Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawks kick off season with Stony Brook
9/1/2004 6:00:00 AM | Football
The Mountain Hawks return to Goodman Stadium on Saturday to kick off the 121st season of Lehigh football against the Seawolves of Stony Brook. Lehigh looks to build upon its recent success, as the Mountain Hawks have strung together at least eight wins during each of the last six seasons – a first for the storied program. Meanwhile, the Seawolves posted a 6-4 mark last season, including a 4-3 record in the Northeast Conference. Stony Brook won its final three contests in 2003. Lehigh was 6-1 in Patriot League play last season, and 5-1 inside Goodman Stadium a season ago. The Mountain Hawks have the highest winning percentage in all of Division I-AA over the last six seasons, winning 83.56% of their contests. Stony Brook returns 19 starters from last season’s 6-4 team, including seven all-conference selections. First team quarterback T.J. Moriarty and running back Clinton Graham return to an offense that averaged nearly 30 points per game last season. Overall, the offense boasts ten returnees who started every game in 2003. Three defensive All-NEC selections return in 2004, including first team defensive end David Bamiro. He notched 49 tackles and recorded nine sacks last year. Saturday’s game marks the first ever match-up between Stony Brook and Lehigh, as the Seawolves are one of three newcomers to the Lehigh docket this season ( Saturday’s game kicks off at 1:00 from picturesque Goodman Stadium. The game will not be televised, but it can be heard live in the Lehigh Valley on the new home of Lehigh football, ESPN Radio 1230 and 1320 AM, and worldwide on Lehigh’s web site at Lehighsports.com. Date: September 4, 2004 Opponent: Stony Brook Seawolves Kickoff: 1:00 pm Stadium: Goodman Stadium/16,000/Natural Grass Location: Tickets: Chairback seats are still available by calling (610) 7LU-GAME or clicking on the link above Lehigh’s Record: 8-3 overall, 6-1 Patriot League in 2003 SBU's Record: 4-6 overall, 4-3 NEC in 2003 Series: First ever meeting Television: None this week Radio: ESPN Radio 1230 and 1320 AM with Matt Kerr and Marty Horn at noon Internet Broadcast: www.lehighsports.com Practice: Practice is closed to the public and members of the media this week Weekly Luncheon: Luncheons are held the Wednesday prior to each game at Starter’s Restaurant on Rte. 378 in Game Notes: Key Stats: • Lehigh’s offense ranked second in the Patriot League last season, averaging 30.0 points per game, and returns six starters. • The Mountain Hawks’ defense was tops in the league a season ago, allowing just 16.8 points per contest, and returns seven starters in 2004. • The Seawolves led the Northeast Conference, averaging 28.7 points per game in 2003, and they return ten players who started every game last season in 2004. • Stony Brook opens its season with three straight on the road. The Seawolves were 2-3 away from home in 2003. • Lehigh has won its last six home openers at Goodman Stadium, dating back to 1998. • Lehigh has the best winning percentage (83.56%) of any I-AA school over the last six seasons. Behind Enemy Lines:
