FULL GAME NOTES

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - The Lock Haven University football team kicks off its 2010 season on the road Saturday (September 4) in Lexington, Va. when the Bald Eagles take on the Virginia Military Institute (VMI).

The Game: The Lock Haven University football team kicks off its 2010 season on the road Saturday (September 4) in Lexington, Va. when the Bald Eagles take on the Virginia Military Institute (VMI).

Kickoff at VMI's Alumni Memorial Field at Foster Stadium (10,000) is set for 1:30 p.m. in the non-conference game.

The Series: Lock Haven and VMI have met just once prior to this game. In the 2007 season-opener the Bald Eagles lost to their Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponent 20-0.

Listen/Watch/Live Stats: For more information on how to follow all the action, visit VMI's game day central link.

The 2010 Outlook:

The 2010 Lock Haven University football team is a confident one and LHU head coach John Klacik knows confidence leads to winning.

The confidence comes in the return of eight starters, five of which are on the offensive side of the ball and 28 lettermen ready to lead the Bald Eagles.

A huge confidence boost comes from senior-captain Nick Gounaris (Morrisville, Pa./Pennsbury). Gounaris was an All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) selection a year ago.

The Bald Eagles, winless in each of the last two seasons and 1-32 over the last three years will look to Gounaris's experience and leadership to get back to winning ways.

Offensive Breakdown:

A lot of The Haven's experience returns on the offensive line, which is a huge key for any team.

Klacik will count on senior leadership and the return of several key players who missed significant time a year ago to lead the Bald Eagles offense from the trenches.

A huge key for Lock Haven is the return of senior Ryan Gibble (Millville, Pa./Central Columbia) to the O-line. Gibble a two-time All-PSAC selection missed the majority of last year with an injury.

Quarterback:

Early in preseason camp, a quarterback battle heated up with a trio of players all ready to take the helm under center and lead LHU.

Redshirt-sophomore Jarrett Kratzer (Reedsville, Pa./Indian Valley) and junior Jarryd Burkett (Altoona, Pa./Altoona) both return after seeing a number of snaps last season.

The experienced duo should prove to be a positive for the Bald Eagles.

Last year Kratzer started five games and was 89-for-167 with a team-high 725 passing yards. Burkett, who started two games, but saw action in nine contests, threw two TD passes.

True-freshman Robert Meade (Colonia, N.J./Bishop AHR) has unlimited talent and will make an immediate impact as he adjusts to the system.

Running backs:

Leading the way at running back will be sophomore Brandon Brader (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) and freshman Rashad Johnson (Dunkirk, Pa./Dunkirk).

Also in the mix is sophomore Ian Smith (Waynesboro, Pa./Waynesboro), who played in all 10 games last season.

Corey Porta (Marietta, Pa./Lancaster Catholic) and Adam Derck (Shamokin, Pa./Luzerne County C.C.) will look to help Lock Haven's running game from the fullback spot.

Wide Receivers:

Coach Klacik calls it “receive by committee” this year as they have a number of talented players they will count on.

Leading the way for Lock Haven is junior Jay Hartman (Lewisburg, Pa./Indian Valley), who made 32 catches for 383 yards last year, both of which were team-highs.

Also looking to make a major impact for Lock Haven is Jesse Hoover (Curwensville, Pa./Curwensville), James Wilbern (Steelton-Highspire, Pa./Steelton-Highspire) and Devin Sims Waynesboro, Pa./Waynesboro).

Defensive Breakdown:

Gounaris, the Bald Eagles lone captain on this year's squad is the leader for LHU on the defensive side of the ball.

Last year he earned a spot on the PSAC West Second Defense, nabbing a spot on the defensive line. Gounaris finished with 47 total tackles, which was fifth-best on the team. Gounaris made 25 solo stops and six tackles for a loss, which ranked as second-best on the team in 2009. He also added two sacks.

Two of Gounaris's best performances came against PSAC West opponents, as he racked up a game-high 11 and eight tackles against, Clarion and Edinboro, respectively.

Also returning to lead Lock Haven defensively is the Bald Eagles tackle leader from last year. Senior Wes Plummer (Altoona, Pa./Altoona) led LHU with 62 tackles last year which included a team-best 38 solo stops.

Linebackers James Goins (Mount Carmel, Pa./Mount Carmel) and Ryan Good (Tower City, Pa./Williams Valley) will be huge impact players for LHU.

Ty Traister (Lock Haven, Pa./Central Mountain), a local-product had a fantastic spring season last year and put in a solid summer of training, which will be a huge benefit for Lock Haven. Traister has made the transition to defensive end and will be an immediate strength for the Bald Eagles.

Skyler Wool (Waterville, Pa./Jersey Shore) returns to help strengthen the Bald Eagles line.

Special Teams:

Klacik knows how important special teams play can be to a football team in determining the outcome of a game. That being said, he will rely on a lot of his veterans to get the job done on special teams.

Returning to lead the way is placekicker Noah Heimer (Lock Haven, Pa./Central Mountain). Heimer, a local-product and former soccer player will look to give The Haven an edge in the kicking game.

Kratzer, who will see time under center will also handle the punting responsibilities.

Rashad Johnson and Ian Smith will man the kick returns for LHU.