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Game Preview: Lakeland College vs. Rockford College


Athletics - posted on 10/5/2011

A week after nabbing their first win of the season, the Lakeland College football team heads to Rockford College with some confidence as the Muskies continue Northern Athletics Conference play.

Lakeland (1-3, 1-0 NAC) hopes to continue its solid play as they travel to Illinois to take on the Regents Saturday at 1 p.m.

Rockford (0-4, 0-1 NAC) is coming off a 46-14 loss to Concordia University Wisconsin. Rockford totaled 199 yards of offense, 125 rushing and 74 passing. They were led by quarterback Jake Gorsuch, who completed 5 of 25 passes for 74 yards and one interception. Kyle Burns led the team with two rushes for 68 yards, and Isaiah Whack added 30 yards on eight rushes. Wide receiver Arnold Flores led the team with three catches for 52 yards.

In last year's win over Rockford, the Muskies limited the Regents to just 50 total yards of offense. They were able to force three interceptions and didn't allow a first down until the fourth quarter. With a new cast of players and coaches, the Muskies expect a little more firepower from the Regents this season.

The matchup to watch when Rockford has the ball will be the Muskies defensive line against the young offensive line of the Regents. "They have a tendency to fold under pressure," said Bruton. "We need to get pressure up front and force them to make mistakes."

For the second straight week, the Lakeland offense made positive strides in beating Aurora University, 19-18, last Saturday. The Muskies totaled 324 yards of offense, 164 rushing and 160 passing. Senior wide receiver Justin Groeneveld (Kingsford, Mich.) stole the show as he recorded six catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns, while sophomore quarterback Dylan Van Straten (Shiocton, Wis.) completed 10 of 19 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns, plus a rushing touchdown. Freshman running back Tarrel Jackson (Detroit, Mich.) led Lakeland in rushing with 70 yards on 17 rushes.

The key matchup when Lakeland has the ball on Saturday will be the interior linemen against the big bodies of the Regents nose tackles. "Both of the lines are young this week, so it will come down to who can step up and play well," said Hahm.

Doherty knows his team needs to fix some mistakes and put together four quarters of solid play. He also knows that if they can keep the focus on their game, they have a chance to win.

To hear what Doherty says are his keys to winning this week, click here.

To hear what Bruton has to say about this Saturday's game, click here.

To hear what Hahm says is the key to offensive success, click here.
 

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