Aug. 2, 2005

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Lafayette has been selected to finish second in the Patriot League, as voted by the league's head coaches and sports information directors, it was announced Tuesday at the Patriot League football media day.

If the predictions hold true, the 141st renewal of the Lafayette-Lehigh rivalry will once again be played for the Patriot League championship. The Mountain Hawks gathered eight of the 14 first-place votes and accumulated 68 points, while the Leopards got the nod on three ballots and totaled 61 points.

Lafayette, picked fifth in the preseason poll a year ago, won the 2004 Patriot League title by virtue of its 24-10 victory over Lehigh at Fisher Field. This season's match-up is slated for Nov. 19 at Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem.

Colgate (49 points), Fordham (41) and Bucknell (40) are grouped just behind the Lehigh Valley rivals. Colgate, which finished outside of the top two in the Patriot League for the first time since 1995, was listed first on one ballot, while Fordham received the remaining two first-place votes. Holy Cross and Georgetown round out the list.

Preseason selections for Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Player of the Year were also unveiled at the event, which was held at Green Pond Country Club in Bethlehem. Defensive lineman Sean Conover and return specialist/defensive back Dante Ross, both of Bucknell, were selected to repeat as the top players at their respective positions. Lehigh quarterback Mark Borda was the choice for Offensive Player of the Year, which was won by Lafayette tailback Joe McCourt '05 last season.

1. Lehigh (8) - 68
2. Lafayette (3) - 61
3. Colgate (1) - 49
4. Fordham (2) - 41
5. Bucknell - 40
6. Holy Cross - 20
7. Georgetown - 15