2008 Record 2-8 .200 Overall 0-0 .000 Conference Location: Washington, DC Head Coach: position open Stadium (cap.): Hotchkiss (1000) Conference: ECFC Region: South 2009 Schedule

The Gallaudet University football team has a new feel about it in 2009 as the Bison prepare to enter a new conference, welcome new faces, try new things on offense and defense and begin a new season. At the end of the day the Bison prepare hard each and everyday to achieve their goals they set as a team each season.

"Our expectation is to go 10-0. We expect to win every game. That's how we prepare every season," said GU coach Ed Hottle, who enters his fifth year at the helm. In 2005, the Bison went 9-0 in Hottle's first season.

The Bison will be led on the field by their five senior team captains in Martin Blomquist, Michel Daze', Calvin Doudt, Joshua Doudt and Phillip Endicott.

OFFENSE
Senior quarterback Jimmy Gardner will begin the season under center for the Buff and Blue after the preseason camp featured three strong quarterbacks. Gardner will be backed up by freshman Anthony Palmer. The Bison return their leading rusher from last season in junior Scott Lehmann along with junior Cole Johnson and sophomores Justin Arrigo and Michael Gimeli.

"We want to generate first downs and move the ball. We also want to sustain drives. That is going to be big [for us this year]. We need to be more consistent on offense," said Hottle.

One of the strongest units on the Bison is the offensive line led by seniors Daze', Joshua Doudt, Endicott and fellow seniors Benjamin Bottoms and Bill Jacobs.

"The offensive line is a talented position for us. It features a good group of guys," said Hottle.

At wide receiver look for senior Chester Kuschminder and sophomore Nathan Engel to lead the way.

DEFENSE
The Bison defense will be anchored by linebacker Blomquist and cornerback Wilson, who is a three-year starter.

"Martin is a lot of what our program represents," said Hottle.

Junior cornerback Ty Hubbard and sophomore safety Jared Vollmar will be a threat to make things happen with interceptions or strong pass coverage. Upfront the Bison will be tough behind freshman tackle Kevin Allen along with junior defensive end Richard Bailey and sophomore defensive end Jon Van Wey.

"Allen is going to be a real solid player for us upfront," said Hottle.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Senior Justin Wilson will do all of the kicking duties for the Bison in '09. Sophomore Jay Harris and sophomore Ryan Mahoney will share return duties.

"We have to be solid on special teams," said Hottle. "We spend a lot of time doing special teams drills in practice so we are fundamentally sound."

SCHEDULE
The Bison begin the season at home at Hotchkiss Field as GU will host non-conference foe Merchant Marine Academy to kick-off the season on September 5. The remainder of the month features three road games for the Bison against Hiram, Mount Ida and Castleton. The game against Mount Ida on September 19 will begin a new chapter in Bison football history as GU plays its first-ever game in the new Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC). The new conference has become an actuality after several years of hard work.

"I am excited about it. All of the institutions have worked hard on this since 2007. I am very proud of this new conference," said Hottle. "It has taken a tremendous amount of time and effort. It is neat to see an idea finally become a reality."

Gallaudet returns home to begin the month of October to face ECFC foe Husson on October 3. That game begins a four-game homestand that includes games against ECFC members Husson, Norwich and Becker. Sandwiched in between the Norwich and Becker games is a cross-town game against Catholic University of America on October 17. GU's Homecoming will be held on October 24 when the Bison welcome Becker to campus. This year's Homecoming game marks the 75th anniversary in school history.

GU closes out the regular-season schedule on the road against Anna Marie (October 31) and New York Maritime (November 6). The top two ECFC teams will play in the first conference championship on November 14. The scheduling, awards and conference championship are all excellent perks for GU being a member of the ECFC.

"It gives us a chance to win a conference championship," said Hottle of being a conference member of the ECFC. "Plus all of the other luxuries that being a member of a conference brings like help with scheduling."

SUMMARY
The excitement is building for the new season and new conference for the Bison. GU conducted a strong and physical preseason that they hope will pay off during the regular-season with victories.

"I am pleased with our progress thus far. I like the positive attitude the players are showing on the field," said Hottle.