Lehighsports.com

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Lehigh kicks off its 2007 season Saturday afternoon as the Mountain Hawks welcome Colonial Athletic Association foe Villanova to town in the opening of the 20th season at Goodman Stadium on Volunteer Day.  Lehigh is coming off of its ninth consecutive winning season in 2006, which included a share of its eighth Patriot League Championship, and the Mountain Hawks return six All-League honorees from a season ago.  Villanova meanwhile, enters today’s game following a 31-14 loss to ACC member Maryland last weekend in College Park.  The Wildcats finished the 2006 season with a record of 6-5, which included four straight victories to close out the season.

Villanova enters this weekend’s game following a 31-14 loss to ACC member Maryland last weekend in College Park.  The Wildcats hung tough with the Terrapins, trailing by a score of only 10-7 at halftime, but were ultimately done in by a 221-yard rushing performance by Maryland.  Quarterback Antwon Young had a solid game under center, throwing for 176 yards on 17 completions to go along with one touchdown and a passer rating of 118.2.  The Wildcats rushing attack was virtually invisible as they accumulated only 11 net yards on 22 attempts.  Michael Holland and Zach Mariacher were the top two tacklers for ‘Nova with 11 and 10 stops, respectively. 

Lehigh has a 77-40-6 all-time record in its opening contests, including a mark of 17-2 in home openers at Goodman Stadium.  Those two losses came to Harvard (1997)and Albany (2006).

Saturday’s game kicks off at 1:07 from Goodman Stadium.  Tickets for the game are still available, and may be purchased three ways: in person during normal business hours at the Grace Hall ticket window, by phone during normal business hours at (610) 7LU-GAME, or on-line anytime at Lehighsports.com.