complete game notes in .pdf format
Storyline
After a 68-7 victory over Evangel in week one of the 2010 season, Lindenwood jumps into the toughest part of its regular season schedule this week with a road trip to Central Methodist.The Eagles are the first of three straight opponents that were picked to finish in the top four of the conference standings in the preseason coaches poll.
Lindenwood lived up to its billing as one of the top teams in the NAIA last week. The offense scored touchdowns the first nine times it touched the ball, and the defense did not allow a single point, with the lone Evangel touchdown coming on a defensive touchdown.
The passing game was the biggest story of game one as Lindenwood tossed the pigskin around for a school record 552 yards. Starter Philip Staback completed 19-of-21 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns. Matt Bramow was the leading receiver with eight catches for 174 yards and two scores.
Defensively, the Lions forced two turnovers and allowed Evangel just 1.3 yards per rushing attempt.
Central Methodist also had fun in week one with a 40-0 shutout over Culver-Stockton. The Eagles are looking for a statement win to prove they belong among the HAAC leaders.
A Lindenwood Win Would...
* improve the program to 111-111 all-time.
* improve the Lions to 59-17 under head coach Patrick Ross.
* be the sixth straight victory over Central Methodist.
* improve Lindenwood to 7-1 all-time in Fayette.
* increase the Lions' winning streak to 21 games in HAAC play.
* be the fourth 2-0 start for Lindenwood under Patrick Ross.
A Lindenwood Loss Would...
* drop the program to 110-112 all-time.
* drop the Lions to 58-18 under Patrick Ross.
* be the first loss to Central Methodist since 2003.
* snap the school's 20-game HAAC winning streak.
Out of the Endzone
Going back to last season, the Lindenwood defense has gone nine straight quarters without allowing a touchdown drive longer than 30 yards.
Last week, the defense was on the field for 14 drives. The longest drive was just 43 yards and nine drives were 20 yards or less.
School Records
Lindenwood set several school records last week, including total offense (735), passing offense (552), and points in a half (49).
Player of the Week
Philip Staback was named the HAAC Offensive Player of the Week after last week's game. In just one half, he completed 19-of-21 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns. Nine of his completions were for 20 yards or more and he had the fifth-highest passing day in Lindenwood history. The Lions scored touchdowns on all seven drives that he was under center
Multiple WR Options
Nine different Lions caught at least one pass versus Evangel and three had 100-yard receiving games. Matt Bramow led the way with eight receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns. The 174 yards tied for the third-highest mark in school history, and the most under head coach Patrick Ross. Jamere Holland had six receptions for 143 yards in his Lindenwood debut, and Andrew Helmick had four catches for 106 yards and one touchdown.
Tackles for Loss
The Lion defense recorded nine tackles for loss last week, including three sacks. Chris Howard had one of those sacks and led the team with 10 total tackles. The double-figure tackle game was the fourth of his career.
Pick Six
For the third time in the last four years, Lindenwood recorded an interception return touchdown in its season opener. This year, Blake Conreaux picked off a fourth quarter pass and returned it 42 yards for the score. Hakim Thomas also had an interception in the contest.
Last season, the Lions intercepted 1.6 passes a game and had four touchdowns off interceptions.
Big Play Passing
Lindenwood had seven pass plays last week that gained 25 yards or more, including three plays over 40 yards. Philip Staback threw six of those plays. Matt Bramow, Jamere Holland, and Andrew Helmick each had two receptions over 25 yards.
Kicking Game
Lindenwood did not have to worry about inexperienced kickers last week, as it did not attempt a punt or field goal. James Neal was seven-of-seven on PAT attempts.
Up Next
Lindenwood returns home for a 6 p.m. contest against No. 10 Missouri Valley on Sept. 18.
About The Eagles
Central Methodist took a step forward last year with a 6-4 HAAC record. The Eagles are looking to take another step in 2010 and got off to a good start with a 40-0 season opening win over Culver-Stockton.
The top returning player is Matt Fraley, an honorable mention All-American last year after recording 18 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Also back on defense is Tim Cummins, last year's HAAC co-leader in tackles.
Offensively, Bryant Jackson returns under center after passing for 2,210 yards and 16 touchdowns last year, along with rushing for five touchdowns. Also back is their leading rusher in Caleb Haynes.
On special teams, Tyler Padgett was named to the preseason Fred Mitchell Award watch list.
Last Week
Central Methodist opened the year with a 40-0 victory over Culver-Stockton. The defense allowed just 160 yards, while the offense rolled up nearly 500.
Bryant Jackson threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns. Stephone Allen was the leading rusher with 68 yards and caught a receiving touchdown. Bradley Carter had 10 catches for 209 yards.
Tyler Belt led the defense with nine tackles and had 2.5 tackles for loss. Bryan Plenge had an interception, and Trevor Robinson and Will Jackson had two sacks.
Head Coach Alan Dykens
Alan Dykens is in his third year as head coach of the Eagles. After a three-win season in 2008, Central Methodist improved to six victories last year.
