Friday, October 24, 2003

Two weeks ago, Moravian delivered its biggest win of the football season when the Greyhounds defeated highly regarded Wilkes.

After a week off, the 'Hounds face an even bigger task Saturday when they take on nationally ranked Lycoming in a Middle Atlantic Conference matchup at Steel Field.

It's the first meeting between these rivals since 1998, when the Warriors rolled to a 36-0 victory in Williamsport, Pa. Moravian's last triumph in the series was a 20-17 decision -- also in Williamsport.

The Greyhounds (3-3) rallied to defeat Wilkes 22-20 when freshman Shawn Martell of Bethlehem Catholic blocked a punt that went through the end zone for a safety with 1:36 remaining.

Will the magic continue?

"Of course, we've got to go into the game thinking we can win," said sophomore quarterback Jerry Venturino, who threw a game-tying 41-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Lowry against Wilkes. "We can't be afraid of Lycoming just because they're nationally ranked. We've got to play them just like they're any other team."

Lycoming (4-1) was ranked 11th in Division III before last week's 38-27 home loss to Delaware Valley -- the surprise team of the MAC. The Warriors, under longtime head coach Frank Girardi (236-73-5 in 31 seasons), feature a strong passing game directed by junior quarterback Phil Mann. Mann has thrown for 1,241 yards and nine TDs.

"This is a big challenge," Greyhounds coach Scot Dapp said. "Lycoming is always a premiere team, not only in the conference but in the country. They're always big and physical. If they lose three games in a season it's a horrendous year."

The game marks a homecoming of sorts for Lycoming senior offensive guard Dickie Houck of Bethlehem Catholic.

"It's definitely going to be exciting," said Houck, a three-year starter. "I've got a lot of people coming to the game. I know a lot of people on (Moravian), too.

"This game is real important. We've got to run the table to win the MAC. Every game is big now. But we're pretty optimistic. We have a lot of team unity and I think we can bounce back strong."

The Greyhounds will have to play the whole season without returning all-conference placekicker Nate Strohl. Dapp confirmed that the sophomore from Whitehall will miss the season with a pulled quadriceps muscle. Strohl's replacement is senior Josh Miller.

Venturino is making his fourth straight start. He took over for a struggling Will Seng in Week 3 and threw two late touchdown passes in a 26-14 loss at Susquehanna.

"Things are more comfortable now," said Venturino, of Hopatcong, N.J. "It seems like the offense has some type of chemistry. We've just got to keep working hard and not give up."

Venturino says the bye week has rejuvenated the Greyhounds.

"I think it was a great thing," he said. "I could tell during practice this week that the guys were a little more lively and energetic."

Freshman Chris Jacoubs, who has replaced Dave Darmofal as the starting tailback, gives the Greyhounds a much needed big-play threat. The transfer from Bowling Green had a 65-yard touchdown run at King's, and runs of 57 and 46 yards against Wilkes.

Lycoming's top offensive threats are senior wide receiver Ricky Lannetti (37 catches, 443 yards, 3 TDs) and senior tight end Sean Hennigar (26-301-2). Senior linebacker Tim Schmidt (36 tackles) is the Warriors' top defensive player.

"They don't really get that fancy," Dapp said, "although they spread it out more than they did 10 or 15 years ago. Defensively, they're pretty basic with a four-man front. They don't try to hide anything. They say, here we are. Try and come at us."

Other local players on the Warriors' roster include DL Mike Atiyeh of Northampton, OL Lucas Baltz of Nazareth and DE Trevor Levits of Pen Argyl. 1/3/à='' 1/3/à=''