Reading, Pa. (Sept. 20, 2024) - Alvernia University Football is set to face King's College on Saturday afternoon as the Golden Wolves take on the Monarchs in their 2024 home-opener at 1:00 PM.
Alvernia is coming off a 42-7 loss on the road to Delaware Valley this past Saturday in the 2024 MAC opener. The Aggies took an early 14-0 lead through four minutes of game-action and never looked back.
King's College is entering Saturday with a 1-1 record after picking up its first win of the season on Saturday with a 41-14 win over Misericordia in MAC play. King's opened its season with a 43-28 loss to Wilkes.
The Monarchs are coming off an 8-3 season in 2023, but are under new leadership for the second time in as many years. 2023 first-year head coach Skyler Fultz departed King's after just one season to take the same position at McDaniel. This season, the Monarchs are under the leadership of Mike Cebrosky. Cebrosky has been with the Monarchs for the last 13 seasons, including Associate Head Coach in 2023.
Inside the Series
This will be the sixth meeting between the Golden Wolves and Monarchs. Kings has won all five previous matchups, including a 50-0 win over Alvernia in the 2023 season finale at King's last year.
The Monarchs have scored 50 or more points against Alvernia twice, and 40 or more points three times. But, Alvernia also held them to just ten points in a 7-10 loss to King's in 2021.
Alvernia last hosted the Monarchs in 2022, and King's came away with a 41-14 win over the Golden Wolves.
Scouting the Golden Wolves
Alvernia is averaging 10.5 points through its first two games of the season as Alvernia has faced two of the toughest defenses it will face all year in weeks one and two in Ursinus and Delaware Valley. The Golden Wolves defense has allowed an average of 43.5 points per game and is giving up an average of 479 yards per game.
Alvernia Keys to the Game
Take Advantage of Turnovers: Alvernia has forced three turnovers this season - all fumble recoveries - but Alvernia has only scored off one of those turnovers. Alvernia had a great opportunity with a short field at Delaware Valley on a muffed fumble recovery last week, but the Golden Wolves went four and out on the ensuing drive. King's has only two turnovers so far this season - one interception, one fumble - so Alvernia will need to take advantage if and when the Monarchs make mistakes, especially if that mistake turns into a short field opportunity for the Alvernia offense.
Stay on Schedule: Alvernia has struggled to stay on schedule so far this season; either losing yards on first down or picking up a minimal gain. The Golden Wolves will need to set the tone on first and second down on its drives this week against the Monarchs to put themselves in a convertible position on third down.
3rd Down Conversions: Offensively, Alvernia is converting just 13% (3-for-22) of its 3rd down opportunities this season - a problem that is largely a testament to its struggle to stay on schedule on first and second down. This puts pressure on Alvernia's defense to get back on the field with short rest. As a result, Alvernia's opponents are converting 3rd downs at a 64% rate (16-for-25) and are a perfect 3-for-3 on 4th down conversions. Alvernia needs to move the chains on 3rd down to sustain drives and give its defense a chance to rest up before returning to the field.
Contain the King's Quarterback: King's Quarterback Russell Minor-Shaw - the reigning MAC Offensive Player of the Year - is a dual threat for the Monarchs. Minor-Shaw has nearly 600 yards of total offense between the first two King's games this season. He can attack the defense in the pocket, and can also scramble for solid yardage as well. Minor-Shaw threw for 256 yards and six touchdowns against Alvernia in the season finale last year.
Limit the Penalties: Alvernia did a great job with this last week against the Aggies. Alvernia was penalized just five times for 45 yards compared to Delaware Valley's 11 times for 122 yards. Alvernia cannot afford to give up penalty yards to a high-power King's offense on Saturday, and also cannot afford to keep that offense on the field with drive-sustaining defensive penalties.
Alvernia Players to Watch
Colin Payne: As Payne and the Golden Wolves offense enter their third week together, look for Pyne to have a bounce-pack performance this week. Payne had just under 250 yards against Ursinus in week one, but was held to under 100 yards against Delaware Valley. Alvernia's offensive line struggled to slow down the Aggie pressure, but King's has just one sack so far this season. So, look for Payne to have a bit more time to let the passing game develop.
Zach Ayers: Zach Ayers was great on the kick return for Alvernia last week against Delaware Valley, and is also a threat at receiver for the Golden Wolves. Ayers is averaging 22.2 yards per return and his speed and elusiveness will be crucial in putting Alvernia in good field position.
Dachan Thompson: Like Payne, Thompson is due for a bounce-back game after being held to just one reception last week against Delaware Valley. At 6-4 and 200 lbs, Thompson is a size mismatch this week against the King's secondary, which all come in at 6-0 or under. Thompson's size and speed are sure to garner him extra attention as well, which may free up the passing lanes for the rest of Alvernia's receiving corps.
Kashantis Anderson: Sophomore
Kashantis Anderson is coming into his position as a defensive back for the Golden Wolves. He is second on the team in defensive tackles with 16, and also had a tackle for a loss. Anderson, along with
Jamel Fleming, will be crucial in slowing down Russell Minor-Shaw. They will be key in pass defense, as well as containing Minor-Shaw on the scramble or on a rush.
Antonio Lazar: Antonio Lazar is in his second year at rover - a hybrid of a safety and linebacker. Lazar, who is a former running back for the Golden Wolves, is fast, strong, and quick to the ball. He will need to utilize that skill in both pass and run defense against the Monarchs on Saturday.
Scouting the Monarchs
King's is off to a 1-1 start following a loss to Wilkes in the season-opener, and a big 41-14 win over Misericordia to open MAC play last week. This will be the first road contest of the season for the Monarchs after two straight weeks at home.
King's is a high-producing offensive unit behind dual-threat quarterback Russell Minor-Shaw. The Monarchs have over 450 yards of total offense in both of its games so far this year. The Monarchs have relied a bit heavier on the run game so far this year - running 76 rushing plays compared to 41 passing. However, a third of its rush attempts belong to Minor-Shaw on the RPO.
The King's defense gave up 425 yards to Wilkes in week one, but only allowed 202 yards to Misericordia last week. King's has seven quarterback hurries with just one sack on the year. They also have just one turnover on the season.
Monarchs to Watch
Russell Minor-Shaw (Quarterback): Minor-Shaw is the reigning MAC Offensive Player of the Year and is a true dual-threat quarterback for the Monarchs. Shaw has a 75% completion percentage through the first two weeks and has already thrown for seven touchdowns. He is averaging 212 passing yards per game and another 71 yards rushing per game.
Jayon Hailey (Running Back): Despite being listed second on the depth chart, Hailey is leading the Monarchs in rush attempts (28 attempts) and 165 net yards gained. He has averaged 82.5 yards per game through week two, and has one rushing touchdown. He is also a threat to catch the ball, with six receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown.
EJ Schreiner (Wide Receiver): Schreiner has four touchdown receptions on the year, averages 10.5 yards per catch, and 58 receiving yards per game. Schreiner is coming off a three touchdown game last week against Misericordia.
Trevor Gleason (Linebacker): Trevor Gleason leads King's with 2.5 tackles for a loss. The linebacker also has a quarterback hurry and one pass break-up so far this year.
Jared Reto (Linebacker): Jared Reto is the leading tackler for King's entering this weekend. He has 14 tackles on the year, all of which are assisted. He also has 1.5 tackles for a loss so far this season.
Game Information
Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM at Alvernia University. The stadium opens at 11:30 AM on Saturday morning, and tickets will be available for purchase in the PEC beginning at 11:30 AM. All tickets are $5.
Live options for Saturday are available at auwolves.com. The game will be broadcast to MACtv, and Billy Fisher and Matt Marchese will be on the call for Alvernia.
