History on side of Rock

By John Enrietto Eagle Sports Editor

October 12, 2012 Last Updated: October 12, 2012 12:01 PM College

SLIPPERY ROCK — This is one place where George Mihalik hopes history repeats itself.

The 25th-year Slippery Rock University football coach takes his team to Memorial Stadium in Clarion for a 1 p.m. kickoff Saturday against the Golden Eagles.

Since dropping a 29-25 decision at Clarion in 1993, The Rock has won nine straight games there by an average score of 33-13.

“All I know is, we need a win. We'll take it any way we can get it,” Mihalik said.

The Rock (2-4, 1-2) enters the game on a three-game losing streak. SRU has also dropped five successive road games dating back to last year.

Both teams hope to get off to a quick start Saturday.

“We've got inexperience and now our confidence is a little shaky,” Mihalik admitted. “We need to get off to a positive start, grab the lead early.”

Clarion (3-3, 1-2) is coming off a 41-22 loss at home to PSAC West-leading California (Pa.). The Golden Eagles fell behind 28-0 early in that game. Quarterback Ben Fiscus set school records of 36 completions and 64 passes while throwing for 410 yards in the contest.

“If we're throwing the ball 64 times in a game, we're losing,” Clarion coach Jay Foster said. “We need to play with a lead or keep things close to be effective. If we fall behind by a couple of scores, we're usually in trouble. We're still a running football team.”

The numbers suggest the Golden Eagles are a balanced team in 2012.

Clarion has rushed for 1,108 yards and thrown for 1,295 yards. Fiscus has been sacked only eight times all season.

“They do a lot of quick passes where the ballleaves the quarterback's hands early,” Mihalik said. “And Fiscus takes a couple of steps with the running back before the defense knows who has the ball.

“It will be critical for our defensive players to be disciplined and stay with their assignments Saturday.”

Fiscus, a junior, has rushed for 489 yards and three touchdowns. He's thrown for 1,295 and nine scores. Running back Bobby Thomas — who missed the California game due to injury — has 502 yards and three touchdowns rushing.

“Josh has worked hard to become an all-around quarterback,” Foster said. “His improved passing ability has given us our most balanced offense since 2009.”

The Golden Eagles finished 8-3 that season.

Fiscus entered the lineup in the third quarter of the Rock-Clarion game atMemorial Stadium in 2010. He rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown in less than two quarters of play in leading his team to a comeback. SRU won that game, 16-13, on a late field goal.

“We gave birth to his career,” Mihalik said. “He hasn't been out of their lineup since.”

Jon Reid is Fiscus' favorite target, hauling in 33 passes for 538 yards and two scores.

Defensively, Clarion is led by end Julian Howsdare, who is sporting 7.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 quarterback sacks.

“He's a tremendous athlete, super quick,” Foster said. “He's got a non-stop motor — everything you're looking for in a defensive end,” Foster said.

All three of Clarion's wins are by single-score margins: 7-0 over Fairmont State, 13-7 over Gannon and 31-27 over East Stroudsburg.

Foster scoffs at The Rock's 2-4 record.

“They haven't exactly been playing the Little Sisters of the Poor,” he said. “When two good teams play each other, somebody has to lose.”

With Jared Buck sidelined with a hip pointer, Nigel Barksdale will get his second collegiate start behind center for SRU. Barksdale's running ability, coupled with Akeem Satterfield (498 yards rushing) will be critical to Saturday's effort.

“We have to establish a running game. We can't let their defense rear back and tee off on us,” Mihalik said. “Clarion has a solid defensive unit. Jay always had one when he was here.”

Foster served as Mihalik's defensive coordinator for 17 years before accepting the head post at Clarion.

“We can't turn the ball over and give them good field position, nor allow them field position via special teams,” Mihalik said. “We have to force that team to drive the long field.”

Saturday's winner will receive the milk jug, a symbol of the rivalry. The milk jug was added to the rivalry in 2010 and SRU has won it both times.