Heidelberg (0-0) @ Westminster (0-0)
Saturday, Sept. 5 at 1:30 p.m.
Harold Burry Stadium (4,500) - New Wilmington, Pa.
Radio: WHEI 88.9 FM (Matt Karlovec - play-by-play, Matt Cotman - color)
Game Notes: Heidelberg @ Westminster
Listen Live: WHEI 88.9
Top Story: The Heidelberg University football team opens its 2009 campaign and 113th season of intercollegiate football Saturday, Sept. 5 when it travels to New Wilmington, Pa. for a 1:30 p.m. kick off with the Titans of Westminster College. Heidelberg will look to make it three-straight season opening victories under the guidance of third-year head coach Mike Hallett. A season ago, the Berg topped Westminster in Tiffin by a score of 62-27, which is tied for ninth all-time in points scored by Heidelberg in a single-game. Returning to the gridiron for Heidelberg is 15 starters from a season ago. A total of 12 of those returners will take their place in the starting line up versus the Titans. Heidelberg opens the year with four of its first five games on the road, starting with two-consecutive. Following a bye week, the Berg travels to Capital University Sept. 19 for a 1:30 p.m. tilt.
Quick Stat of the Afternoon: Heidelberg closed out the 2008 season winners of three of its final four outings after starting the year 1-5. A key reason for the success the program had in the latter part of the season was due to the emergence of the offensive unit. After a 62-point outburst to open the year, Heidelberg recorded just 46 points over the next five games. The tide turned as the Berg was determined to bounce back. Over the course of the final four games Heidelberg scored 144 points and was determined till the final horn, as its three wins came in the final series of the game. Junior signal caller Andrew Miller returns from last year’s offensive line-up after setting a single-season record for passing touchdowns at 20. Included in the 20 TD’s is a single-game record of six which was set in the season finale at Muskingum.
Saturday’s Opponent: Westminster and Heidelberg will meet for just the sixth time on Saturday at Harold Burry Stadium. The Titans own a 4-1 series advantage, but Heidelberg has the upper hand following a 62-27 victory last year in Tiffin. The series between the two institutions began in 1968 and prior to its 2008 encounter, the two teams had not crossed paths in 37 years. Although the institutions as a whole are somewhat unfamiliar foes, Heidelberg’s leader Mike Hallett faced the Titans program from 2004-06 as a head coach at Thomas More College and another five years as the offensive coordinator at Thomas More. As a head coach, Hallett is 3-1 versus Westminster.
Last Time Around: The last time around for Westminster and Heidelberg saw the Berg post a 62-27 victory. Its 62 points stands tied for ninth all-time for points scored in a single-game. Along the way the Berg rushed for five touchdowns which inked the team atop the team single-game record book. In his first career start under center, Heidelberg’s Andrew Miller completed 15-of-21 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns. Contributing two rushing TD’s was Jemar Lewis. The Titans were led by Kevin Franz who went 21-for-38 through the air for 202 yards and a touchdown, while Nick McKobsky picked up 63 rushing yards and one TD.
Tough Road to Travel: The Ohio Athletic Conference is one of the top conferences in NCAA Division III and with that in mind, Heidelberg is ready to battle week in and week out. An early battle to overcome will be playing on the road. Four of its first five contests are away from Tiffin. But a season ago, Heidelberg did have a winning record away from home at 3-2.
AFCA / NCAA Respect Weekend: The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and the NCAA have partnered together to emphasize respect. This opening weekend of the college football season, schools across the nation are holding events to raise awareness to the ideals of respect and sportsmanship in college football. As a symbolic gesture the teams will shake hands at midfield to illustrate respect for their opponents.