Lycoming football tops nation in turnover margin
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Through week three of the college football season, the Lycoming College football team is tied with Mount Union and Gallaudet for the NCAA Division III lead in turnover margin, averaging a +3.0 margin per game, according to the NCAA's official statistics released on Monday.
The Warriors (1-1) have posted six takeaways through its first two games, notching three fumble recoveries and three interceptions. Meanwhile, the offense has yet to lose the ball.
Three players are also ranked in the top 10 nationally in individual categories, as well.
Sophomore Parker Showers (Aspers, Pa./Biglerville) is fourth in kickoff return yardage, averaging 36.33 yards per return. Against Westminster on Sept. 11, Showers touched the ball twice on returns, posting 83 yards, including a 58-yard return. His shortest return this season is 25 yards. As a freshman, Showers finished 10th nationally in the category, averaging 27.92 yards per kick return.
Junior safety Ray Bierbach (Hunlock Creek, Pa./Northwest) is tied for sixth in interceptions, averaging 1.0 per contest. He intercepted passes against both Rowan and Westminster and is tied for the MAC lead in the category. Bierbach has also seen his time in the national rankings, finishing sixth in punt returns as a sophomore, averaging 16.00 per return.
Senior running back Josh Kleinfelter (Bellwood, Pa./Bellwood-Antis) is 10th in rushing yards per game, averaging 150 per game. Kleinfelter, thanks to a 209-yard game against Westminster, has vaulted into the national leaders in the category. As a junior, Kleinfelter finished 82nd in the nation, averaging 82.10 yards per game and as a sophomore, he finished 43rd in the category, averaging 102.09 yards per game.
The Warriors get back on the field on Saturday, Sept. 25, when Ithaca College comes to David Person Field for a 1:30 p.m. game as part of Family Weekend.
