THE MOUNT Hosts Rose Hulman in Season Opener

Cincinnati, Ohio- Finally it is time for the Mount St. Joseph University football program to take the field again after nearly 16 months of waiting. Originally the season was set to begin a couple of weeks ago on February 27, with a trip to Manchester. Then the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference made a slight change to the schedule, moving that game to the end of the season. And last week's matchup with HCAC preseason favorite the Panthers of Hanover College, was moved to an exhibition contest in an agreement made between the coaches. So finally this weekend the Lions will head to the field to face another team in live competition as they welcome another perennial HCAC contender to Schueler Field in the Fightin' Engineers of Rose-Hulman!

This game will pit two of the top-three teams in the HCAC's preseason coaches poll against one another. The Fightin' Engineers checked in at number two on the list, while the Lions checked in third. This was the same way the teams finished the 2019 regular season standings.  This game will hold major weight in who wins this seasons HCAC football championship, as well as one of the biggest rivalry match-ups in the conference.  Rose Hulman enters this game with a 1-0 record, after defeating Defiance College in the season opener 52-6.  

The Lions offense showcases four players who were identified by the HCAC coaches as players to look out for.  Senior Tight End Paul Minor and Junior Running-back Cornell Beachem were the two skills players included in the list.  Beachem, experienced an unfortunate injury that will keep him off the field this season.  Minor, along with Quarterbacks Josh Taylor and Kyle Profit look to continue the Lions strong passing attack that has been the cornerstone of the offense over the past several years.  Additionally the pair of Senior Offensive linemen Isiah Trimble and Jake Kaiser round out the offensive players to lookout for.  The pair of offensive linemen look to set the physical tone for a much improved offensive line.  

On the Defensive side of the ball the program had two players named to the HCAC players to look out for.  Senior Linebacker Julius Fisher looks to add to an already impressive career at the Mount as the physical tone setter and leader.  Senior Defensive-Back Troy Speakman enters the season looking to be a key piece to the Lions secondary, along with his ball hawking skills in the secondary.  Speakman has additionally been spectacular for the Lions as a returner and being one of the top returners in the nation in his time at the Mount.  Another strong suit of the Defense is the defensive-line, highlighted by Junior Noah Hammond and Senior Gavin Brennan.  

Overall the Lions are excited take the field again this weekend, in true competition.  The Lions take to the road for another Rivalry match-up next weekend against Franklin College.  This game is set for Saturday, March 20 with kickoff set for 1:30PM.  For post game coverage of this game and all other Mount Sports continue to follow msjlions.com