Sunday, November 19, 2006
MUC ROUNDUP
News and notes
Nice to meet you: This was the first meeting between Mount Union and Hope College. It was the fourth playoff appearance for the Flying Dutchman, who have yet to win in the postseason. Hope's conference, the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, is 0-7 all-time in the playoffs. Mount's league, the Ohio Athletic Conference, has a 35-8 postseason record.
Playoff success: Mount Union ran its playoff record to a Division III-best 48-9. The Purple Raiders have reached the national semifinals 11 straight years (1995-2005). With eight national championships, Mount Union has the most titles among college teams playing in a playoff format.
Valley ties: Starting offensive guard Tim Reash (Columbiana) saw his first playoff action since 2004 on Saturday. The senior missed the entire 2005 season with an injury. Running back Matt Barge (Neshannock), Danny Harris (Kennedy Catholic) and offensive lineman Luke Summers (Springfield Local) also saw action against Hope.
Up next: Mount Union will host Wheaton in a second round playoff game next Saturday at noon. The Purple Raiders last played them in 2004 when the Purple Raiders earned a 27-6 victory in the second round of the playoffs.
-- Eric Hamilton