two teams and both games were playoff games. In 1996, the Profs defeated the Warriors, 33-14 in the semifinals of the NCAA Division III Championship to advance to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl. One year later, Lycoming recorded a 28-20 victory over Rowan in the semifinals of the national tournament.

Last year, Lycoming, Delaware Valley College and Albright College all finished tied for first (5-2) in the conference. Lycoming won the tie-breaker to receive the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Championships Tournament. It marked the first time since 2003 that Lycoming won the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC). The Warriors have won 13 conference titles overall, nine outright and four shared.  Lycoming lost in the first round to Hobart 33-15.

Mike Clark begins his second season at the helm of the Warrior football program. Clark, a 1993 graduate of Lycoming, earned his MBA in 1996 from Rowan while serving as a graduate assistant and tight ends coach.

In Clark’s first season, he guided the Warriors to their first playoff appearance since 2003. Lycoming went 7-4 overall and finished in a three-way tie in the Middle Atlantic Conference with a 5-2 mark.

Jay Accorsi begins his eighth season as head coach after nine years as an assistant at Rowan. He has a 59-20 record (.633) and has captured four NJAC titles. He’s also led the team to four playoff appearances, including two semi-finals in 2004 and 2005.

Lycoming returns several key players on offense. Senior quarterback Colin Dwyer will once again be under center. In 2008, he compiled 2,035 yards and 13 touchdowns, completing 165 of 322 pass attempts. Running back Josh Kleinfelter was the Warriors’ leading rusher with 1,123 yards and 11 TDs on 236 carries. He also racked up 360 yards receiving on 29 grabs. Wideouts Ryan Wagaman and Brad Shellenberger will be Dwyer’s main targets. Wagaman led the team with 47 catches for 570 yards and four touchdowns, while Schellenberger posted 670 yards and six TDs on 45 receptions. Wagaman earned All-Conference first team honors and Dwyer and Kleinfelter were on the second team. The only two returning starters on the offensive line are guard Matt Landsiedel and tight end Jimmie Stevenson. The offense averaged 333.1 yards per game (207.2 passing and 125.9 rushing).

Team captain and All-Conference first team tackle Ted Geurds leads the defensive unit. He registered 58 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss (-59 yards), seven sacks (-48 yards), two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Also back on the line is end Kyle Murren. He tallied 42 tackles (17 solo, 25 assisted), 8.5 tackles for a loss (-30 yards), 3.5 sacks (-22 yards), eight pass breakups and one fumble recovery. Veterans Pat McAfee, Dan Cassidy and Kevin Hoben will start at linebacker. Last year, McAfee compiled 45 tackles (20 solo, 25 assisted), Hoben made 15 stops (seven solo, eight assisted) and Cassidy had six (four solo, two assisted). Safeties Chuck Bellitto and Travis Leonarczyk are back in the secondary. Bellitto
was second on the team with 86 tackles (54 solo, 32 assisted). He also accumulated 2.5 tackles for a loss (-11 yards), 0.5 sacks (-5 yards), seven pass breakups and one interception. Bellitto was named to the All-Conference second team. Leonarczyk added 38 tackles (29 solo, nine assisted), three pass breakups and one interception.

Senior Frank Wilczynski will begin his second campaign at quarterback. Last year, he completed 113 of 214 passes for 1,471 yards and 19 touchdowns. He led the Profs in rushing with 803 yards and 11 TDs on 116 carries. Superbacks Ryan Leafey and Jon Downes are back. Leafey racked up 497 yards and four touchdowns on 105 attempts, while Downes ran for 134 yards and two TDs on 33 rushes. The starting receiving corp will consist of veterans Dan Lisa and Anthony Barone and rookie James Kinloch. Dan Lisa caught 13 passes for 219 yards and one touchdown and Barone had two receiving TDs. Kevin DelleDonne is the new starting tight end. He saw action in five games last year and made three catches for 46 yards. Rowan returns its entire offensive line including tackles Ken Siano and Mark Zielinski, guards Josh Weiss and Justin Mitchell and center Tommy Menendez. Wilczynski, Siano, Weiss and Menendez earned NJAC All-Conference honors.

Six All-Conference performers return on defense, including linebackers Andrew Yezzi and Kevin Taylor, defensive ends Matt Hoffman and Kyle Kane and safeties Mike Barone and Steve Wall. Hoffman was first on the team with 15.5 tackles for a loss (-70 yards). He also totaled 48 tackles (25 solo, 23 assisted), seven sacks (-54 yards) and two forced fumbles. Kane was the sack leader with 7.5 (-45 yards) to go along with 37 tackles (18 solo, 19 assisted), 14 tackles for a loss (-62 yards) and two forced fumbles. Frank Olexson will start at nose guard. He made 16 tackles (one solo, 15 assisted) and 2.5 tackles for a loss (-8 yards). Yezzi led the squad with 80 tackles (40 solo, 40 assisted) and four interceptions. He added 13.5 tackles for a loss (-44 yards). Taylor followed with 52 stops (15 solo, 37 assisted) and three tackles for a loss (-8 yards). Linebacker Jerome Gordon will also start. He had 14 tackles (seven solo, seven assisted). Rocky Aliberti, Barone and Wall will start at the safety positions. Barone posted 44 tackles (30 solo, 14 assisted) and three interceptions. Aliberti had 16 tackles (10 solo, six assisted) and two picks, while Wall made 12 stops (five solo, seven assisted). The starting cornerbacks are Malcom Dock and rookie Husain Shakir. Dock contributed with 14 tackles (eight solo, six assisted) and two interceptions.

With the experience up front the Profs need to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Frank Wilczynski is a great rusher and a good passer. I expect the passing game to improve since Wilczynski has a full off season with the offensive system.

Lycoming brings a nice balance on offense between run and pass. Running back Josh Kleinfelter is a dual threat running and catching passes out of the backfield. The Rowan defense needs to slow him down and get pressure on Dwyer and force long 3rd downs. The majority of the Warriors’ offensive production from 2008 will be on the field in the at the same time. In addition to Kleinfelter and Dwyer, wideouts Wagaman and Shellenberger are a productive pair. All four players combine for 1,600 yards in the air and 1,123 yards on the ground with 24 touchdowns.

This is basically the same team that got beat by Hobart in the playoffs. If Rowan deserved a playoff bid in 2008, Saturday could be the start of redemption in 2009.