SENIOR DAY
                                                        CLARION HOST SLIPPERY ROCK SATURDAY NIGHT
        With a 3-6 overall record and a 1-4 mark in the PSAC-West, Clarion closes its 2005 football season this Saturday when the Golden Eagles host Slippery Rock. Kickoff at Clarion’s Memorial Stadium is set for 6pm.
        The contest can be heard on the Golden Eagle football network which includes WCCR-FM, 92.7 and WKQW-FM, 96.3, as well as on the internet at Redzonemedia.com with Mike Kalinowski describing the action and Bob Dunkel providing the color commentary.
                                                                SENIOR DAY HONORS SEVEN PLAYERS
        Seven seniors will be honored in pre-game ceremonies. Those seniors include defensive back James Charles (Darlington, S.C.), fullback David Coyle (Vandergrift - Leechburg), strong safety Jordan Hicks (Berlin, N.J.), linebacker Brock Luke (Shippenville - Clarion Area), tight end Greg Mahaffey (Commodore - Purchase Line), offensive tackle Steve McCartney (Apollo - Kiski) and defensive lineman Matt Niedbala (Beaver Falls - Blackhawk).
                                                                            CLARION (3-6/1-4) IN 2005
        Clarion enters the game with a 3-6 overall record and a 1-4 mark in the PSAC-West. The Eagles lost last week 30-10 to IUP and two weeks ago at Shippensburg 37-0. Three weeks ago Clarion defeated Lock Haven 16-0 at Memorial Stadium. Clarion started the 2005 season with a 43-14 loss at #7 ranked West Chester, then returned home to defeat Kutztown 29-23 in a PSAC record four overtime game, and won the next Saturday over Mansfield 15-12 when running back Dave Murzynski scored on a 1-yard run with 22-seconds remaining to claim victory. The Golden Eagles then lost three straight games including a 43-7 loss at Cal, a 44-0 loss at #21 Edinboro and a 56-0 loss to #14 East Stroudsburg.
                                                                LUKE IN HIS 12TH YEAR AT CLARION
        Clarion head coach Malen Luke is in his 12th season directing the Golden Eagle football team. He has a career record of 57-72 at Clarion while leading the Golden Eagles to PSAC-West titles in 1996 and 2000. The 1996 squad finished 11-3 and lost in the NCAA D-II semifinal game to Northern Colorado 19-18 in the final seconds. The 1996 team was the Lambert Cup winner in the East and finished the season ranked 8th in the country. Luke’s Eagles were also a strong 7-4 in 2000 and in 2002, while Malen was voted the PSAC-West “Coach of the Year” in 1996 and 2000. Luke’s 18-year collegiate record stands at 94-93.
                                                        SLIPPERY ROCK (4-5/3-2)/MIHALIK IN 18TH YEAR
        Slippery Rock enters the game with a 4-5 overall record and a 3-2 mark in the PSAC-West. The Rock is 4-2 in its last six games including big wins over Lock Haven (55-7), California (28-21), Millersville (21-15) and Shippensburg (58-28). The only losses during that time are against IUP (38-17) and Edinboro (24-7). SRU opened 2005 with three losses to Bloomsburg (40-24), Youngstown State (44-14) and Shepherd (24-7). George Mihalik, in his 18th year at SRU, has an impressive 119-73-4 mark as a head coach.
                                                        SR LEADS SERIES 37-23-3 DATING BACK TO 1928
        Slippery Rock leads the overall series between the two schools by a 37-23-3 margin dating back to 1928. Slippery Rock won last year’s meeting 31-14. Clarion won the 2003 game by a 19-17 margin. In the last eleven seasons Slippery Rock leads by an 8-3 margin and has won seven of the last eight meetings. SR won in 2004 (31-14), 2002 (21-14), 2001 (33-24), 2000 (27-14), 1999 (45-7), 1998 (28-14), 1997 (28-7) and 1995 (41-17). Clarion has wins in 2003 (19-17), 1996 (54-28) and 1993 (29-24).
                                                            CLARION OFFENSE AVERAGING 242.2 YARDS T.O.
        Clarion enters Saturday’s game ranked #12 in the PSAC in total offense getting 242.2 yards per game and #13 in scoring with 10.1 points per game. The Eagles rank #11 in rushing offense with 118.7 yards per game and #12 in passing with 123.9 yards per contest.
                                                                                YONISH READY TO PLAY AT QB
        Sophomore Erik Yonish will be ready to call the offensive signals on Saturday. Yonish has hit on 60 of 129 aerials for 590 yards and 1 td. He has also rushed 58 times for 265 yards and 1 td.
                                                                    BYRD & MURZYNSKI CLARION’S TOP RUNNERS
        The running game will likely fall on the shoulders of sophomore Michael Byrd and freshman Dave Murzynski. Byrd has started the last three games at tailback. Against Lock Haven he ran 39 times for 90 yards. His 39 rushes tied Buckner for the second most attempts in a single game. Former great Mickey Catello had 41 rushes in 1966 versus IUP. Byrd has 167 yards and 2 td on 75 carries, plus 24 catches for 264 yards and 1 td. Murzynski has 210 yards and 2 td’s on 55 attempts. Also expected to tote the pigskin will be Josh Province (23 rushes, 62 yards, 24 catches,184 yards).
                                                                    DANDO MOVES TO WIDEOUT POSITION
        Brandon Dando, who was Clarion’s starting qb in five games, has moved to wideout. He has grabbed 8 passes for 83 yards. He could move back to qb if needed. He ran for 94 yards and 2 td’s on 52 tries, plus completed 60 of 129 passes for 590 yards and 1 td.
        Also ready to catch passes will be Anthony Easterling (18 catches, 223 yards, 1 td), Jewell Stephens (13 catches, 117 yards), transfer Vince Kirk (3 grabs, 29 yards) and tight ends John Dominic (8 catches, 108 yards) and senior Greg Mahaffey (4 grabs, 37 yards).
                                                               CLARION DEFENSE READY FOR SATURDAY
        In 2005 Clarion’s defense is ranked #12 in total defense giving up 398.9 yards per game, while ranked #11 in scoring defense yielding 32.0 points per game. The Eagles are permitting 192.1 yards per game rushing (#10 in PSAC) and 206.8 passing yards (#13 in PSAC) per game.
                                                            NIEDBALA/RITTER ANCHOR DOWN LINEMEN
        Up front senior Matt Niedbala (25 tackles, 5 tfl’s, 2 sacks), plus sophomores Cedric Bowling (13 stops) and Matt Ritter (48 tackles, 11 tfl’s, 5 sacks) are ready to lead the way.
                                                                        RIGBY LEADS OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
        Guarding the perimeters will be junior Kevin Rigby (56 stops; 1 int, 4 break-ups), red-shirt freshmen Jim McHale (5 stops, 1 int) and sophomore transfer Jimmy Simmons (20 stops, 7 tfl’s, 3 sacks).
                                                            MORRIS, GOURLEY & LUKE PROVIDE LB STRENGTH
        The inside linebacking spots are talented with the return of juniors Matt Morris and Zach Gourley and senior Brock Luke . Morris is the team’s leader with 91 tackles and 17 tfl’s. Gourley has 70 stops and 6 tfl’s, while Luke has 33 tackles, 5 tfl’s and 1 int.

                                                                            SECONDARY MISSING BUSCH
        Senior free safety Bo Busch will miss the remainder of the season due to a leg injury. He had 15 stops and 1 break-up this season. In 2004 he led the PSAC with 119 tackles, 2 int’s, 4 fumbles caused, and was a third team AP and Football Gazette All-American. In three seasons he has 292 tackles, 10 fumbles caused, 6 int’s and 5 tfl’s.
        Replacing Busch in the secondary will be Elijah Evans, who has 17 tackles and 1 break up this season.
        Senior Jordan Hicks (69 tackles, 6 tfl’s) returns at strong safety, while senior James Charles (32 hits, 1 int, 4 blocked kicks), junior Dwaon Woodard (42 tackles, 5 break-ups, 4 blocked kicks, 2 int’s) and freshmen Brian Edwards (8 stops) and Quintyn Brazil (22 stops) are back at the corners.
                                                                                SRU OFFENSE #5 IN PSAC
        Slippery Rock’s offense is ranked #5 in the PSAC averaging 370.3 yards per game and 6th in scoring getting 25.7 points per game. The Rockets are getting 204.3 rushing yards (3rd in PSAC) and 166 passing yards (5th in PSAC) per outing.
        Sophomore qb Nate Crookshank leads the offense. He has completed 108 of 209 passes for 1,424 yards and 7 td’s with 12 interceptions. He has also rushed for 290 yards and 2 td’s.
        The running game is paced by senior tailback Josh Kniess. Kniess has run for 997 yards and 12 td’s on 172 carries. Also toting the pigskin is Corey Manfull with 102 rushes for 433 yards and 2 td’s.
        The receiving corps will depend on Colin Golden (41 catches, 453 yards, 1 td), Paul Favers (24 grabs, 392 yards, 2 td’s) and Luke Wetzel (11 catches, 199 yards, 2 td’s), plus tight end Frank Cremonese (10 receptions, 155 yards, 1 td).
                                                                                    SRU DEFENSE #5 IN PSAC
        The SRU defense is tough as usual with a #5 ranking in total defense in the PSAC giving up only 320.2 yards per game along with a 9th ranking in scoring defense giving up 26.8 points per game. Opponents are getting 190.6 rushing yards (#9 in PSAC) and 129.7 passing yards (#1 PSAC) per game.
        Up front tackle Clinton Forsha (35 hits, 12 tfl’s) and noseguard Robert Minnie (35 tackles) join with ends Cory Lacek (49 hits, 17 tfl’s, 9 sacks) and Josh Zeisloft (19 jolts, 6 tfl’s) on the line.
        The linebacking corps is solid with Jared Palmer (51 stops, 7 tfl’s), Jerome Whiting (48 hits, 10 tfl’s) and Seth Randall (22 tackles) leading the way.
        The secondary has strong safety Brandon Rakszawski (57 hits) as the top tackler along with free safety Jim D’Amico (27 stops, 2 int’s) and corners Aaron Berarducci (32 jolts, 1 int) and Akeem Etheridge (27 stops, 1 int).
        Kniess is also a top return specialist and a threat for the Rock. He is #1 in the PSAC in punt returns averaging 18.6 per return (22 returns, 410 yards, 1 td).
CLARION NOTES: Clarion lost 31-14 at SRU last year to end the season ... Clarion held a 14-10 second quarter lead but couldn’t hold it ...Kniess rushed for 3 td’s (one in 2nd qtr., 2 in the third) to put the game away... Clarion rushed for 186 ... Glenn Lovelace gained 75 yards with 1 td ...SRU rushed for 201 - Josh Kniess with 111 yards on 31 carries and 3 td’s... Clarion rallied from a 17-7 second quarter deficit in 2003 to defeat SR 19-17 at the Rock ... Mark Hofmeister’s 49-yard field goal prior to halftime make it 17-10 ... Bo Busch returned a blocked punt 7 yards for a td, then Hofmeister booted an 18-yard field goal with 10:47 left to win the game ... Clarion posted 251 yards of offense including 141 rushing and 110 passing ... Dando completed 14 of 25 passes for 110 yards and 1 td, plus ran for 41 yards ... Pierre Odom had 7 catches for 53 yards ... the Eagles blocked 2 punts and 1 field goal attempt on the day ... SR’s Kniess had 92 yards and td on 20 carries ... Chad DeVore completed 8 of 27 passes for 161 and 1 td ... Tim Arthurs grabbed 3 passes for 107 yards and 1 td ... In 2002 Clarion lost a 21-14 game to Slippery Rock at Clarion’s Memorial Stadium... The Rock jumped out to a 21-0 first quarter lead, then hung on to win... Clarion held SR to -18 rushing yards for the entire game on 34 carries ... In the second half Clarion outgained SR 137 to -3 yards, but Clarion just couldn’t overcome the first period deficit... Robert Walker ran for 58 yards and 1 td on 17 carries and Brandon Sweeney gained 53 on 8 tries... Adam Almashy completed 8 of 16 passes for 66yards... Clarion NG Troy Bowers had 12 tackles, 5 tfl’s and 2 sacks ... In 2001 at Clarion the Eagles lost 33-24 and outgained SR 455-267, had a 20-10 advantage in first downs and a time of possession advantage of 33:06 - 26:54... Clarion rushed for 318 yards including a single game Clarion record of 257 yards by Demetric Gardner ... Almashy hit on 8 of 19 passes for 137 yards and 1 td ... Slippery Rock got a big performance from Dorrian Glenn who gained 200 yards and 3 td’s on 28 carries ... His 44 yard td to open the game and 25 yard td run on fourth down to close the game were huge plays ... Clarion’s also won at Slippery Rock in 1996 when the Eagles notched a 54-28 victory ... In that game the Eagles rushed for 407 yards ... Ron DeJidas ran for 231 yards and 2 td, plus caught a td pass ... Steve Witte also dashed for 143 yards and 2 td’s, grabbed 4 passes for 70 yards, and returned a kickoff 43-yards late in the game for a td ... Clarion had 577 yards in that game and SR had 453 for a combined total of 1,030 yards of total offense.

SENIORS

#7 JAMES CHARLES - DB, 5-10, 175, Darlington, S.C., Darlington HS, Management... Son of Linda Washington ... Talented corner ... 4-year starter ... 2005 stats- 32 tackles (23 solo), 1 int, 6 break-ups, 4 blocked kicks and 2 tfl’s... 2004- 22 hits, 3 int’s ... 5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 int. vs WC ... 2003: 35 stops ... 10 break ups ... 7 hits & 45-yd int ret. td vs Glenville ...2 blocked punts ... 2002- 19 hits & 5 break ups ... 6 stops vs Edinboro ... Career - 108 tackles (85 solo), 3 tfl’s, 6 int’s, 23 break-ups.

#44 DAVID COYLE - FB, 5-10, 230, Vandergrift, Leechburg HS, El./Sp. Ed...Son of John & Eileen Coyle ... 3 letters ... Starting fullback ... Physical runner and blocker ... 2005- 5 carries, 21 yards; 2 catches 9 yards ... 2004- Red-shirt ... 2003- 5 carries, 13 yards, 4 tackles ... 2002 - Letter ... 5 tackles ... Clarion Scholar Athlete ... 2001- 6 tackles ... Quality special teams player throughout his career.

#42 JORDAN HICKS - SS, 5-10, 185, Berlin, N.J., Eastern HS, Accounting ...Son of Richard & Karen Hicks ... 2-year starter ... 4 letters at strong safety ... Very athletic ... Plays run & pass well ... 2005- 69 tackles (39 solo), 6 tfl’s, 1 qb sack, 2 fumble re4coveries, 1 blocked kick ... 13 tackles, 1 tfl, 1 f.r. vs Mansfield; 2004- 39 tackles, 3 tfl’s ... 7 hits, 2 tfl’s, 1 sack vs E. Stroud. ... 2003- 22 hits, 3 tfl’s ... 5 stops vs Boro ...2002- Lettered ... 15 hits, 1 f.c. ... Career - 145 tackles, 12 tfl’s, 4 sacks, 3 fumbles caused and recovered.

#2 BROCK LUKE - LB, 6-2, 230, Shippenville, Clarion HS, Management ... Son of Malen & Hedy Luke ... Starter at inside linebacker ... 4 letters ... Bigger, faster and stronger ... Excels vs pass ... 2005- 33 tackles, 5 tfl’s, 3 sacks, 1 interception ... 8 stops, 3 tfl’s vs Ship ... 2004- 23 hits, 3 tfl’s ... 4 hits, 1 sack vs Ship ... 2003- Missed 5 games ... 11 hits, 1 tfl ... 2002- 15 tackles, 1 fumble rec. ...Career - 82 tackles, 9 tfl’s, 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 break-ups.

#25 GREG MAHAFFEY - TE, 6-3, 215, Commodore, Purchase Line HS, Biology ... Son of Sylvia & the late Graham Mahaffey ... Starting tight end ... 2 letters ... Aggressive ... Good size and strength ... Team player ... Runs good routes ... Hard nosed, & Dedicated player ... 2005- 4 catches, 37 yards ... Caught 3 passes for 33 yards vs Kutztown ... 2004- 2 catches, 34 yards vs Slippery Rock .

#64 STEVE McCARTNEY - OT, 6-4, 275, Apollo, Kiski HS, Elementary Ed. ...Son of Marilyn Long & Jeff McCartney ... 3-year starter at offensive tackle ... 4 letters ... Good size & strength ... Athletic ... Aggressive down field blocker ... Solid vs pass and run ... 2005 - Started and played in all 9 games ... 2004- Starter 11 games at right tackle ... 2003- Started 7 games at left tackle ... 2002- Lettered behind Reggie Wells.

#90 MATT NIEDBALA - DL, 6-0, 250, Beaver Falls, Blackhawk HS, Management ... Son of Richard & Gloria Niedbala ... Brother Kim is Clarion’s Defensive Coordinator ... Matt is a starter on D-line ... Consistent ... Added size & strength ... Tough ... Hard worker ... Gets to the ball ... 3 letters ... 2005- 25 tackles, 5 tfl’s, 2 sacks, 1 fumble caused ... 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 fumble caused vs LH ... 2004- 22 hits, 1 sack ... 5 tackles, 1 sack vs IUP ... 2003- 14 stops, 2 tfl’s ... 4 tackles vs Edinboro ... Career - 61 hits, 8 tfl’s, 3 sacks.