title image via David Sierra
Courtesy of Ed Hill, Jr., retired Howard Sports Information Director
Howard University football team hosts Mercyhurst in its home opener Saturday (Sept. 7) at Greene Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
GAME INFO
GAME 2
Mercyhurst (Lakers) at Howard University (Bison)
Saturday, September 7, 2024
7 p.m.
William H. Greene Memorial Stadium (7,500)
Washington, D.C.
LAST TIMEOUT
Mercyhurst (1-0) opened the 2024 season with a 28-25 over Wheeling University (West Virginia) for its first win in Division I after making the transition from Division II. The team dropped four-in-a-row to end the 2023 season before Saturday’s (Aug. 31) victory.
This is the home opener for Howard (0-1) after dropping a 44-7 decision on the road at Rutgers Thursday (Aug. 29).
FOLLOW THE ACTION
WATCH: ESPN+
LISTEN: WHBC | Trevin A. Jones (Play-by-Play), Nate Henry (Color Analyst) & Sareyah Rudd(Sideline Reporter)
IN-GAME: LIVE RESULTS
THE SERIES
This is the first meeting between the two schools.
THE COACHES
Mercyhurst is coached by Ryan Riemedio (Minot State, ‘06), who is in his third season at the helm, while Howard is led by Larry Scott (USF, ‘00), who is in his fifth year at the helm.
KEY PLAYERS
SCOUTING MERCYHURST
The offense is led by senior QB Adam Urena, who was 21-of-31 for 267 yards and three TDs in win over Wheeling.
The ground attack is led by junior RB Brian Trobel (9 carries, 76 yards & a TD) and graduate RB Earnest Davis (13 carries for 55 yards).
The receiving core is led by graduate wide receiver Cameron Barmore (8 receptions, 104 yards & 2 TDs) and junior Joe Kerbacher (2 receptions for 58 yards).
Defensively, the graduate duo of Will Thomas, IV (6 tackles) and Zach Hill lead the way (6 tackles) for the Lakers.
SCOUTING THE BISON
On offense, the Bison have a new quarterback under center for the first time in four years with redshirt sophomore Ja’Shawn Scroggins (Las Vegas), who made his first collegiate start at Rutgers. He led the team in rushing with 67 yards on 12 carries while adding another 116 yards on 14-of-25 passing.
Scroggins is complemented by the duo of graduate MEAC Preseason Player of the Year Jarett Hunter(Mineral, Va.), who picked up 40 yards on 12 carries, and fellow preseason first-team All-MEAC backfield mate, junior Eden James (8 carries for 33 yards and TD).
The passing game will be bolstered by senior wide receiver Isiah Williams (3 catches for 39 yards) and senior Richie Ilarraza (4 receptions for 25 yards). The offensive line is anchored by senior all-conference guard Darius Fox (Washington).
Defensively, All-American Kenny Gallop Jr.(Portsmouth, Va.) kicked off the season in impressive fashion, collecting 13 total tackles, including eight solos. The reigning MEAC Player of the Year made three TD-saving tackles in open field.
The Bison also got notable performances from senior defensive back Xavier Robiou (9 tackles), senior all-conference linebacker Terrance Hollon (7 tackles), junior linebacker Cam Dyson (6 tackles) and senior cornerback Robert Jones III (2 pass breakups).
WHAT THE COACHES ARE SAYING
Howard University’s LARRY SCOTT
“Mercyhurst is a program moving up from Division II and looking to make its first mark at the FCS level. They are a very scrappy bunch that can present a lot of problems for an opposing team offensively and defensively. We have to be focused and disciplines in what we do in all phases of the game.”
Mercyhurst’s RYAN RIEMEDIO
“We are excited and humbled to have the opportunity to play Howard University as our first Division I game in our first FCS season. As a program, we know all about their rich history as a university, athletic department and football program. With this being our first Division I game, it’ll be interesting to see how our players handle the Division I level of play and atmosphere while playing a prime-time game against a great opponent in Howard University.”
LAKERS NOTES
Barmore, a 6-foot-6 wideout, poses a defensive threat for the Bison. He was named the NEC (Northeast) Prime Performer of the Week. Currently, Barmore has 100 receptions for 1500 yards in his career.
BISON NOTES
Hunter and Gallop were named MEAC Preseason Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively, the first time that it has happened at Howard … James and Hunter were both named preseason first team in the backfield, another first … Hunter (2600 yards & 21 TDs) and fifth-year senior wideout Kasey Hawthorne (1855 total yards & 18 TDs) have been two of the most productive players in recent history … James has put up some good numbers in his first two seasons, rushing and receiving for 1,237 yards … Ilarraza has quietly made an impact with 85 career receptions … Howard has won three straight home openers and have a seven-game home win streak with the last home loss coming in 2021 against North Carolina Central … The 47,803 was the most for Howard in a decade, a crowd of 48,040 were in attendance when the Bison played at Rutgers (September 6, 2014).
KENNY GALLOP, JR WATCH:
Career Stats
166 solo tackles, 96 assists for 262 tackles
14 tackles for losses, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions
Riemedio’s thoughts on Gallop:
“He’s a great ball player that is smart, decisive and a game changer. He is very deserving of his accolades and look for him to continue playing at that level.”
NEXT UP
Mercyhurst continues its trek in the FCS when it travels to Robert Morris Saturday (Sept. 14) at noon.
Howard goes on the road Saturday, September 14, to take on Morehouse College at 3 p.m., at MetLife Stadium. The game will be broadcast on CNBC.
