During Mercyhurst’s homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 4, the Lakers defeated Clarion University in a 28-0 shutout. Contributing: hurstathletics.com photo

In front of over 2,000 fans on homecoming weekend, the Mercyhurst Laker football team shut out Clarion 28 – 0.

The Lakers obtained their first win, while also recording their first shutout since 2010 when they defeated Lock Haven 41-0.
Both defense and offense contributed to a great performance by the Lakers.

A week later, Mercyhurst followed up with a second victory, defeating cross-town rival, Gannon University, 45-38.

In the game against Clarion, redshirt junior quarterback Brendan Boylan completed 14 of his 25 pass attempts. He also threw for 241 yards and three touchdowns.

Sophomore Drew Robinson had 14 touches for 46 yards and a touchdown, as well as catching two passes for 89 yards and another touchdown. One of his completed catches from Boylan was a 78 -yard pass.

Also scoring for the Lakers was redshirt sophomore Andrew Miller who completed a 16-yard catch for a touchdown. This was Miller’s first collegiate touchdown.
On the defensive side, the Lakers held Clarion to just 191 yards of total offense and recorded a season high of four sacks.

Redshirt senior Curtis Hansford had six tackles and one sack, while senior linebacker Garret Wild recorded five tackles, also blocking a punt in the third quarter.
Mercyhurst will travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan on Oct. 18 to take on PSAC West rival Slippery Rock in the Big House Battle.

“I’m in awe, it’s such a big venue, something I have never experienced before. It’s going to be pretty cool and very exciting,” Wild said.

Slippery Rock is a tough opponent with a 5 -1 record. They also have a strong offense and a solid running game, led by their redshirt sophomore Shamar Greene.
Wild believes the Laker defense will have to make some adjustments throughout the game.

“We’ve got to be able to stop the running threat, but also still look to defend the pass, just get out there and play our best,” Wild said.

Wild says that the team must prepare even more because the noise and nerves will be heightened for a crowd expected to be between 50 and 80 thousand attendees.