Clarion's 2010 football team will travel to Lock Haven this Saturday, October 9, to take on the Bald Eagles at Hubert Jack Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7pm.
The game between Clarion and Lock Haven can be heard on the Golden Eagle Football network, which includes WCCR-FM, 92.7 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 5TH SEASON/ EAGLES 0-5 IN 2010
2009 EAGLES 8-3 – RANKED #8 IN SUPER REGION 1
Fifth year head coach Jay Foster has opened the 2010 season with an 0-5 overall record and an 0-2 mark in the PSAC-West against a very tough schedule. Clarion opened the year with a home loss to Fairmont State (27-16), traveled to highly regarded Bloomsburg and lost 41-13 and returned to Memorial Stadium to lose a 28-24 decision to Shippensburg. The Eagles opened PSAC-West play two weeks ago and led #4 Cal 7-3 at halftime, but lost the game 24-9 and last week lost the annual Homecoming game to Slippery Rock in the final minute 16-13.
Clarion was 8-3 overall last year, 6-1 in the PSAC-West and finished the game on a 6-game winning streak. The Golden Eagles finished 2009 ranked 8th in the final NCAA Division II Super Region 1 Poll.
Foster, the 2009 PSAC-West “Coach of the Year”, has a record of 12-37 at Clarion.
LOCK HAVEN 0-5 TO START 2010
Lock Haven, led by sixth year head coach John Klacik, enters the game with an 0-5 record in 2010. The Bald Eagles opened the year with a 48-6 loss at VMI and a 35-21 loss at Millersville, then returned home to lose 38-13 to Kutztown. Taking to the road again, LH lost 41-0 at Mercyhurst and last week 58-0 at California.
Klacik, a 1988 Lock Haven grad and standout receiver for the Bald Eagles, coached at Youngstown State for 12 years, the last four of which he was the offensive coordinator. Klacik coached under Jim Tressel (now Ohio State head coach) at YSU and was part of 4 NCAA I-AA National Championships during his time as a Penguin.
Klacik has an overall record of 5-54 at Lock Haven.
CLARION LEADS SERIES 42-16-1 DATING BACK TO 1928
Clarion leads the overall series between the two schools by a 42-16-1 margin, dating back to 1928, where Clarion won the initial meeting 13-0. Clarion won last year's game 24-0 at Memorial Stadium and in 2008 by a 24-21 margin at Lock Haven. LH won the meeting in 2007 by a 17-14 margin in overtime at Clarion and the 2006 contest 14-7 at Hubert Jack Stadium. Four years ago Clarion won 16-0 at Memorial Stadium. In 2004 the Bald Eagles won a 16-13 overtime decision, while Clarion won in 2003 by a 22-9 margin. Clarion has a 9-5 record in the last 14 seasons. Other Clarion wins came in 2002 (34-31), 2001 (13-0), 2000 (42-20), 1999 (44-41 overtime), 1996 (57-3) and 1995 (49-32). Lock Haven wins came in 2006 (14-7), 2004 (16-13 ot), 1998 (35-28) and 1997 (33-32).
EAGLE OFFENSE RANKED #10 IN TOTAL OFFENSE
The Clarion offense ranks #10 in the PSAC in total offense at 316.2 yards per game, including #10in rushing offense (140.2 ypg) and #8 in pass offense (176 ypg). Clarion is #14 in scoring offense at 15.0 ppg.
The qb picture is up in the air entering Saturday's contest. Sophomore qb Eric Coxon (Pgh- Brentwood) has completed 76 of 147 passes for 876 yards and 3 td's with 9 int's, while backup Ben Fiscus (Fr. Indiana) came on in the second half against Slippery Rock and rushed for 147 yards and 1 td. He has 193 rushing yards this season and is 1 for 4 passing.
ALL-AMERICAN HOGGARD LEADS BACKFIELD
Senior all-purpose back Alfonso Hoggard (Phila. – Caravel Academy) is handling the pigskin all over the field. A Football Gazette Third Team All-American in 2009, a First Team All-Region choice and the PSAC-West “Offensive Player of the Year”, Hoggard is in his final campaign.
In 2010 he has 113 rushes for 370 yards and 1 td, plus 8 catches for 80 yards.
In 2009 Hoggard was #1 in the PSAC in rushing (1,046 yards – 104.6 p/g), rushing td's (17), overall td's (19), points scored (118) and all-purpose yards (1,798). His top games included 205 rushing yards against Slippery Rock, 292 all-purpose yards and 162 rushing yards against IUP, and a 4 touchdown day against Gannon including 3 rushing td's and an 87-yard kickoff return for a td.
Hoggard started his career as a receiver/all-purpose player and was a Second Team All-American in 2008 in that role. He latched onto 41 aerials for 472 yards and 2 td's, rushed for 180 yards on only 44 attempts, averaged 10.4 yards per punt return ((21 returns, 219 yards) and 23.1 yards per kickoff return. He was also the 2007 PSAC “Rookie of the Year”.
In his career Hoggard has 1,675 rushing yards on 394 carries and 19 rushing td's, plus 102 career catches for 1,143 yards and 6 td's. He has 5,342 all-purpose yards and 26 career td's.
Also expecting to see plenty of time in the backfield are John Fuhrer (So. Pgh. – Keystone Oaks) and LeVaughn Robinson (So. Pgh – Penn Hills)
ROBINSON, BUNNEY & WARD LEAD TALENTED RECEIVING CORPS
The Golden Eagles have an outstanding receiving corps returning in 2010 with All-Region performer Jacques Robinson (Sr. Pgh – Oliver), plus Craig Bunney (Sr. Ambridge) and Matt Ward (Jr. Franklin Regional) in the lineup.
Robinson has latched onto 26 passes for 319 yards and 2 td's this season. In his outstanding career he is 2nd All-Time with 189 catches and is 4th at Clarion in career receiving yards with 2,218 . He needs 6 catches to tie Alvin Slaughter's record 195 catches (1995-98) and needs 39 receiving yards to catch Pierre Odom's 2,257 yards (2003-07). He has 15 career td's.
Robinson, a second team FB Gazette Super Region 1 selection and a first team PSAC-West choice in 2009, was #2 in the PSAC last year in receptions with 70 catches for 819 yards and 5 td's. His 9 catches for 123 yards and 1 td in an all-day rain at Cal was an impressive display at his position.
In 2008 he was a third team Super Region 1 and an All PSAC-West selection while leading the PSAC's regular season receivers with 70 catches (3rd best at Clarion) for 849 yards and 8 td's.
Returning as starters in 2010 are Craig Bunney and Matt Ward. Ward set a personal high with 12 catches for 118 yards against Fairmont State. Those 12 catches were tied for third most in a single game in school history. Alvin Slaughter had 14 vs WC in 1998 and Don Hohman had 13 vs Edinboro in 1965. Ward has 17 grabs for 169 yards this season., while Bunney has 13 catches for 161 yards.
Also looking to catch passes will be Tarrean Barrett (So. Scranton) and Rob Tantlinger (So. Franklin) at wideout, along with Anthony Becoate (Fr. McKeesport) at tight end. Becoate has 9 catches for 128 yards and 1 td this season.
BAZZONE CENTERS VETERAN “O” LINE
Clarion's “O” line will return four linemen with starting experience and a host of talented players. Two year starting guard Vince Bazzone (Jr. 6-2, 280, McKeesport) has moved to center and will be leading the “O” line. He will be joined up front by three-year starter Danielson Gilbert (Sr. 6-5, 300, OG, Brockton, Mass.) and two year letterwinner and part-time starter Gerald Hudson (Sr. 6-3, 330, Aliquippa) at guard, with two-year starter Elijah Morres (Jr., 6-5, 280, OT, Brookville) at tackle.. Quality depth abounds in letterwinners Eli Rupert (So. 6-3, 275, Apollo Ridge) and Bob Beidl (Jr. 6-8, 300, Clarion), along with tackle Mike Felker (6-4, 275, Fr. Gibsonia).
CLARION DEFENSE #13 IN PSAC
Clarion's “D” is 13th in total defense in the PSAC giving up 368 yards per game, including 206.2 on the ground (15th in PSAC) and 161.8 through the air (#3 in PSAC).
MAUND & MORRISON TOP D-LINE
Maund, an All PSAC-West lineman in 2009, has 25 hits and 5 tfl's, while Morrison has 18 tackles and 7 tfl's, with Dunn (6 hits) and Kusick (4 stops) alternating at noseguard. Tackle John Hackel, who has been outs since the Bloomsburg game with an injury, may also miss this week's game. Adam Bostick (5 tackles, 1 tfl) could start.
FOX LEADS VETERAN LINEBACKING CORPS
Senior linebacker Joe Fox (Murrysville/Franklin Regional) leads consistent group of veteran linebackers in 2010. Fox, a three year starter and an All PSAC-West choice in 2009, has 35 hits and 3 tfl's this year.
Robinson has made 10 jolts with 2 tfl's and Maciulis 27 hits, 2 tfl's.
ALL-AMERICAN SIPES ANCHORS SECONDARY
Senior strong safety and co-captain Nick Sipes (Curwensville) anchors a hard hitting secondary for the Golden Eagles. Sipes leads the team with 55 tackles and 8 tfl's in 2010.
Sipes was voted an HM FB Gazette All-American, a first team FB Gazette and Daktronics All-Region and first team PSAC-West choice after leading the Golden Eagles with 112 tackles plus 12 tfl's and 6 sacks in 2009. In 2007 he also posted 71 stops and 4 tfl's. In 2008 Nick played running back and rushed for 297 yards and 3 td's, plus caught 12 passes for 104 yards.
The secondary has returning starters James Eckels (Jr. McKeesport) and Chris Smeltzer (Sr. Red Lion), at safety, along with Aaron Gluvna (So. Corry). Eckels has 25 stops and a breakup, while Smeltzer has 28 hits. Matt Long (Fr. Pgh. North Catholic) will see some time.
Wilson has 23 jolts and 2 tfl's in 2010. Last year he had 69 stops and 2 interceptions, returning one for a td against Fairmont. Paronish has 29 stops, Akins 13 hits and 1 int and Stimac 4 tackles.
MAMULA LEADS SPECIAL TEAMS
Senior placekicker Robert Mamula (Canon McMillan) will do the placekicking and punting the remainder of the season, since punter Nathan Conway (So. Central Mountain) is injured.
Mamula is 8 for 11 in field goals this season, including a 47-yarder against Fairmont. Last year he hit on 12 of 16 field goals and 25 of 28 PAT's. He also made 8 of 12 field goals in 2008 and in four seasons has booted 34 of 54 field goal tries. He has also made 66 of 73 PAT's and has 168 kicking points at Clarion. He is averaging 36.3 yards per punt.
LH OFFENSE AVERAGING 8 PPG IN 2010
The LH offense ranks #16 in the PSAC with 8 ppg and a total offense of 205.6 yards per game.
The Bald Eagles are getting 45.8 rushing yards (#16 in PSAC) and 159.8 passing yards (#10 in PSAC).
The LH offense is directed by Junior qb Jarryd Burkett and freshman Robert Meade. Burkett has completed 54 of 84 passes (64.3%) for 532 yards and 3 td's with 3 int's. Meade has hit on 26 of 45 passes for 258 yards and 1 td with 5 int's.
The running game is led by the Jeremiah Dunchack who has 117 yards and 1 td on 48 carries, while Rashad Johnson has 85 yards on 41 tries and Burkett has scampered for 41 yards and 1 td as the qb.
The receiving corps has four players with at least 10 catches. Top receiver is Jay Hartman (17 grabs, 202 yards, 1 td),while Ian Smith has 15 receptions for 137 yards and 1 td. Also in the mix are Jesse Hoover (10 catches, 195 yards, 1 td) and Eddie Celkos (10 grabs, 117 yards, 1 td).
LH “D” #9 IN RUSHING DEFENSE IN PSAC
LH's defense is giving up 44 points per game (#16 in PSAC) and 386.8 yards per game (#14 in PSAC) in total defense. LH's opponents are netting 161.6 rushing yards (#9 in PSAC) and 225.2 passing yards (#16 in PSAC) through the air.
Up front Skyler Wool (10 hits), Nick Gounaris (18 stops, 6 tfl's), Dan Ogden (8 tackles) and Ty Traister (7 stops) anchor the front wall.
The linebacking corps features top tackler Wes Plummer (32 tackles, 2.5 tfl's), Ryan Good (27 hits, 1 int) and James Goins (13 stops).
The secondary has the team's top tackler in Kenny Monroe (32 jolts) at free safety with Ray Mosby (18 hits) at strong safety. The corners will be Zsone Olds (15 tackles, 1 int) and Brett Sweeting (8 stops).
CLARION NOTES: Clarion is tradition rich in football ... 27 straight non-losing seasons from 1961-87, a 49-year (1961-09) record of 273-211-6 and 10 PSAC-West titles (1966, 67, 69, 77, 78, 80, 83, 92, 96 and 2000)…
CLARION – LH SERIES: 2009 – Clarion won last year's game 24-0 … Alfonso Hoggard ran for 114 yards and 2 td;s … Tyler Huether hit on 14 of 21 passes for 133 yards and 1 td … Jacques Robinson had 5 grabs for 55 yards and 1 td… LH qb Jarret Kratzer was 22 of 38 for 184 yards … the LH running game netted a minus 7 yards on 26 attempts - 2008 - Clarion rallied for the game's final 10 points to win a 24-21 decision at Lock Haven ... Eddie Emmanuel scored on a 4-yard run with 27-seconds left in the third, and Robert Mamula booted a 27-yard field goal with 3:30 to play to claim the win ... Clarion outgained LH 472-188 ... Huether completed 19 of 33 passes for 219 yards and 1 td, plus ran for 94 yards... Emmanuel rushed for 91 yards and 2 td's ... 2007 Clarion lost 17-14 in overtime ... Clarion tied the game 14-14 with 3:58 left on an Eddie Emmanuel 1-yard run ... Nick Sipes' 47-yard field goal attempt in ot was just short ... Marc Domonkos booted a 35-yarder to win the game ... Huether passed for 245 yards and ran for 54 yards ... Hoggard caught 9 passes for 66 yards... LH - led by Ibrahim Smith who rushed for 139 yards and 2 td's, including a 64-yard td ... In 2006 Clarion lost 14-7 at Lock Haven ... Clarion outgained LH 281-186 ... LH jumped ahead 7-0 before halftime and 14-0 to open the third quarter ... Clarion scored on a 32-yard pass from Huether to Odom but it was not enough ... Emmanuel rushed for 122 yards on 23 carries ... Huether completed 10 of 26 for 137 yards and 1 td, Odom caught 5 for 75 and 1 td ... DiPaolo was 7 of 17 for 115 yards and 1 td, plus ran for 12 yards... In 2005 Clarion won 16-0 at Memorial Stadium … Clarion outgained LH 269-107 … Michael Byrd rushed 39 times for 90 yards and 1 td … Erik Yonish completed 9 of 12 passes for 76 yards, plus ran 50yards for a td, and Kyle Snoke booted a 31-yard field goal … The “D” held LH to 44 rushing yards … Jimmy Simmons had 5 tfl's, Gourley 11 stops and Morris hits and 3 tfl's … In 2004 at Lock Haven the Bald Eagles won in overtime 16-13... Clarion rallied to tie the game 10-10 with 20-seconds left in regulation on an 11-yard pass from Dando to Joe Farkas... Clarion got to the 3 in the overtime, but had to call on Kyle Snoke for the field goal and a 13-10 lead... LH QB Tim Storino hit Rafael Smith on a 24-yard pass to the 1, then Travis Diehl scored from there to give LH the win ... In 2003 Clarion won 22-9 over Lock Haven... The defense had a big game posting 6 interceptions... Troy Bowers returned an int 22-yards for a score... With the game tied 9-9 in the fourth, Marcus Lowe scored on a 1-yard run (4:59 left) and Felton Woulard scored on an 8-yard run (0:44 remaining)... Bo Busch and Jabari Weatherspoon had 2 interceptions each... In 2002 Clarion topped Lock Haven 34-31 at Lock Haven... Clarion scored 27 second half points including 20 in the fourth to seal the win... QB Adam Almashy ran for 163 yards and 1 td, plus passed for 66 yards... Robert Walker also ran for 151 yards and 1 td as Clarion rushed for 468 yards, the second most in school history... LH QB Tim Storino passed for 290 yards and 2 td's ... Burkely grabbed 5 passes for 124 yards and 1 td.... In 2001 Clarion topped Lock Haven 13-0 at Lock Haven ... Demetric Gardner ran for 112 yards and 1 td ... Adam Almashy completed 13 of 20 passes for 164 yards ... Clarion had 427 yards, while Lock Haven had 106 yards of offense ... Clarion won (42-20 in 2000) and (44-41 in 3 overtimes in 1999) - Both games were in Clarion due to new PSAC schedules taking over ... In 2000 Clarion rushed for a school record 443 yards including 177 and 2 td's by Robert Walker and 169 by fullback Tab Musser ... In 1999's Senior Day game, Clarion placekicker Frank VanWert booted a 34-yard field goal in the third overtime to give Clarion a 44-41 win...
