Oct. 2, 2007

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GANNON GAME STORYLINES

Wayne State looks to end a five-game conference losing streak, dating back to last year's 33-17 win over Ashland on Nov. 4, this Saturday as the Warriors host Gannon for their annual Homecoming contest.

It will be the final meeting between the two schools as a GLIAC contest since Gannon is leaving for the PSAC next summer.

The game will be televised live by Comcast Local and replayed at 8 p.m. on Monday and 2 p.m. on Tuesday. Veteran broadcaster Ben Holden is handling the play-by-play duties while Derrick Walker is serving as the color analyst.

In last Saturday's contest versus top-ranked Grand Valley at Fifth Third Ballpark, the Warriors trailed 14-10 midway through the second quarter after a 19-yard touchdown run by Joique Bell in the first quarter and a 25-yard field goal by Anthony Morasso in the second stanza, but the Lakers scored two touchdowns before intermission.

GVSU added a score in each quarter of the second half to complete the scoring.

Sophomore safety Brandon Cooper led the Warrior defense with two interceptions and three pass break-ups. Steve Wisniewski, the GLIAC's leading tackler, recorded 13 stops (six solo, seven assisted) along with a pass break-up.

Bell rushed for a game-high 131 yards while Trent Pohl completed of 9-of-22 passes for 121 yards to seven different receivers.

Both Bell and Travis Campbell had two receptions.

Grand Valley held a 579-266 advantage in total offense including a 412-121 edge in passing yards.

Chris Alsina extended his streak to 10 games with a reception.

Defensive tackle Andrew Bates, in his first significant action of the season, had a tackle for loss in which he forced a fumble that he also recovered.

After this Saturday's home game, WSU will play three of its next four contests on the road visiting Hillsdale (Oct. 13) and Indianapolis (Oct. 20) in back-to-back weeks. Following a home game versus Northwood (Oct. 27), the Warriors travel to Ashland on Nov. 3.

IN THE POLLS

Wayne State was selected for fifth in the 2007 GLIAC pre-season coaches' poll, while defending national champion Gannon was tabbed for 13th.

ON THE HEADSET

Wayne State's Paul Winters has an 11-25 mark in his fourth year with the Warriors. WSU is 10-11 its last 21 games.

The Warriors are 6-11 at home under Winters and have a 2-1 mark versus Gannon.

Golden Knight head coach Jim Kiernan is in first year at the helm.

ALL-TIME SERIES

Wayne State leads 3-1 in the all-time series which began in 2003 with WSU's 38-21 non-league win over Gannon. The Warriors recorded a 14-7 triumph over GU in Detroit back in 2005.

ON THIS DATE

WSU's last game on Oct. 6 was a 44-41 victory at Northern Michigan in 2001.

The Tartars suffered a 16-7 setback versus Butler in the 1990 Homecoming game. Wayne State recorded a 57-20 triumph at home over Michigan Tech in 1984.

SCOUTING GANNON

The Golden Knights have been outscored 242-44 in their five games this season.

Jarrett Beavers leads GU with 276 rushing yards. Three different quarterbacks have seen playing time this year for Gannon with Zach Boedicker leading the trio with 311 yards of total offense.

Sophomore defensive back Anthony Weaver leads the defense with 46 tackles.

STRICTLY BY THE NUMBERS

Sophomore safety Brandon Cooper had two interceptions against Grand Valley, the most by a Warrior in one game since Earl Carruthers intercepted three passes at Ashland on Oct. 4, 2003. Cooper also had three pass break-ups to move into a tie for second on the team with four this season.

Sophomore Joique Bell moved into fourth place on the all-time carries list at 490 in 16 games. Bell also passed Pierre Brown (1998-2001) for fifth place in career all-purpose yards (3372) after recording 157 yards vs. GVSU (131 rushing + 26 receiving).

Sophomore place-kicker Anthony Morasso made his first collegiate field goal attempt on Saturday, a 25-yard attempt.

Junior Dante Dunn moved up in two kickoff return categories - he is eighth in returns (35) and fourth in return yards (920).

WSU has a 34-35-1 mark in 70 previous Homecoming games and has won the last two years.

THIS AND THAT

All Wayne State football games can be heard on WDTK Radio (1400 AM).

Fans can also listen to all WSU football games online at wdtkam.com or watch the five home games plus the road game at Hillsdale on their computers via B2 for a $6 fee per contest.