October 29, 2007

(CLARION, PA.): Clarion's young 2007 football team heads back on the road this Saturday, November 3, to take on the Fighting Scots of Edinboro in a PSAC-West contest at Sox Harrison Stadium.

Kickoff is set for 2pm for a game that will be televised on the Sportsfever Television Network throughout the State.

The game can also be heard on the Golden Eagle Football network, which includes WCCR-FM, 92.7 and WKQW-FM, 96.3, as well as on the internet at Redzonemedia.com with Mike Kalinowski doing the play by play and Pat Kahle offering color commentary.

FOSTER IN HIS SECOND SEASON AT CLARION

Clarion head coach Jay Foster is in his second season leading the Golden Eagles. Foster came to the Golden Eagles after coaching 18 seasons at Slippery Rock, including the last 17 as defensive coordinator. He helped the Rock compile a 120-73-4 record, 3 NCAA Division II Playoff appearances and four straight PSAC-West crowns (1997-2000).

2007 EAGLES OFF TO AN 0-9 START

Clarion's 2007 squad has a total of 15 starters and 25 lettermen returning back from 2006, but has played as many as 30 freshmen in the Eagles first nine contests. Clarion enters this week's Edinboro game with an 0-9 overall record and an 0-4 mark in the PSAC-West. The Golden Eagles have been very close to victory in the last two weeks. Last Saturday, against #20 ranked IUP, the Golden Eagles led 21-10 in the third quarter before the Crimson Hawks rallied and then held on for a 38-31 win. Two weeks ago Clarion led Fairmont State 14-7 at halftime and 14-13 in the fourth quarter before dropping a 21-14 decision to the Falcons. In that game Clarion also drove from its own 9 to the FSC 2 and a chance to tie before the drive stalled with 1:39 remaining. The young Golden Eagles keep knocking on the door and looking for their first victory.

The season opened with two home losses to #28 Tiffin (38-10) and Kutztown 35-13, then traveled to #23 West Chester and lost 49-21. Clarion returned home and lost to Bloomsburg (52-10), then at #12 California (56-0), before dropping a 41-23 decision to Shippensburg and a 41-18 loss to Slippery Rock.

EDINBORO 6-3 OVERALL/2-2 IN PSAC-WEST

The Fighting Scots, under the direction of second year head coach Scott Browning, enters the game with a 6-3 overall record and a 2-2 mark in the PSAC-West. Edinboro opened the year with a 32-16 loss to West Chester, then ran off five straight wins. The victories came over St. Anselm (58-3), Bloomsburg (42-41), Cheyney (41-23), Shippensburg (33-18) and Lock Haven (70-19). The Scots lost two road games at IUP (27-7) and at California (26-8), before rebounding for a PSAC crossover win at Kutztown (35-28) last Saturday.

Browning is the 13th head coach at Edinboro. He got his job in 2006 after 20 years as an Edinboro assistant coach. In two seasons he has a record of 12-8 entering Saturday's game.

CLARION LEADS SERIES 38-27-2 DATING BACK TO 1926

Clarion leads the overall series between the two schools by a 38-27-2 margin dating back to 1926. Edinboro won last year's meeting 13-0 at Clarion. The Scots have won four straight including 2005 (44-0), 2004 (21-10) and 2003 (35-6). Clarion's last win was in 2002 posting a 24-18 decision at Edinboro. In the last 13 games Edinboro has the edge by an 8-5 count. Clarion's five wins were in 1994 (24-20), 1997 (28-0), 1998 (33-20), 2000 (7-0) and 2002 (24-18). The Fighting Scots 8 victories came in 1995 (28-6), 1996 (48-35), 1999 (30-29), 2001 (24-12), 2003 (35-6), 2004 (21-10), 2005 (44-0) and 2006 (13-0).

EAGLE OFFENSE AVERAGING 308.6 YARDS PER GAME

The Clarion offense is getting 308.6 yards of offense per game (#11 in PSAC). The Eagles are getting 100.9 yards rushing (#12 in PSAC) and 207.7 (#7 in PSAC) through the air.

The starter at qb has been sophomore qb Tyler Huether (Penn Trafford). Huether has completed 105 of 217 aerials (48.8%) for 1,352 yards and 7 td's. Huether passed for 303 yards against SR completing 23 of 34, and last week against IUP, was 24 of 45 for 260 yadrs and 2 td's. Also seeing plenty of time this season has been red-shirt freshman Gino Rometo (Plum) who has hit on 49 of 105 passes for 517 yards and 2 td's. He completed 17 of 26 for 226 yards and 1 td in the second half against Shippensburg.

EMMANUEL LEADS CLARION GROUND GAME

Junior tailback Eddie Emmanuel, a first team PSAC-West choice in 2006, has gained 655 yards on 161 carries (4.2 p/c) with 5 td's in 2007. Last year he gained 967 yards on 204 carries with 3 td's. He has had seven career, 100+ games at Clarion including three this year against Kutztown (107), Bloomsburg (104) and Fairmont (103).

Also toting the rock will be freshmen Ross Gargano (Sharon) (11 carries, 33 yards) and Dustin Dean (West Mifflin) (18 carries 53 yards).

ODOM & CARRAWAY LEAD TALENTED RECEIVERS

Ready to catch passes are All-PSAC receiver Pierre Odom (Sr. Trenton, N.J.) and wideout Herb Carraway (Sr. Darlington, S.C.).

Odom, a four year starter, has 44 catches for 537 yards and 4 td's in 2007. In 2006 he had 46 catches for 798 yards and 3 td's, and caught 6 passes for 246 yards and 1 td against West Chester. Pierre enters the game with 152 career catches for 2,119 yards, and 10 td's. He is third in career catches behind only Alvin Slaughter (195; 1995-98) and Tim Brown (169; 1990-93). He is fourth in receiving yards behind Slaughter (2,860), Terry McFetridge (2,711; 1982-85) and Ron Urbansky (2,164; 1986-89).

Carraway meanwhile has 30 catches for 349 yards and 1 td, while Alfonso Hoggard (Fr. Phila. Caravel Academy) has clutched 35 passes for 434 yards and 3 scores. Also a threat are Craig Bunney (Fr. Ambridge; 2 catches, 11 yards), Jaques Robinson (Fr. Pgh. Oliver; 22 catches, 229 yards), Fred Robinson (4 grabs, 146 yards, 1 td) and tight end John Dominic (Sr. Hubbard, Oh.; 7 catches, 112 yards).

CLARION DEFENSE RETURNS 5 STARTERS

Only five starters and 12 lettermen return for a Clarion defense that has led the PSAC in tfl's in 6 of the last 7 seasons. The Eagles were 4th in the PSAC with 80 tfl's in 2006, while leading the league the previous six seasons with 98 tfl's in 2005, 110 tfl's in 2004, 106 in 2003, 113 in 2002 and 102 in 2001 and 128 in 2000.

In 2007 Clarion is yielding 483.4 yards of offense per game (14th in PSAC) including 283.7 rushing yards (14th in PSAC) and 199.8 passing yards (7th in PSAC).

KUSICK, KAIL & GILES LEAD EAGLES UP FRONT

Up front sophomore Kory Kusick (E. Brady/Karns City), transfer Bob Kail (Jr. McMurray/Peters Twp.), and juniors Corey Giles (Cochranton) and Jim McHale (Jr. Cortland, Oh.) lead the Eagles. Giles 2 hits and 9 tfl's, McHale's 26 jolts, 6 tfl's, Kail 20 stops and Kusick 8 tackles lead the way. Also ready up front are senior Kevin Brady (Middletown, N.Y.; 7 hits), Jason Glass (Greensburg; 20 jolts, 3 tfl's) and Ben Maund (Fr. Canonsburg).

CATHCART MOVES TO LINEBACKER

With linebackers Matt Morris, Kevin Rigby and Zach Gourley all graduated, the Golden Eagles several weeks ago moved senior captain Kyle Cathcart (Clarion) to linebacker to shore up the middle. Kyle has 57 tackles, 11 tfl's and 1 interception this season. Also playing the linebacker spots are Garrett McMullin (Brookfield, Oh. - 42 jolts, 4 tfl's), Joe Fox (Franklin Regional- 37 hits, 6 tfl's), Arminas Maciulis (Fr. Thomas Jefferson; 20 stops), Mike Verdun (Greensburg C.C. - 17 tackles, 2 tfl's, 2 int's), Chris Smeltzer (Fr. Red Lion; 12 jolts, 4 tfl's), Rory Johnson (Fr. Bowmanville, Ont.; 18 tackles) and Josh Rytel (So. Blackhawk; 15 hits).

BRAZIL & SIPES LEAD SECONDARY

The secondary will be anchored by returning starter Quintyn Brazil (Jr. Pgh - Oliver) and freshman strong safety Nick Sipes (Curwensville). Brazil, who has moved back to corner, has part of the team lead in tackles (57), plus has 2 interceptions. Sipes, who is coming on strong, also has 57 stops (35 solos) and 4 tfl's. Likely seeing time at the corners will be Patrick Pettis (Fr. Aliquippa, 19 hits), Alex Evans (Fr. Washington - 19 tackles, 2 tfl's) and Dane Williams (Jr. Penn Hills - 37 jolts, 1 blocked field goal). Shawn Sopic will stat at free safety (38 tackles, 1 int), with Matt Giugliano (Fr. Franklin Regional - 38 stops, 3 tfl's) and Kyle Payne (Fr. Cocalico - 9 hits) also ready in the secondary.

PERLA & SIPES HEAD SPECIAL TEAMS

Junior All-PSAC punter Nick Perla is back to lead the special teams. He has averaged 36.9 per boot and has a career long punt of 73 yards. Freshman placekicker Nick Sipes has jumped into the kicking role. He is 2-2 in field goals and 4 of 5 in PAT's.

EDINBORO OFFENSE GETTING 442.8 YARDS PER GAME

Edinboro has a very potent offense that is getting 442.8 yards of offense per game (2nd in PSAC). The Fighting Scots are getting 148.2 rushing yards (8th in PSAC) and 294.6 passing yards (1st in PSAC) per contest. They are averaging 34.4 points per game, the #4 scoring offense in the PSAC.

Edinboro's offense is led by sophomore qb Trevor Harris. Harris, the PSAC leader in passing yards per game (275.3), has completed 220 of 322 passes (68.3%) for 2,478 yards and 24 td's with only 5 int's. Harris has thrown for over 300 yards four times this season and has three or more td's in six games.

Top receivers include Rich Cerro (43 catches, 513 yards, 5 td's), Ryan Rybicki (38 grabs, 361 yards, 5 td's) Jeremy Burr (30 receptions, 326 yards, 4 td's) and tight end Kyle Witucki (26 grabs, 326 yards, 4 td's).

The running game lost tailback Houston Brown (424 yards, 7 td's) for the season with an inujury. Backup Ulyssee Davis has come on for 362 yards and 4 td's on 66 tries. He rushed for 95 yards and 1 td at Kutztown last week.

SCOTS "D" PERMITTING 372.4 YARDS PER GAME

Edinboro's defense is giving up only 372.4 yards per game (#8 in PSAC) including 141.8 rushing (#7 in PSAC) and 230.7 passing yards (#13 in PSAC) per game.

Up front the Scots depend on Chris Amico at noseguard (48 hits, 13 tfl's, 6.5 sacks), along with Mike Enoch (16 stops) at tackle and Syl Hanner (19 hits, 4 tfl's) and Jeremy Appell (37 tackles, 3 tfl's) at the ends.

Middle linebacker Greg Sondag leads the Scots with 66 tackles and 5 tfl's, while Hardin Moss (44 stops) and Y'Hoshua Murray (61 jolts) play the other linebacker posts.

The secondary has senior corners Taurean Valentine (47 hits, 1 int) and Donnye Aiken (31 stops, 5 break ups) at the corners, with Dan Skelton (54 tackles, 4 int's) at strong safety and Tom Davidson (39 jolts, 1 int) at free safety.

CLARION NOTES: Edinboro won last year's game 13-0 in a defensive struggle... Clarion missed a 42-yard field goal in the first quarter ... And had drives stopped in the red zone in the third and fourth quarters ... Huether was 9 for 26 for 119 yards ... Emmanuel rushed for only 23 yards on 8 carries ... Trevor Harris completed 11 of 21 passes for 118 yards ... Houston Brown rushed for 157 yards and 1 td ... In 2004 Clarion led 3-0 at halftime at Memorial Stadium, and it could have been more as Clarion traveled into Edinboro territory 5 times without getting a score... Kyle Snoke booted a 29-yard field goal late in the second ... Edinboro took the lead for good on an Andre Burke 1-yard run with 26-seconds left in the third, then scored on a Burke 21-yard run early in the fourth to pull away and win (21-10) ... Clarion had 169 yards of offense... Brandon Dando was 9 of 23 passing for 129 yards and 1 td... Bo Busch had 18 tackles and Matt Morris 14 to lead the defense... Burke ran for 173 yards on 40 carries with 3 td=s ... Bouch was 12 of 21 for 143 yards with 2 int=s ... In the 2002 game Clarion roared out to a 24-0 lead and then held on for a 24-18 win at Edinboro ... The final Eagle score was a 12 yard pass from Adam Almashy to Chad Thompson on a fake field goal early in the third quarter... Clarion rushed for 307 yards and passed for 31 ... Robert Walker had 116 on 14 carries, while Glenn Lovelace had 72 and 1 td on 7 tries (10.3 p/c)... Edinboro had 392 yards of offense including 184 rushing and 208 passing ... Alonzo Roebuck had 24 carries for 146 yards and 2 td=s ... Justin Bouch completed 6 of 12 passes for 104 yards in relief of Cam Marsh (10 of 27 - 104 yards)... Sean Hess had 6 catches for 96 yards ... In 2001 Edinboro won 24-12 at Sox Harrison Stadium ... Clarion=s Demetric Garnder scored on a 19-yard run but the PAT was blocked and Clarion led 6-0... The Boro scored 17 unanswered points before halftime to lead 17-6 and went on to the win ... Clarion rushed for 195 and passed for 147 for 342 yards ... Edinboro rushed for 189 and passed for 155 for 344 yards... In 2000 Clarion won 7-0... Tab Musser scored on a 2-yard run in the second quarter and that score held up ... Clarion had 235 net yards to Edinboro's 152.