Hillsdale.edu/chargers::Mercyhurst Preview

Hillsdale College Release

Hillsdale Game Notes

Oct. 27, 2005 - The Hillsdale College football team seeks its second straight victory Saturday with a 1:30 p.m. game against Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa.

This marks Hillsdale's second visit to Pennsylvania this season. The first was a Charger victory, 43-9 over the host Gannon Golden Knights.

The Lakers (1-7 overall, 1-7 GLIAC) are one team Hillsdale has had much success against in recent years. The Chargers broke a five-game losing streak last year in a 21-17 home win over Mercyhurst. Hillsdale also recorded its most lopsided win in recent years in the 2002 season finale, 56-7, over the Lakers.

However, Mercyhurst comes into the game with some momentum. The team won its first game of the season last week, 28-24 over the University of Indianapolis. The Lakers scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to pull out the come-from-behind win.

The Chargers are also coming off a victory, 24-7 over the Tiffin University Dragons in a non-league tilt. Hillsdale punter Matt Vanover was named the GLIAC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance. It was the second time this season a Charger special teamer from Adrian has won the honor, with senior Chad Gurica being the first.

Sophomore quarterback Mark Nicolet continues his improvement, after taking over as the starter a month ago. Nicolet threw for 181 yards and ran for another 98 in the win over the Dragons last week. He also ran for a touchdown and threw for another.

Hillsdale wraps up the 2005 season at home Saturday, Nov. 5 against Wayne State.