By Michael Kelley ’14
Photo by Katie Weeks ’16
Facing a Division I-AA scholarship program featuring two nationally recognized defensive backs, Quarterback Andrew Shoop ‘13 and the Lafayette Leopards will be underdogs in tomorrow night’s game against William and Mary.
The rowdy Zable Stadium, seating 12,259, is expected to be filled for the Tribe’s home opener under the lights. Last week, the Tribe lost 7-6 against Maryland, despite forcing four turnovers and holding Maryland to 236 yards of total offense.
One turnover was an interception by safety Brian Thompson ‘13, this week’s Colonial Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Thompson, paired with preseason All-American cornerback, B.W. Webb ‘13, tandem a dangerous secondary.
Webb is a multi-threat on defense and special teams. The latter has Leopards’ Head Coach, Frank Tavani, more concerned. “He’s as good as anyone we’ve seen on film,” Tavani said. “That certainly is a game changer.” In his career, Webb has one touchdown, and averages 8.1 yards per punt return.
Shoop, a tri-captain, didn’t seem too worried about Webb and Thompson, stating, “We’re going to follow through with what [Offensive Coordinator] Coach Fine has been putting out there. We’re not gonna get too concerned with any one guy.”
Like his quarterback, junior wide receiver Mark Ross’s main focus is executing the game plan. “The game plan is set for our success,” Ross said. “We just need to execute our assignments on every down and we can minimize the impact of their defense.”
Taking the load off the passing game will be running back Ross Scheuerman ‘15, last year’s Patriot League Rookie of the Year. A young and largely untested offensive line will pave the way for Scheuerman. Brad Boormann ‘14 and Pat Crosby ‘14 forefront a line featuring three sophomores.
“Just because they haven’t gotten starts doesn’t mean they’re not experienced,” Boormann said. “We’re comfortable with where we’re at [as a line] and that we’ll get the job done.”
Consistent line play will be key in opening space for Scheurman and taking pressure off of Shoop and the receiving corps.
On the other side of the ball, Tri-Captains Rick Lyster ‘13 and Darius Safford ‘13 lead a defense that was “significantly ahead of the offense” during the preseason. An experienced front four featuring Lyster, Jason Marshalek ‘13, TahirBasil ‘13, and Shane Dorner ‘15 will try to pressure backup quarterback Raphael Ortiz ‘14, who is substituting for injured Tribe quarterback, Brent Caprio ‘13.
A one time Lafayette recruit, Ortiz spurned the Leopards for William and Mary, where he received an athletic scholarship. “He has a strong arm and it certainly didn’t look like the first time he came off the bench,” Tavani said, laughing. Ortiz was 7-16 for 100 yards last week.
Behind Ortiz is a pair of talented running backs, Keith McBride II ‘15 and Meltoya Jones ‘13. The pair will put strain on a Lafayette linebacker crew that has been a question mark all preseason.
After summer training, a gruesome preseason, and a bye week, the Leopards are itching to get on the field for a real game. “I think the fever pitch has reached a point on this team where it’s contagious for everyone,” Boormann said.
Shoop agreed. “Every single guy in our locker room is ready to go. There doesn’t need to be anything else said.”
The game is also of historical significance for Lafayette. The college’s namesake, Marquis de Lafayette, helped end the American Revolution just miles away in Yorktown.
“We will be handing out little information sheets, so we’ll make this a little educational as well,” Tavani said, laughing.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The telecast is available on RCN-4, ESPN3, or GoLeopards.com. Check back next week for a full recap along with a preview for next Saturday’s home opener against Penn.
