[Sly Fox]

One of our DII foes isn't getting much respect by their peers in the Division II PSAC. They are picked 5th in their 7-team western division of the conference:

1. California
T2. IUP
T2. Slippery Rock
4. Edinboro
5. Shippensburg
6. Lock Haven
7. Clarion

5. Shippensburg (5-6, 3-3 – T-4th) | Head Coach: Rocky Rees

Returning Starters: 6 off, 7 def

1st Team Returnees: G Kerry Robbins, RS Howard Chavous, P Kyler Ford, LB Jaron Nalewak

SHIPPENSBURG will rely on a core of experienced upperclassmen to lead the team this season. Two-time All-PSAC West Second Team fullback Aaron Dykes is the only senior of the six returning offensive players. In two seasons as the Red Raiders primary ground game threat, Dykes has totaled 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior quarterback Gabe Maiocco will get the nod under center this season after starting just one game last year while rotating series with starter Tony Gomez. He will be challenged by Chad DiFebbo and Brad Sherbine. Defensively, the Red Raiders have four seniors to lead a squad that finished sixth in the PSAC in overall defense last year, allowing 307.4 yards per game. Linebackers Jaron Nalewak and Bill Morrison (72 tackles) will anchor the unit. Nalewak had one of the best defensive seasons in school history, finishing with 23 tackles for loss (15th – DII), one short of the school single-season record. He also totaled 7.5 sacks, 2.5 short of the single-season record. Safety Jonathan Aldridge will be a three-year starter. One of the team’s greatest strengths lies in its special teams. Punter Kyler Ford (39.7 ypp – 20th in DII) and return specialist Howard Chavous each earned All-PSAC West First Team nods while kicker Jamie Reder earned Second Team honors.

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[TDDance234]

It's going to be an ugly game. I can easily see Rocco calling off the dogs early.

[kevinrmcguire]

Shippensburg is in what seems to be an annual rebuilding mode. Since 2004, when the Red Raiders went 10-1 in the regular season and lost their first playoff game, there have been questions on both sides of the ball. This year is no exception. They have always build their team on defense and a running game and this year they have some players that are supposed to take some steps forward in their progress.

They're a middle of the pack kind of team, simple as that. This week they open their season on the road at nearby rival Shepherd, and that could be a rough game. Follow that up with a trip to Liberty and it could be another rough outing. It will be interesting to see how Ship performs in those two games as well as how they handle almost certain adversity.

Hey who knows, maybe after two games I'll be gloating about my 2-0 Red Raiders!

Maybe not.

[Cider Jim]

I can easily see Rocco calling off the dogs early.

As Smoothy noted, please keep the Vick references to a single thread.