After three PSAC West teams took the field Thursday night, the final five were in action Saturday. Four of the five teams, Cal U, IUP, Clarion, and Slippery Rock left with a victory, while Mercyhurst dropped their first game by one point. Cal U 22, Hillsdale 19 After being held scoreless in the first half, the Vulcans rallied to pick up their first victory of the season over the Hillsdale Chargers. Sophomore quarterback Cody Schroeder rallied his team by throwing three second-half ... Read More
PSAC West teams go 2-1 on opening night
The 2013 season officially kicked off on Thursday night and the PSAC West saw some success. Edinboro and Gannon picked up wins, while Seton Hill was tagged with a loss. Edinboro 35, Walsh 34 Edinboro quarterback Cody Harris started his senior season off with a bang. Harris completed 36 of 47 passes for 306 yards and 4 touchdowns in the season opener. Walsh's starter threw 67 passes, completing 39 of them for 289 yards and 3 touchdowns in the one point loss. After punting on their first ... Read More
Division II Football Preview: Seton Hill
Wrapping up Pittsburgh Sporting News' D2 football previews of the PSAC West is newcomer Seton Hill. The Griffins come into 2013 with a new head coach in a new conference, so expectations can afford to be low. They didn't win a single game in 2012, but are hoping to change that this season. Offensively, the Griffins feature a young backfield of six freshmen and one junior, a senior quarterback looking to prove himself, and a 1,000 yard receiver. Defensively, the team's leading tackler is back, ... Read More
Division II Football Preview: Clarion
After posting a 4-7 record last season, the Clarion Eagles are ready to start the 2013 season fresh. Clarion is returning eight starters on offense and 10 starters on defense. Offensively, they'll be led a senior quarterback who is coming off of his best season as a stater, a trio of wide receivers, and a defensive player turned running back in the backfield. Defensively, they'll be led by a strong defensive line, an improved linebacking corps, and a young secondary. Here's what to expect ... Read More
Division II Football Preview: Edinboro
Edinboro is coming off of their first losing season since 2006 under head coach Scott Browning. They finished with a 4-6 record in 2012. The Fighting Scots are returning eight starters on offense and seven starters on defense, including four on the defensive line. Offensively, Edinboro is led by their passing attack, with their starting quarterback and the three top receivers returning. Defensively, a veteran defensive line and secondary anchors a defense that is looking to improve from last ... Read More
Division II Football Preview: Gannon
The Gannon Knights had a disappointing 2012 season, posting a 3-8 record. Two of those three wins came in two of the last three games, giving the Knights some hope for the 2013 season. Offensively, nine starters are returning. Defensively, six starters are returning. The Knights will go into battle with a record-setting young quaterback and his three favorite targets on offense and a strong defensive back who led the team in tackles. Here's a look at what to expect from the Knights in ... Read More
Division II Football Preview: Cal U
The Cal U Vulcans posted an 8-3 record last season and a third place finish in the PSAC West. With a lot of questions on offense, the Cal U defense should be stout once again in 2013. Overall, the Vulcans are returning 10 total starters. They're losing their starting quarterback and their starting running back but are returning their top receiver. Defensively, a transfer senior safety should come up big along with an All American defensive lineman. Here's a look at what to expect for the ... Read More
Division II Football Preview: Slippery Rock
In 2012, Slippery Rock finished with a 6-5 record. Despite just being one game above .500, The Rock posted a 5-2 conference record and finished 4th in the PSAC West. This season, they're losing their leading rusher, but are returning their dynamic dual-threat quarterback and their five leading receivers. Defensively, they're bringing back their leading tacklers at linebacker and a strong ballhawking secondary. Together, they return nine starters on each side of the ball. Here's a preview of ... Read More
Rafiyq Cromwell brings “hometown swag” to Mercyhurst
Some student athletes have to go across the country to play football. Some players leave school because of home sickness and choose to transfer to a school closer to their hometown. Rafiyq Cromwell, a Pittsburgh native, doesn't have that problem. He plays cornerback for the Mercyhurst Lakers in Erie, Pennsylvania, just two hours north of Pittsburgh. "Playing close to Pittsburgh means a lot to me," Cromwell said, "I can still bring my hometown swag to the game. Being close to Pittsburgh gives ... Read More
Division II Football Preview: Mercyhurst
Mercyhurst posted a 9-2 record last season, including a 6-1 conference record that led them to a Co-Championship with IUP. Going into 2013, the Lakers are returning five offensive starters and five defensive starters. Among their returners are an experienced quarterback and a 1,000 yard rusher in the backfield. Defensively, a senior defensive lineman leads the way. With hunger on their mind from last season, expectations are high for the Lakers this season. Here's a preview of what to look for ... Read More