Football Preview: Muskies Face Former Coach and Concordia for Homecoming
Oct. 16, 2003
Lakeland (4-2, 2-1) vs. Concordia (IL) (0-6, 0-3)
Game Time: Saturday, Oct. 18, 1:30pm
Location: Lakeland College, Taylor Field
by: Corey Kempf

Players to Watch: Lakeland - Brent Luebke, Sr., QB (87 of 178 for 1,172 yards, 9 TD's, 7 Int., 81 carries for 258 yards and 5 TD's), Marcus Denham, Fr., RB, (101 carries for 389 yards and 4 TD's), Jeff Taff, Sr., WR (32 receptions for 423 yards, 4 TD's), Shaun Behrend, Sr., WR (20 receptions for 226 yards, 3 TD's), Roosevelt Moore, Sr., LB (34 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss), Mike Gregory, Jr., LB (32 total tackles), Ryan Van De Loo, So., LB (31 total tackles, 3 Int.), Nick Zeck, So., DL (5 sacks), Johnnie Ferguson, Sr., DL (28 total tackles, 3 sacks), Sam Scharinger, So., LB (33 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss). Concordia (season stats unavailable) - Mike Young, Sr. QB, Craig Platt, So., QB, Aaron Kuester, Jr., WR, Matthew Erdman, Fr., WR, Peter Kalenik, Fr., WR, Jermaine Richardson, Sr., DB, Eric Sampson, Sr., DL, Michael Brown, Fr., DL

Outlook: This game marks the first meeting between the two squads since Head Coach Jeff Hynes resigned from Lakeland to become Concordia's coach. In his first season with the Cougars, Hynes has seen his young team struggle in the difficult process of rebuilding the program. Last year's Cougar team was winless and left the cupboard bare for Hynes. Concordia hasn't seen much production out of a running attack that has combined for just three yards in the past two games. The passing game hasn't fared much better, gaining 281 yards in those two games, just a little more than Lakeland's Brent Luebke had in his last game alone. The defense, besides the points allowed, has been a bright spot for the Cougars, showing signs of improvement, tallying a number of sacks and interceptions this year so far. Still, the defense has allowed 96 points in the last two games.

Lakeland enters the game looking to rebound after last week's tough loss to rival Concordia (WI), a game in which the Muskies led every statistical category except the score. The Muskies have been able to keep a balanced attack between the run and the pass throughout the season and have also controlled the time of possession. However, Lakeland's defense must recover from their first subpar performance of the season last week when they simply gave up too many big plays. The Muskies should be able to dominate the young Concordia squad and have a joyful homecoming. This will happen as long as they keep their emotions in check in facing their former coach and don't suffer a letdown after last week's disappointment.

Coaches: Jim Zebrowski is 4-2 in his first year as Lakeland Head Coach. Jeff Hynes is 0-6 in his first year coach at Concordia and 19-27 lifetime.

Last Year: The Muskies dominated 51-19 at Concordia.