Mercyhurst football strives to make history

Think for a second, if you will, to a truly momentous and historic sports event that you’ve personally witnessed.

In the setting of Ralph Wilson Stadium (home of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills), it’s something I’ll never forget.

And thanks to our own Mercyhurst football team, 2010 is a year that will be forever etched into the memories and countless people-—players, fans, coaches supporters of any kind.

Two games ago, Mercyhurst defeated heavily-favored California (Pa.) 31-21, and pushed the Lakers into the biggest victory in the program’s history.

It was an especially momentous win for a Lakers team that was picked to finish near the bottom of the PSAC West in the preseason poll.

Instead, our Lakers are tied with the California Vulcans for the top spot in the conference, and made history in several polls across the country.

For the first time in program history, Mercyhurst cracked the Top 25 rankings for Division II schools nationwide.

After this past week’s win over Slippery Rock, Mercyhurst climbed to the No. 21 spot.

It seems too good to be true: Mercyhurst boasting one of the best D-II football teams in the country.

The Lakers are hoping to follow up this performance with one final regular season tilt against Clarion, and then host the PSAC Championship game on Nov. 13.

If Mercyhurst makes it to the championship game, the Lakers will square off against the winner of the PSAC East regular-season showdown this coming weekend between Kutztown and Bloomsburg.

The football team, and the campus as a whole, has found that confidence in themselves is sure to bring good things.

At the very least, it brings a historic season with great memories.