Week 1 Recap - Around the Liberty League

Week 1 of the 2009 season is officially in the books. Although Hobart doesn't kick off their season until this Saturday, half of the Liberty League (LL) began their '09 campaigns last Saturday. Here's a brief recap of how the LL fared (3-1) in out-of-conference action:

Susquehanna's RB Dave Paveletz ran for nearly 200 yards (30 carries for 185 yards) scoring three TDs - two rushing and one receiving - in a 24-0 shutout of Moravian College. Paveletz was recognized as an "Offensive Performer of the Week" by the LL for last Saturday's effort.

Speaking of rushing - the Merchant Marine Academy (MMA) racked up 263 yards and had three different RBs (Alex Coviello 11 rush for 109 yards for 1 TD; Karl Heimbrock 16 rush for 80 yards and 2 TDs; and Adam Leines 13 rush for 66 yards and 1 TD) score in a 38-14 victory over Gallaudet (who btw were held to 0 yards passing - that's not a typo - ZERO). Although the Bison couldn't pass the ball (literally) they did rush for nearly the same amount of yards (250) as the Mariners. Coviello earned a LL "Rookie of Week" award for his Week 1 performance.

WPI opened 2009 under the lights and took to air - passing for nearly 300 yards on Salve Regina to win 34-20. WPI QB Mike Swanton went 23 for 37 with 288 yards and 1 TD. Swanton also was the Engineers' leading rusher on the day, tallying 73 yards on 15 carries and 1 TD. Swanton shared the "Performer of the Week" honors with SU's Paveletz for his efforts against Salve last Saturday.

The Saints of Saint Lawrence were the only losers in Week 1 falling 45-0 to #10 Ithaca College. IC dominated in all aspects of the game - 22 first downs to 2; 433 yards to 80, etc. IC QB Brian Grastorf was an impressive 21 for 32 throwing for 288 yards and three TDs. The Bombers D also forced five Larry turnovers (three in the first quarter) which helped IC jump to a 24-0 first quarter lead.

Week 2 in the LL features some additional out-of-conference match-ups including:

Sep. 11 @ 7:00 PM ET:
Worcester Polytech vs. Worcester State

Sep. 12 @ 12:00 PM ET:
Case Western Reserve vs. Rochester
Hobart vs. Dickinson

@ 1:00 PM ET
Susquehanna vs. Juniata
Endicott vs. RPI
Ithaca vs. Union

@ 1:30 PM ET
St. Lawrence vs. Norwich

@ 2:30 PM ET
Coast Guard vs. Merchant Marine

Stay tuned for the Hobart-Dickinson game preview!