In a new twist in the PSAC this season, the PSAC Crossover games set for Sept. 13 and Sept. 20 (games involving East vs West teams) will count in the Western and Eastern Division standings. Thus Clarion’s game result this week against Millersville, and next week against Cheyney, will count along with the other 7 PSAC-West contests for a total of 9 divisional games.
All the game action between Clarion and Millersville can be heard on the Golden Eagle radio network, which includes WCCR-FM, 92.7 in Clarion and WKQW-FM, 96.3 in Oil City, as well as on the internet at Redzonemedia.com with Mike Kalinowski providing the play by play and Joe Lodanosky offering color commentary.
FOSTER IN 9TH SEASON/ CLARION 4-7; 2-5 IN 2013
2009 EAGLES 8-3 — 2ND IN PSAC-WEST – 8TH IN SUPER REGION 1
Clarion opened its 2014 football season losing a hard-fought 27-13 decision at FCS opponent Saint Francis last Saturday. The Golden Eagles fell behind 27-0, then rallied with 13 fourth quarter points before losing 27-13.
The Golden Eagles were 4-7 overall last season and 2-5 in the PSAC-Western Division. Clarion opened the 2013 grid campaign on a three-game winning streak opening with a 39-38 overtime win against Kutztown, a 30-13 win over Lock Haven and a 20-13 upset win over Mercyhurst – all at home.
Injuries took their toll, especially the season ending injury to PSAC-West first team qb Ben Fiscus, who was injured during the Lock Haven game and out for the season. Clarion defeated Seton Hill 41-2 and lost a close 9-7 decision at Edinboro late in the year. Foster’s Eagles played hard and aggressive during the 2013 campaign.
The Golden Eagles were also 4-7 overall in 2012 and 2-5 in the PSAC-Western Division, while Clarion was 3-8 overall and 2-5 in the West in 2011 and 4-7 overall and 3-4 in the West in 2010.
Clarion’s top year under Foster came in 2009 when Clarion was 8-3 overall, 6-1 in the West and finished the year ranked 8th in the final NCAA Division II East Region Poll. Foster was named the PSAC-Western division “Coach of the Year” for his efforts. Foster enters the game with a career record of 27-62.
CLARION OPENS 2014 WITH THREE STRAIGHT ROAD GAMES
In 2014 the Golden Eagles open the season with three straight away games including a season opening trip to St. Francis on September 6 at 1pm, followed by trips to Millersville on Sept. 13 (4pm) and Cheyney on September 20 (1pm). The Golden Eagles home opener is set for Sept. 27th against Gannon (2ppm) which will also serve as the annual Homecoming Day game. Other home games are against Edinboro on October 11 (6pm), California on October 25 (1pm), Slippery Rock on November 8 (Noon) and Kutztown on November 15 (Noon).
MILLERSVILLE 0-1 IN 2014/BREITBACH MARAUDERS HEAD COACH
Millersville opened its 2014 season losing a heartbreaker to Livingstone by a final score of 46-44. The Marauders led 16-14 at halftime and built the lead up to 44-26 with 13:37 remaining in the game, but Livingstone rallied for 20 fourth quarter points, including an onside kick recovery and an eventual td with 50-seconds remaining to win 46-44.
The Marauders are led by second year head coach Greg Breitbach. He led Millersville to a 1-10 overall record last year and a 1-6 mark in the PSAC-Eastern Division. Breitbach came to Millersville from North Dakota where he was the offensive coordinator the previous five seasons.
CLARION LEADS MILLERSVILLE SERIES 7-6 DATING BACK TO 1929
Clarion leads the series between the two schools 7-6. In 2011 Clarion won at MU by a 34-20 final score. Patrick Graham Murphy ran for a school record 26 yards and 5 td’s in that game. In 2010 Clarion won 49-10 at Memorial Stadium with Alfonso Hoggard rushing for 211 yards and 3 td’s. The Marauders defeated Clarion 13-10 at Memorial Stadium in overtime in 2003. In 2002 Clarion won at Millersville 24-3. Clarion also won in 1998 by a 38-31 margin, while Millersville defeated Clarion in 1997 (31-25), 1995 (41-35) and 1994 (40-27).
Perhaps the most memorable game between the two was in 1977 when Clarion defeated the Marauders 25-24 in the PSAC title game at Millersville. Bill May booted a late field to provide the winning points. Clarion also topped MU 30-25 in 1967 and 33-14 in 1966, the year Clarion went 10-0. Millersville won games in 1929 and 1930.
CLARION OFFENSE AVERAGING 221 YARDS & 13 PPG IN 2014
The Clarion offense returns 8 starters on a unit that averaged 21.6 ppg and 315.6 yards of total offense per game in 2013 including 178.8 rushing yards and 136.8 passing yards. In the season opener clarion rushed for 136 yards and passed for 85.
CARSON & SIMMONS BATTLING FOR QB POSITION
Darelle Carson (So. Pgh-Perry) started game 1 against Saint Francis and completed 5 of 14 passes for 35 yards, plus ran for 42 yards. He started the final 9 games on 2013 and played in a total of 10 games. Last year he completed 85 of 195 aerials for 1,170 yards and 5 td’s, while also running for 564 yards and 6 td’s on 157 tried.
Sophomore transfer Connor Simmons (So. New Palestine, In.) played well in his third and fourth quarter debut last Saturday completing 6 of 9 passes for 50 yards and 1 td, while running for 19 yards. Both qb’s are likely to play on Saturday.
DEITRICK, NICHOLAS, LEHMAN & MANCINI TOP RETURNING RECEIVERS
Returning to catch passes for the Eagles will be senior tight end Mike Deitrick (Sr. Upper St. Clair), and wideouts Mark Nicholas (Jr. Export/Franklin Regional), Matt Lehman (So. Lower Burrell/Burrell), Eric Frye (Jr. Pgh-Perry), and Caleb Mancini (Sr. Beaver Falls/Blackhawk).
Deitrick, an outstanding tight end, caught one pass last week for 18 yards. He led the team in 2013 with 24 catches for 239 yards and 2 td’s. He has 43 career catches for 468 yards and 4 td’s.
Nicholas and Frye each opened with 3 catches against Saint Francis. Nicholas had 3 for 25 yards and 1 td, while Frye had 3 grabs for 33 yards. Nicholas grabbed 15 passes for 285 yards and 3 td’s a year ago. In two seasons he has 22 catches for 379 yards and 5 td’s. Frye had 6 catches last year for 154 yards and 2 td’s.
Lehman, only a sophomore, latched onto 13 passes for 159 yards and 1 td in 2013, while Mancini also clutched 13 aerials for 207 yards. Mancini has 21 career catches for 276 yards.
Also expected to contribute to the offense are wideout and Enrico Canello (Jr. Pgh-Keystone Oaks – 5 grabs, 64 yards – 2013) and tight end Zach Deitrick So. Upper St. Clair) also grabbed 3 passes for 47 yards a year ago.
THOMAS & WILLIAMS KEY RUNNING BACKS IN 2014
Senior running back Bobby Thomas (Reading/Exeter Twp.) and freshman Delrece Williams (Fr. Homestead/Steel Valley) lead a strong backfield in 2014. Thomas opened the 2014 season with 34 yards on 10 carries and caught 2 passes. In 3 years he now has 314 rushes for 1,327 yards and 10 td’s, along with 17 catches for 137 yards. Thomas had 759 yards and 7 td’s on 180 carries and has a single game high of 156 yards in 2012 against LIU-Post, and 147 vs L.H. in 2013.
Williams had an impressive opening game rushing for 41 yards and 1 td on only 9 carries, while catching 1 pass for 6 yards and returning 3 kickoffs for 75 yards. A senior at Steel Valley High in the Fall of 2010, Williams set the WPIAL regular season rushing record of 2,149 yards in 9 games. He had a season total of 2,388 yards and a WPIAL leading 34 td’s.
Also set to tote the pigskin is Johnnie Martin (So. Mt. Joy/Donegal) who played in two games a year ago and rushed 7 times for 45 yards while catching two passes for 22 yards.
BARRICK, KUNDICK & CRESS LEAD TALENTED OFFENSIVE LINE
The “O” line will have four talented starters returning in tackle Ryan Barrick (6-6, 280, Sr. Easton), guard Matt Kundick (6-2, 280, Sr. Beaver) and center Cameron Cress (6-3, 270, Jr. Mars). Barrick, a 2-year starter and three-year letterwinner, returns to his familiar right tackle spot. Kundick, also a starter at left guard a year ago, has two letters on the O-line. Cameron Cress started a number of games at center last year and will return anchor the line and make all the line calls up front.
Paul Branagan (6-4, 280, So. Coraopolis/Cornell), who gained some starting time in 2013, will start at left tackle, while veteran and part-time starters Tyler Edwards (6-4, 300, Sr. Ambridge) and Shane Cress (6-3, 280, Jr.) will battle for the starting spot at right guard.
9 STARTERS RETURN ON IMPROVED EAGLE DEFENSE
Clarion’s defense looks to take a big step forward in 2014 with nine starters and a host lettermen returning to what could be the unit’s best squad in a few years. Against Saint Francis Clarion yielded only 275 yards including 189 rushing yards and 86 passing yards. Last year Clarion yielded 407.4 yards of total offense and 29.1 points per game including 171.5 rushing yards and 235.9 passing yards.
HOWSARE & SHUEY LEAD DEFENSIVE FRONT
The Golden Eagles have a strong defensive line returning in 2014, paced by two-time Third Team FB Gazette All-American Julian Howsare (Sr. Altoona) at defensive end and All PSAC-West selection Matt Shuey (Sr. Johnsonburg) at defensive tackle.
Howsare opened the season with 7 tackles, 1 sack and 3 tfl’s. The 2013 PSAC-West Defensive POY, Howsare posted 83 tackles, 18 tfl’s for -75 yards, 10 sacks for -58 yards, 4 blocked kicks, 4 break-ups, 2 int’s and 2 fumbles caused. He recorded 14 tackles, 4 tfl’s and 1 sack vs Gannon, had 2 int’s and a blocked kick vs Slippery Rock, and 10 hits, 3 tfl’s, blocked 2 kicks and recovered 1 for a td against Seton Hill.
In 2012 Julian he posted 58 tackles, 14 sacks for -89 yards and 16 tfl’s for -102 yards. He also had 4 fumbles caused, 3 break-ups, and 1 blocked kick. In three seasons Julian has notched 177 tackles, 44 tfl’s for -208 yards, 29 sacks for -165 yards, 6 fumbles caused, 7 blocked kicks, 9 break-ups and 2 int’s.
Shuey meanwhile posted 6 hits and 3 tfl’s in the opener. Last year he had 31 tackles, 3 sacks for -33 yards, 9 tfl’s for -43 yards and 1 fumble recovery a year ago. Posting 31 hits and 7 tfl’s in 2012, Shuey has a career total of 81 stops, 21 tfl’s (-63 yards), 3 sacks, 2 break-ups and a fumble caused.
Plenty of talent returns up front with noseguards Andrew Fragale (Jr. Emporium/Cameron County) and Zach Newquist (Sr. Indiana) ready for action, along with Brandon Short (Jr. New Brighton) and Matt Koerper (So. Seven Fields/Seneca Valley).
Fragale, who notched 2 tackles and 1 tfl in the opener, had 36 tackles, 5 sacks (-26 yards), 14 tfl’s (-35 yards), 2 fumbles caused and recovered in 2013. His career numbers total 61 hits, 9 sacks for -39 yards, 23 tfl’s for -57 yards, 3 fumbles caused, 2 recovered and 1 break up. Newquist will miss the first three weeks, In 2013 he made 32 stops, 3 sacks, 7 tfl’s, 3 break-ups and 1 fumble caused. His career numbers include 43 tackles, 9 tfl’s, 5 sacks, 4 break ups, 1 fumble caused.
Short contributed 4 tackles last week and had 9 hits last year, while Koerper collected 6 stops, 1 sack, 3 tfl’s against Saint Francis. Last year he had 19 tackles, 1 sack and 3 tfl’s.
PALMIERE & YAUGER RETURN AS EAGLE LINEBACKERS
The Clarion linebacking corps will be led by the return of veterans Brian Palmiere (Sr. Tarentum/Deer Lakes), Rocco Yauger (Jr. Penn Trafford) and Jared Davis (Jr. Pgh-Allderdice). Palmiere had 4 hits and 2 tfl’s in the opener. In 8 games in 2013 he had 24 tackles and 2 tfl’s. In 2012 Palmiere led the Golden Eagles with 89 tackles, plus added 3 sacks and 8 tfl’s with 2 fumbles caused. In his career Brian has collected 160 tackles, 24 tfl’s (-64), 8 sacks (-42), 3 fumbles caused, 1 recovered and 1 break-up.
Yauger meanwhile had 4 tackles in the opener. He had 57 stops and 1 int a year ago, and now has 125 tackles, 9 tfl’s (-15), 1 sack, and 1 int in two seasons. Davis, who gained starting experience a year ago, had 29 hits, 2 tfl’s and 1 fumble recovery in 2013. He posted 5 hits and 2 tfl’s last Saturday.
McNAMARA & KING LEAD CLARION SECONDARY
The Golden Eagle secondary is looking to have a strong season in 2014, especially if the unit can stay healthy. Back to lead the defense is Cory McNamara (Jr. Ontario, N.Y.).
Junior cornerback Cory McNamara has moved to strong safety to anchor the defense. Last year he led the Golden Eagles with 87 tackles and 12 pass break-ups (Ranked #2 in the PSAC. Adding 1 interception and 1 tfl rounded out a quality season. He had 7 tackles and 1 pass break-up at Saint Francis in the opener. He had a game high 14 tackles vs Gannon. In two seasons Cory has 125 tackles, 13 break-ups, 2 int’s and 2 tfl’s.
Also back as a starting safety is Malik King (Jr. Cornell), along with Tyler Tucker (So. Westside, Tx.) and converted running back in Chris Liberto (Jr. Springdale). King, a 3-year starter, had 30 hits, 2 int’s for 20 yards, 1 fumble caused and recovered, 1 sack and 2 tfl’s a year ago. He has 48 career stops, 3 int’s and 2 break-ups. Tucker gained starting experience last year but missed the opener with an injury. He posted 24 tackles, 2 tfl’s and 1 break-up. Liberto, who moved to a safety spot, had 3 tackles and 1 tfl against Saint Francis.
Also moving to safety is former 2-year running back Travis Day (Jr. Jeannette/Hempfield). Day notched 3 tackles and 1 break up in the opener. He also returned 2 punts for 39 yards. He carried the ball 66 times for 303 yards and 4 td’s last year, while also catching 6 passes for 82 yards. He also rushed 62 times for 295 yards and 3 td’s in 2012 while also posting 6 catches for 57 yards. Day’s career numbers show 128 carries for 598 yards and 7 td’s, with 12 catches for 139 yards. Also looking for time will be Jerome Matthews (Jr. Pgh- Schenley) who made 5 stops against Saint Francis and had 18 hits and tfl last year.
The corner positions will have Cory Lauer (Jr. Franklin Regional) Adam Lynch (So. Pgh-Brashear), and Kwaku Asamoah (Jr. Indiana) all seeing plenty of time. Lauer made 4 tackles in the opener, and Asamoah had 2 jolts. Lauer had 12 tackles last year, Lynch notched 29 hits, 3 int’s for 36 yards and 3 break-ups and Asamoah with 20 hits and 2 break-ups.
AYERS & LEAD SPECIAL TEAMS
The Clarion special teams will be anchored by sophomore Scott Ayers (Bethesda, Md.) and special teams snapper Eric White (Jr. Clearfield). Ayers averaged 34.2 yards per punt last week and was 1 for 1 in PAT’s. White, Clarion’s snapper for punts and PAT’s/Field Goals, is a third year starter on special teams. 2013 placekicker Phil Esposito (So Brockway) was injured in Fall camp and is still not available.
MILLERSVILLE OFFENSE EXPLODES FOR 44 POINTS
The Marauder offense exploded for 44 points and 503 yards of total offense last Saturday. Millersville rushed for 259 yards and passed for 244 yards in the opener. Millersville only averaged 241.7 yards per game last year, including 103.8 on the ground and 137.9 through the air.
Calling the signals on offense will be quarterback Matt Misley who is in his first season after coming over from Wagner. He completed 16 of 29 passes for 244 yards and 4 td’s. He also rushed 11 times for 71 yards.
The passing game has talented receivers in Malont’a Patterson, Kevin Wiggins, Brent Collins and David Coates. Patterson led all receivers grabbing 5 passes for 116 yards and 2 td’s, including a 41 yarder. He also scored on a 44-yard run. Wiggins caught 3 passes for 75 yards and 1 td, including a 64-yarder for a td. Collins caught 2 passes for 23 yards and Coates 1 pass. Collins led the team a year ago with 38 catches for 397 yards and 1 td.
The running game features Myron Myles and David Coates. Myles toted the pigskin 14 times for 97 yards last week and Coates gained 23 yards on 6 carries.
MILLERSVILLE DEFENSE YIELDS 476 YARDS IN OPENER
Millersville’s defense will be a key to their success in 2014. Last year MU gave up 412.3 yards per game including 202.5 rushing and 209.7 passing. In the opener Livingstone rushed for 220 yards and passed for 256 yards for a total offense of 476.
The Marauders play a 3-4 defense with the anchors up front including noseguard Neil Moloney (4 tackles, 1 tfl), tackle Drew Seaburg (2 hits) and end Josh Garnett (3 stops, 1 tfl).
The linebacking corps has Reggie Slaton (15 hits, 1 tfl) and Matt Brinser (6 stops, 1 int) on the inside, with Sene Polamalu (3 hits, 1 sack) and Logan Kinsler (6 stops, tfl’s, 1 sack) on the outside. Slaton was second on the team last year with 82 tackles.
The secondary features Joey Pham (4 tackles, 2 tfl’s) and Alpha Kahn (5 jolts) at the corners and Rasheed Johnson (15 tackles) and P. J. Santos (8 hits, 1 fumble recovery) at the safeties. Johnson led the team with 89 tackles and 2 int’s last year.
CLARION NOTES: Clarion will be back on the road next week at Cheyney, before appearing at Memorial Stadium for the home opener and Homecoming on Sept. 27 versus Gannon.
CLARION – MILLERSVILLE – 2011 – Clarion won 34-20 at Millersville … Patrick Graham Murphy had a record day rushing for a new school record of 266 yards and 5 td’s on 35 carries… Clarion led 27-3 late in the third quarter and coasted to victory… He scored on runs of 79, 50, 16, 10 and 3 yards … … 2010 – Clarion won 49-10 last year … Alfonso Hoggard closed his career with a bang rushing for 211 yards and 3 td’s, while QB Ben Fiscus rushed for 104 yards and 2 td’s, plus hit on 6 of 13 passes for 96 yards and 1 td…. Clarion led 28-3 at halftime … Hoggard scored on runs of 53, 64 and 6 yards…2003 – Clarion lost 13-10 in overtime … Clarion tied the game on a Mark Hofmeister 42-yard field goal with 6:16 left in the fourth quarter … Millersville won in overtime on a Sean Hughes 40-yard field goal … Felton Woulard rushed for 133 yards and passed for 81 yards in the game … Pierre Odom caught 2 passes for 72 yards and 1 td (63 yarder) … MU’s Omar Sanders rushed for 105 yards and 1 td … Clarion had 9 fumbles in the game … In 2002 Clarion won 24-3 … Adam Almashy rushed for 56 yards and 1 td, plus passed for 86 yards … Backup qb Frantz Charles rushed for 72 yards and 1 score … Clarion led 7-3 at halftime – then Kerwin Cledanor intercepted an MU pass and returned it 50 yards for a td in the third … Chris Carlton booted a 26-yard field goal and Frantz Charles had a 6-yard td run…. Bo Busch had 9 tackles and Shaun Saad posted 6 hits and 1 sack… In Clarion’s 38-31 win over Millersville in 1998, the two teams combined for 962 yards of offense… Clarion had 133 rushing and 322 passing … Clarion QB Chris Weibel completed only 12 of 30 passes for 322 yards and 3 td’s … Current Clarion receivers coach Alvin Slaughter grabbed 6 passes for 193 yards and 2 td’s … Millersville passed for 436 yards behind QB Drew Folmar (29 of 45) … Sean Scott led MU with 12 catches for 227 yards… Clarion defeated Millersville in the 1977 PSAC Championship game… Bill May’s late field goal won the game 25-24..
MILLERSVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – After playing a very solid game against FCS opponent Saint Francis last Saturday before losing 27-13, the Golden Eagles look ahead to week #2 as Clarion travels to Millersville Saturday to open PSAC play. Kickoff is set for 4pm at Biemesderfer Stadium.
