Sept. 2, 2003

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) -

On the preseason: "We're excited to get the season started. The preseason can get to be a drag and you get tired of beating each other up. We've been stressing that everything that happened last year is in the past. We need this year's squad to gel as a group and see who we are as a football team."

On the offensive line: "That's an area where we've tried to achieve great balance. Curt Wilson has done a good job stepping in for Chris Royle at center and Michael Lewandos is one of the strongest guys on the team at left guard. Kevin Moss has only missed one game in three years at left tackle and we're looking to those three guys to carry the group. We're looking for a third guard and third tackle, those subs who can come in and make a difference."

On Marist's youth: "Normally we like to have a feel on personnel for the other team, but this week we're looking more schematically at what they do. We're focusing on what we do best. There are going to be a lot of adjustments on the sidelines and in the locker room on Saturday, but we're going with our regular game plan and our full package. Everything in our arsenal will be ready to go.

On the secondary: "I think we've streamlined our scheme and gotten a good handle on what we can do and what we like to do. I think our safeties, Anthony Hawthorne and Alfred Belton, can run and are more physical than a year ago. As far as the corners, we're really confident in Matt Van Doren and Larry Johnson and Justin Pettigrew is a guy who has started some games."

On special teams play: "We want to improve in special teams. That is an area where we've put a lot of extra emphasis, especially in regards to return yards. Obviously field position is important and you can control that through return yards."