Reading, Pa. (November 6, 2026) - Alvernia University (5-3, 5-2) will head to Doylestown, Pa. to take on Delaware Valley University (6-2, 6-1) Saturday afternoon in a big time late season conference tilt at 1:00 PM.
The Golden Wolves will head on the road for just the second time in the last six games and it will be the first time they have left the city of Reading since September 12th when they traveled to Widener to take on the Pride in week two of the season. Alvernia comes into the week with a 5-3 overall record and sits in a tie for third place with Stevenson University with a 5-2 record in the MAC. Delaware Valley posts a 6-2 overall record and a 6-1 record in the conference and sits at the top of the MAC, tied with Eastern, with its lone loss coming to Eastern at home, 21-7, back in week four.
This weekend's matchup between the Aggies and the Golden Wolves comes with massive playoff implications as Alvernia has Delaware and Stevenson in its final two games of the season, both of which are tied and or above Alvernia in the MAC standings. Delaware Valley has the Golden Wolves this week and wraps the season with an away matchup with Widener. Stevenson and Eastern face off this weekend as well in what is primed to be an electric weekend in MAC Football action.
Scouting the Golden Wolves:
Alvernia comes into the weekend after a massive 41-20 victory over FDU-Florham last week in its final home game of the season. The Golden Wolves posted 41 points, which came as their most points scored in a victory and their 41 points also came as the most points scored this season. What the box score does not show at a quick glance is the fact that the Golden Wolves were down 13-0 early in the game against the Devils before scoring 41 straight points en route to the victory. Scoring points and pulling themselves back into games is something that Alvernia has proven they can do en route to wins this season. Look for them to get out to an early lead this weekend against the Aggies and allow the defense to continue to play well and frustrate the opposing offense.
Alvernia Keys to the Game:
Get an Early Lead:
As mentioned earlier, the Golden Wolves fell into a 13-0 hole early on last week but managed to flip the script and secure the victory. Alvernia have needed to come from behind in the last three games of the season and although they have all been wins, getting an early lead will take the pressure off of the offense and allow the defense to continue to stand tall and make plays on the defensive side of the ball.
Find the Run Game:
The Golden Wolves posted a season high 142 yards on the ground last week against FDU-Florham and are up against a Delaware Valley defense that allows 161 yards per game on the ground to opposing teams. If the Golden Wolves can get a solid run game effort out of their offensive line and the likes of Adonis Dixon and James Bermudez, it can open up lanes in the passing game.
Win the Turnover Battle:
The Golden Wolves come into the weekend after forcing four turnovers, including three interceptions. Delaware Valley has fumbled the ball nine times this season and lost four of them to go along with nine interceptions thrown. If the Golden Wolves can protect the football, look for the Alvernia defense to make a statement and force the Aggies to turn the ball over.
Alvernia Players to Watch:
Sawyer Esbenshade:
Esbenshade comes into the week leading the MAC in multiple statistical categories, including total passing yards and yards per game with 1,824 and 228 respectively. With his success this season, Esbenshade will face off against the second best pass defense in the league in Delaware Valley. The Aggies allow just 153 passing yards per game this season but are coming off of a week where they allowed King's to throw for 245 yards and rush for another 160 yards. Look for Esbenshade to find a rhythm early and often and get after the Del Val secondary to open up opportunities in the run game.
James Bermudez:
Bermudez comes into this week's matchup after splitting carries with fellow back Adonis Dixon, 12 to nine last week. Bermudez and Dixon both recorded 49 yards rushing last weekend but it was Dixon that found the endzone for the Golden Wolves. Look for Bermudez to be a factor in the run game when they call his number and help facilitate a rushing attack that is on the up after last week.
Kashantis Anderson:
Anderson led the Alvernia defense with two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, which sparked the Alvernia comeback. Anderson leads the team in total tackles with 71, interceptions with four and also has two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Anderson will surely be at the forefront of the Alvernia defense this week and look for him to make an impact in a big time spot in a big time game.
Scouting the Aggies:
Delaware Valley comes into the weekend with the second best offense in the MAC and averages just under 370 total yards of offense per game. The Aggies post a 213 average yards per game through the air and 158 on the ground and average a conference best 32 points per game. Although the Aggies have a high powered offense, their defense is susceptible to yards and points being put up on them. The Aggies allow the seventh most total yards per game to opposing defenses with opponents averaging 315 yards of total offense on Delaware Valley's defense and they also allow the second most rushing yards per game with opposing offenses putting up 160 yards per game. The Aggies also come into the weekend after a 61-35 victory over King's College in a game where they recorded 607 yards of total offense and 42 second half points.
Delaware Valley Players to Watch:
Mike Galasso:
Galasso heads into tomorrow's contest after a five touchdown, 408 yard passing performance last weekend against King's including four of his five touchdown passes coming in the second half. On the season Galasso has completed 106 of 189 passes for 1,704 yards and 12 touchdowns but has also turned the ball over nine times. If the Golden Wolves look to have success on defense this week, it has to start with flustering Galasso and forcing him to make bad decisions with the football and turn the ball over. If they don't, the Alvernia defense could be in for a longer day than expected.
Joel Perez:
Perez recorded 118 yards receiving last week on five catches and tallied one touchdown in the victory over King's and comes in as the Aggies leading receiver with 449 total receiving yards and three touchdowns. The 2025 return specialist All-American has done less in the return game than last year and has been more of a presence in the pass game as a receiver. Look for Galasso to look his way this weekend and if he gets behind the Alvernia secondary, he can fly.
John Dzielawa:
Dzielawa, a senior tight end, hauled in just three passes last week for 78 yards but two of them came as touchdown receptions. Dzielawa has had that M.O all season as he only has eight receptions for 140 yards but three of those eight receptions have come as TD's. The Golden Wolves defense must cover up Dzielawa in the red area this week as Galasso will surely be looking his way.
