KUTZTOWN, PA (September 14, 2010) – The Kutztown University football team will hit the road for the first time in 2010 when it visits Lock Haven University in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) crossover contest Saturday night at Hubert Jack Stadium beginning at 7 p.m. (GAME NOTES) / (PSAC WEEKLY RELEASE)
The Golden Bears (2-0 overall) enter the game looking to begin the season with three straight victories for the first time since 2001. Meanwhile, Lock Haven (0-2) has lost 23 consecutive games. This is the first meeting between the Golden Bears and Eagles since a 30-10 KU victory in 2006. Kutztown is 11-15 all time against Lock Haven. However, the Golden Bears have won the last three matchups between the two schools.
Kutztown is off to its second straight 2-0 start after beating Mercyhurst, 35-14 behind sophomore quarterback Kevin Morton, who threw for a career-high 364 yards. The Golden Bears are the only PSAC East team without a loss. Lock Haven, on the other hand, dropped a 35-21 decision at Millersville despite quarterback Jarryd Burkett's 141 passing yards.
The Golden Bears lead the PSAC in scoring defense (7.0 points per game), total offense (424.0) and passing offense (309.5). They are also second behind California in scoring offense (38.0). Kutztown has scored 30 or more points in four of its last five games dating back to last season.
Since trailing Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 31-3, in the second quarter of its 2009 season finale, Kutztown has sizzled, outscoring its opponents, 105-17. Morton has thrown a touchdown pass in seven straight games. He has also thrown two touchdown passes in five of KU's last six games.
This season, the Golden Bears have proven to be a big play team as six of their 11 touchdowns have covered 30 or more yards.
Through two games this season, Kutztown has not trailed. Morton leads the PSAC in total offense (318.5) and passing average (309.5). The Golden Bears have a triumvirate of wide receivers who rank among the PSAC top 10 in catches per game: Josh Smith (fifth, 5.5), Erik Frazier (Philadelphia, PA/Germantown) Jr. and Colby Tuell (tied for seventh, 4.5). Following his big game against Mercyhurst where he caught six passes for 106 yards and three touchdowns, Smith is fourth in the conference in receiving yards per game (89.0).
Kutztown has also received significant efforts from its special teams. With speedsters Kendell Coleman and Josh Mastromatto headlining the return units, the Golden Bears lead the conference in kick return average (32.3 per game) and punt return average (18.4). Coleman, who leads the PSAC in punt return average, took a punt 76 yards for a touchdown against Mercyhurst.
The Golden Bears defense has been solid. Led by the defensive front of Kevin Bolinsky, Jason Henshaw, Colin Henny and Cody Minnich along with two of the top linebackers in the PSAC Joel Irwin and Greg Rotkowski, the Golden Bears have 11 quarterback hurries and six sacks. Bolinsky has generated 3.5 sacks and four quarterback hurries to lead the PSAC. At least five different players have recorded a sack this season. Kutztown is tied for second in the PSAC in sacks per game.
In its loss last week to Millersville, Lock Haven held the advantage in first downs, 20-16 and out rushed the Marauders 127-120. The total offensive yards were just about even, but Lock Haven would be hurt on the day by 13 penalties that cost LHU 107 yards. Jeremiah Dunchack, Jesse Hoover and Jay Hartman all scored touchdowns for the Bald Eagles, who lost their season opener to Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Virginia Military Institute, 49-7.
Ian Smith (Spring Grove, PA/Spring Grove) is Lock Haven's top receiver with nine catches for 88 yards. Hartman has caught six passes for the Bald Eagles.
The Bald Eagles have been stingy against the run in their first two games. They are third in the conference in rush defense (83.5). However, they are 16th in the PSAC in scoring defense (41.5) after allowing at least 35 points to their first two opponents this season and 15th in pass defense (268.0). Wes Plummer (15 tackles), Ryan Good (12) and Kenny Monroe (11) have been the Bald Eagles' top defensive players this season.
Following this contest both teams begin divisional play next Saturday. Kutztown starts PSAC East play when it travels to Cheyney University. Lock Haven opens PSAC West action at Mercyhurst. Both games kickoff at 1 p.m.
--KU--
