PAINESVILLE, OHIO - Two games over .500 for the first time in its brief history, the Lake Erie College football team will look to record another first this weekend when the Storm hosts fellow Division II Independent Urbana University Saturday, Oct. 24, at Jack Britt Memorial Stadium.  With a victory, Lake Erie would clinch a winning season in just its second varsity season and win a third straight game for the first time as well.
 The Storm (5-3) has won two straight- and four-of-five overall- and is coming off a 28-7 win at home last week over Salisbury University.  A provisional D-II member this year, the Blue Knights (4-3) have also won two straight, including a 21-14 home win over Saint Joseph's College (Ind.) on Satuday (Oct. 17).

THE SERIES: This is the first meeting ever between Lake Erie and Urbana.    

THE BROADCAST: The game will be carried live on flagship station ESPN 970 (WFUN) and streamed online at www.espn970wfun.com with local sports broadcasting veteran Craig Deas (play-by-play) calling the action.  

THE COACHES: Mark McNellie (Baldwin-Wallace '88) is in his third season at Lake Erie, guiding the program since its inception as a club sport in 2007.  He has a varsity record of 8-11 and is 15-13 overall (including club season). Prior to being named head coach at Lake Erie on Aug. 9, 2006, McNellie was an assistant coach at Mercyhurst College for 17 years.
 Urbana grad David Taynor ('99) is in his second year at his alma mater, posting a 5-13 record to date.  Prior to returning to Urbana, Taynor was the offensive coordinator for two seasons at Tiffin University. 

LAST TIME OUT FOR LAKE ERIE: Behind sophomore QB Sean Bedevelsky (Brunswick, Ohio/Brunswick) and a dominating defensive effort, the Storm ran out to a 21-0 first quarter lead in the mud and muck Saturday (Oct. 17) en route to a 28-7 win over Salisbury University, avenging a 39-15 setback to the Sea Gulls last year.  Bedevelsky ran for a career-high 127 yards and threw for 225 yards and accounted for three touchdowns (two rush, one pass) in the win. He led the Storm to four first-half scoring drives.  Meanwhile, the Lake Erie defense allowed a program low 207 total yards and forced three turnovers.  After allowing 533 yards rushing to Salisbury last season, the Storm surrendered just 111 on the ground last week.  Kevin Chapman (Cincinnati, Ohio/Anderson) and Derrick Clement (Seville, Ohio/Cloverleaf) led the way with 11 and 10 tackles, respectively.  Clement had a sack and forced a fumble.            

LAST TIME OUT FOR URBANA: After falling behind 7-0, Urbana responded with three straight scores and held on through a scoreless second half for a 21-14 victory over Saint Joseph's last week at home.  The Blue Knights picked up their second straight win despite being outgained 364-166.  The big play in the game was a 74-yard blocked punt return for a touchdown by Daniel Goodrum.  Ian Iler scored on a six-yard run and a 29-yard pass from freshman David Gerber.  Gerber, making his first career start, completed 10-of-18 for 85 yards with a touchdown and an interception.  On defense, Shawn Lewis had nine tackles, including four sacks, for the Knights.  Chad Kinkead and Travis Brisco led the way with 12 and 11 tackles, respectively.   

QUICK SLANTS: Lake Erie has won two straight for the second time this season and third time overall... after winning four of its last five games, the Storm is two games over .500 for the first time ever.. with one more win, Lake Erie would clinch a winning season for the first time... for the first time all season, Lake Erie did not committ a turnover against Salisbury... the Storm improved to 4-3 all-time in October... Urbana is the third different first-time opponent for Lake Erie... the teams have three common opponents this season.  The Blue Knights have wins over Kentucky Wesleyan (24-16) and Saint Joseph's (21-14), with Ohio Dominican on the slate next week.  The Storm split games with Saint Joe's (W, 31-21) and Ohio Dominican (L, 52-49) with KWC up next week.      

UP NEXT: The Storm plays its final home game of the season next Saturday, Oct. 31, when Kentucky Wesleyan comes to Jack Britt Memorial Stadium for a 1 p.m. Halloween kickoff.