Mercyhurst travels to Gannon for today’s PSAC West showdown against the rival Knights at noon. Check out players and coaches from both sides talk about this heated rivalry.

Mercyhurst  junior quarterback Anthony Vendemia will look to lead the Lakers to a win against PSAC West rival Gannon on Saturday at noon at Gannon University Field.

A reserve last season, Vendemia replaced injured starter Travis Rearick in last season’s stunning 30-27 loss to the Knights.

Riding a two-game winning streak, Mercyhurst takes on Slippery Rock in an PSAC West game Saturday at 1 p.m. at Tullio Field.

The Lakers (2-1, 1-0) lost 28-21 to the Rock (2-1, 1-0) last season.

Tailback Gerald Anderson rushed for a single-season school record 1,313 yards as a senior in 2010 for Mercyhurst College./Photo by Jack Hanrahan of the Erie Times-News.

With 10 starters back on offense, Mercyhurst College only has to replace one guy, but that won’t be easy.

Gerald Anderson rushed for a school-record 1,313 yards as a senior last season and had eight rushing touchdowns. While quarterback Travis Rearick and Mercyhurst’s passing game to the Lakers’ offense to another level, Anderson played a huge role in the Lakers winning the 2010 PSAC championship game.

So who will try to fill his shoes?

Coach Marty Schaetzle has some options he likes with the first being Ricky Matthews out of New Castle. The 6-foot, 210-pound sophomore rushed for 38 yards on nine carries in five games last season.

“Had a great offseason,” Schaetzle said. “He’s further ahead assignment wise.”

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