Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawks open home slate against defending champs
9/7/2010 8:20:00 PM | Football
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Lehigh opens its home schedule Saturday afternoon against the defending FCS National Champion Villanova Wildcats. The Mountain Hawks' season-opening trip to Iowa was a success as Lehigh rode 21 early points to a 28-14 win over Drake. Senior Jay Campbell rushed for three touchdowns and Lehigh out-gained Drake by almost 250 yards on the night. Defensively, the Mountain Hawks recorded seven sacks and created two turnovers.
Villanova opened its season with a 31-24 loss to FBS member Temple on September 3, a game that was closer than the final score would indicate. The Wildcats led 24-22 with 1:51 to play before the Owls came back with two late scores. Villanova was ranked No. 1 in the FCS preseason polls, but comes into Saturday's game ranked second and fourth in the Sports Network and Coaches polls respectively.
Senior co-captain Al Pierce was named the Patriot League's Defensive Player of the Week on Monday. Pierce led the Mountain Hawks with nine tackles Saturday against Drake including 2.5 for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. It's the second straight Defensive Player of the Week award for Pierce who was also honored after last year's season finale against Lafayette when he registered 12 tackles and the game-clinching interception in overtime.
Lehigh's defense led the nation in sacks in 2009 with 39. The Mountain Hawks picked up right where they left off in their season-opening win at Drake, sacking Bulldog quarterback Mike Piatkowski seven times. Senior Al Pierce and junior Tanner Rivas each recorded two sacks on the night while senior David Brown and juniors Colin Newton and Cody Connare were also credited with sacks.
Senior tailback Jay Campbell enjoyed a career night last Saturday in Iowa, rushing 22 times for 93 yards and three touchdowns. Campbell scored on two and three-yard runs in the first quarter and added a 28-yard touchdown scamper in the fourth quarter. Lehigh's leading rusher in 2009 with 659 yards, Campbell entered the season with just one career rushing touchdown.
Saturday's game kicks off just after 12:30 from Goodman Stadium. Tickets for the game are still available, and may be purchased in one of three ways: by visiting the Lehigh ticket office located in Grace Hall, by calling (610) 7LU-GAME, or on-line anytime at Lehighsports.com.
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Date:
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September 12, 2010
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Opponent:
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No. 2/4 Villanova Wildcats
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Kickoff:
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12:37 p.m.
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Stadium:
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Goodman Stadium/16,000/Natural Grass
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Location:
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Bethlehem, Pa.
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Tickets:
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Tickets can be purchased by calling (610) 7LU-GAME, or on-line via the link above
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Lehigh's Record:
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1-0 overall, 0-0 Patriot League
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Villanova's Record:
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0-1 overall, 0-0 Colonial Athletic Association
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Series:
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Villanova leads, 6-5
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Television
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Service Electric 2 Sports live with Mike Zambelli, Mike Yadush '93 and Al DiCarlo
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Radio
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ESPN Radio 1230 and 1320 AM with Matt Kerr, Kody Fedorcha '00, Tom Fallon, and Matt Markus beginning at 11:30 am
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Internet Broadcast:
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Lehighsports.com
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Key Stats:
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• The Mountain Hawks led the nation in sacks in 2009 and had seven against Drake
•Lehigh's 420 yards of total offense were its most in a season-opener since 2003 (437 yards versus Holy Cross)
•Villanova is the highest ranked team Lehigh has played since 2000 (No. 2 Delaware)
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Behind Enemy Lines:
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Lehigh Sports Central: Football
Tuesday, December 02
MHT EP6 - Football
Thursday, November 20
Brown & Flight - Episode 4
Friday, November 14
Football Blitz
Friday, October 31
