Positive Yardage: 5 Takeaways From Mercyhurst at YSU
It wasn’t the outcome anyone wanted, but it certainly wasn’t without bright spots. After the Lakers fell short 43-10 to the Penguins on Thursday night, I took a look through the noise and at the good things I saw.
Mookie is the Real Deal
I had hoped Mookie Gamble could be an every down back, but Thursday left no doubt that he’s exactly that. He led the team in rushing but also showed aptitude as a pass blocker. That’s no small feat and it’ll go a long way towards keeping him on the field.
Teddy McDuffie and Jaiden Allos
The two young defensive players (I’d call them linebackers, but the hybrid nature of OLB/EDGE makes it hard for me to know if I’m right anymore) had solid games. A second half series from McDuffie was one of the highlights of the game, along with his 1.5 sacks. Allos made an incredible athletic interception to put a stain on an otherwise impeccable night from YSU QB Beau Brungard. What they did in the second half will absolutely translate to Saturdays in the NEC.
Camden Lewis WILL Break out
I had told people in the leadup to this game that Camden Lewis was a candidate to break out. I no longer think he’s a candidate. He’s going to be a breakout player for the Lakers, who were able to try different ways to get him the ball. He had 3 early catches against YSU before they were able to figure him out. I think we saw the beginning of something good for the Lakers.
Christian MacDonald, Amare Lattimore, and Jason Woods
When the shots weren’t falling for Evan Van Dyke and Dylan Evans, it was good to see the Lakers be able to turn towards three other receivers to get some positive momentum. They seemed to really want to get Lattimore the ball in space and let him run with it. It’s something I’m thinking we’ll see more as the season progresses.
Never Say Die
The Lakers lived up to their billing and philosophies. They played to their standard late in the game and scored a late touchdown that I felt showed improvement after the big first series wound down and adversity struck. There wasn’t quit in Mercyhurst on Thursday, which is exactly what you’d see from a team that has good culture. I’m looking forward to watching the Lakers keep driving forward this season against FBS competition and, eventually, the meat of NEC play.
