‘Familiar spot’: Lyco looks to bounce back, play complete game in must-win bout vs. Catholic
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While Lycoming's three losses can be considered understandable, coming against three sound teams and one receiving No. 1 votes, its deficits of 63, 25 and 25 draw a bit more concern. Even with two more wins over last year's start, it still finds itself in an identical hole.
After dropping their first Landmark matchup to Wilkes last Saturday, the Warriors don't fully control their own destiny in pursuit of a conference title and head into their upcoming matchup with Catholic desperately needing a win.
In the past, they've been able to overcome early shortcomings, winning four straight after starting last season 0-5 to give themselves a chance at a Landmark title down the stretch. But it’s not a desirable position to be in, especially when it comes with high preseason expectations and a hot start to the season.
"I think if we play the way we're capable of against quality people, we'll be hard to beat. But when you don't play the way you're capable of against quality, it makes their life easier," said Lycoming head coach Mike Clark when discussing the team's recent run. "It makes our life harder."
Though their losses to Utica (42-17) and Wilkes (53-28) were lopsided, what Clark mentioned on Wednesday isn't entirely farfetched.
In both matchups, Lycoming tied or exceeded their opponents in first downs and third down conversion percentage and fell just short of both foes in total offense. Mistakes, slow starts and penalties just placed them in too large a hole to climb out of, with the team throwing three combined pick sixes, accumulating a combined 201 penalty yards and falling to early three-score deficits through each bout.
"I think we were similarly talented, but they played a more complete game," said Clark when discussing the team's loss to Wilkes on Wednesday. "We have to find a way to be a little more resilient. We have to find a way to battle adversity and still play with energy and enthusiasm."
What followed was, according to Clark, a great week of practice. Many of the players on this year's squad were a key part in last year's late push and thereby recognize the team's strengths and capabilities.
"I met with the guys on Monday, and we talked about it. Our guys have responded well so far. I thought (Tuesday's) practice was really energetic," said Clark. "Clearly, we'd like to be 3-2 or 4-1 but I still think that we have enough talent here to execute and play a complete game. We just haven't really done that against a good team."
While Catholic's 2-4 record, and 0-2 record in Landmark play, may not jump off the page, losses of 34 and 20 to No. 8 Susquehanna and Moravian - two of three teams currently tied for first in the conference - are worth respecting considering Lyco's current track record. It's also worth mentioning the Cardinals finished fourth in the Landmark standings last season - concluding 5-5 and 3-3 in Landmark play - and gave the Warriors a tough time in the process, coming a late interception short of a potential multi-score comeback at home.
Though their offensive identity through recent years has revolved around the pass game, they've relied a bit more heavily on the run this season, with sophomore running back Daequan Harvin ranking No. 8 in the conference in rushing yards with 252 and averaging just over four yards per carry this season.
"Their tailback's a good player," said Clark on Harvin. "They have some good athletes. Last year against us, they threw it a ton. This year, they're running it seemingly more."
In the team's most recent bout against Moravian, Harvin played his most complete game, turning 19 touches into 93 yards and a rushing touchdown. All the while, the team still ranks No. 2 in the conference in pass attempts and No. 3 in yards per game at just over 216.
Alongside Harvin, Clark highlighted their receivers - particularly Malachi Hansen (18 receptions, 291 yards) and Antho Giordano (27 receptions, 269 yards), defensive line and linebacking core as position groups that could challenge them on Saturday.
Nonetheless, he hopes the return to Girardi Stadium - where the Warriors are 2-0 this season - and a solid week of practice could aid them in getting back on track. Last year's four-game win streak began with a gritty win on the road against the Cardinals and as it stands, there's still time for Lyco to build up the amount of momentum it put together through that span.
"Weve got to find a way to jump them from the beginning and play well, try to get up, creative a little bit of momentum and capitalize on that," said Clark on the matchup. "We were disappointed (after the Wilkes loss), but I was honestly pleased with how we came out and practiced yesterday. The hope is that we'll be able to string it all together and stay undefeated at home."
With a loss on Saturday, teams like Susquehanna (5-1, 2-0 Landmark), Moravian (4-2, 2-0 Landmark) and Wilkes (4-2, 2-0 Landmark) would more than likely have an insurmountable edge over the Warriors in their quest for the conference's biaugural crown. Like last season, every game following its opening conference loss is a must-win if it hopes to win the Landmark.
"If we want any shot of winning a championship, we can't lose again," said Clark. "If you want any shot at the postseason, we probably can't lose again."
Game time is set for noon at Girardi Stadium on Saturday.