Mount Union’s postseason bracketing shows a different twist

The Purple Raiders will face a new group of teams during its playoff run.

By ERIC HAMILTON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

ALLIANCE — This year’s NCAA Division III playoff run will take an unfamiliar path for the Mount Union College football team.

But when the postseason ends on Dec. 15, the Raiders are hoping to find themselves in a familiar position as national champions.

Instead of facing competition from the North Region like Wheaton and Augustana, Mount Union was given the top seed in the East Region and will face a new group of teams during its playoff run.

The nine-time national champion will begin its quest for title No. 10 on Saturday when Mount Union hosts Ithaca College at noon at Mount Union Stadium.

It will be an intriguing matchup between two teams that have won a combined 12 national titles.

Ithaca, who finished 8-2 in the regular season, won national championships in 1979, 1988 and 1991. The Bombers have appeared in seven Stagg Bowls.

“I was surprised when we were scheduled to play Mount Union,” Ithaca coach Mike Welce said. “I wasn’t aware of how the NCAA had positioned the top seeds. I was excited that we were in, but wasn’t quite sure how we got matched up with Mount Union, who is in another region.

“Then I saw they [NCAA] mixed the regions up a bit and most Mount Union moved east. Obviously, we are very excited. It’s a great challenge to go up against the national champions.”

Ithaca is one of three teams from the Empire 8 to earn playoff berths in the “Mount Union bracket.” Also in the field from the conference are Hartwick and St. John Fisher. The other teams in the bracket include College of New Jersey, RPI, Curry and Hobart.

Mount Union enters the postseason with a perfect 10-0 record and a string of six straight shutouts. In all, the Purple Raiders earned a record seven shutouts and have given up a total of just 24 points this season.

Coach Larry Kehres is proud of what his squad has accomplished, but recognizes that the playoffs are a new season and regular season success won’t have an impact in the postseason.

“People focus on the shutouts, but we focus on consistency. A shutout can go out the window on any play,” Kehres said. “You want to be prepared to bounce back when that happens and play well. Our young men know this.

“They are rightfully proud of there achievements, but also realize we face a stiff challenge this Saturday in Ithaca.”

The Bombers have won six straight contests and average 34.3 points per contest, while giving up 17.6. Ithaca rolls up 425 yards of offense per game, including 250 passing.

“Looking at Ithaca, they bring a very strong running game to Alliance. The offensive line is as solid as a rock and they have an excellent blocking fullback [Dan Ross],” Kehres said.

“Jamie Donovan at running back is a good power runner with quickness and speed as well. The running game sets up a good passing attack. Their quarterback [Dan Juvan], who is tall and rangy, does a good job at setting his feet and throwing the ball effectively.”

Mount Union’s offense has even more balance as Ithaca’s, averaging 54.2 points per game and 553 yards (271 rushing and 281 passing). The unit ranks at the top of Division III.