Mount Union opens playoffs

Staff report

alliance

Ten-time NCAA Division III national champion Mount Union begins its quest for another title today, when the Purple Raiders play host to St. Lawrence (N.Y.) at noon.

The opening round of the Div. III football playoffs could also mean the 300th career victory for Mount Union coach Larry Kehres.

The all-time winningest coach in college football history, Kehres is 299-22-3 in 25 seasons at Mount Union.

He has guided the Purple Raiders to all 10 national titles, 13 appearances in the Stagg Bowl, and 21 Ohio Athletic Conference championships.

Kehres’ record includes a 64-10 postseason mark.

Mount Union completed another 10-0 season last week with a 52-0 victory over Muskingum.

The Purple Raiders are second nationally in total defense (200.1 yards per game) and scoring (7.9 points per game). Linebacker Lambert Budzinski is third nationally with 12.5 sacks and he has 76 tackles overall. And defensive back Nick Briskill leads the team with four interceptions.

Offensively, Mount Union is led by running back Jeremy Murray, who has rushed for 1,166 yards and 16 touchdowns. He ranks 10th nationally in yards.

Quarterback Neal Seaman, a sophomore, is 187 of 283 for 2,570 yards and 22 touchdowns.

The Purple Raiders’ receivers are arguably the best in the nation, led by Cecil Shorts, who’s 32 receptions include 11 touchdowns.