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| #13 Senior QB Matt McGinley from Ashland, Pa. / Tri Valley High School |
Offense: Multiple/Pro-Style
The hallmark of solid Lycoming football teams has always been a grinding running game, and the makings are there for another great year on the ground in 2013.
Craig Needhammer had a solid start to his junior campaign against Brockport, rushing 12 times for 86 yards, including a long of 25 yards. The speedy running back is 127 yards away from reaching 1,500 in his career.
Junior quarterback Tyler Jenny will look to recover after a tough outing against Brockport that saw him complete just 18-of-37 passing. He was intercepted a career-high twice in the game. Senior Matt Atkinson was Jenny's favorite target as the Media, Pa., native caught nine passes for 79 yards.
Defense: 4-3
With three starters out for the season opener who return this week, the Lycoming defense is set to again transform into one of the best in the MAC.
Senior Kabongo Bukasa, the 2012 MAC Defensive Player of the Year, returns after missing the first game with an injury, along with sophomore Cole Welham and junior Cody Flail.
In their place, the Warriors saw production out of several others against Brockport, including established starters such as junior Tanner Troutman (interception), senior Dwight Hentz (sack) and senior Tyler Denike (career-high 11 tackles). Newcomers also made their impact felt, too, including sophomore Matt Malecki, who made six stops and added a defensive extra point, and sophomore Brian Campbell, who was charged with five tackles in his debut.
Scouting Wilkes
Offense: Spread
One of the most unique offenses in the MAC, Wilkes will again feature the wide open spread offense. The team loves to run the ball, as it scored five rushing touchdowns in its season-opening 41-26 win over SUNY Morrisville.
Two Colonels are in the top 10 in the league in rushing, with Paul Martin seventh after recording 78 yards and three touchdowns against Morrisville and quarterback Tyler Berntsen, who ran for 65 yards and two scores on 12 carries.
Berntsen is a dual threat, as he also completed 6-of-13 passing for 103 yards and a touchdown in the game. Tight end Drew Devitt made two catches for 62 yards, including the 47-yard touchdown reception.
Defense: 3-4
Wilkes finished the first week of the season in the middle of the pack in the MAC in scoring defense, allowing 26 points against Morrisville to sit fifth in the league.
However, the Colonels have several playmakers, including senior linebacker Tate Moore-Jacobs, who posted 105 tackles as a junior and earned his second straight First Team All-MAC accolades. He again played brilliantly against Morrisville, making 14 stops, including 2.5 for loss.
Junior safety Dylan Mohring also played well against Morrisville, making 11 tackles, while senior D.J. Shuttleworth notched an interception and a fumble recovery. Junior Omar Richardson posted an interception and sophomore Marcus Leaf also added a fumble recovery, as the Colonels posted four takeaways during the season opener.
