Aggies Kick Off Football Season

Mark Hatty drops back to pass.

By: Vince Lochetto

The 2010 Aggies season has gotten off to a bitter sweet start. The Aggies are now 2-1 and ranked 13th in the country as they head into their bye week. The Aggies started the season with back to back dominating performances over Muhlenberg (27-7) and 20th ranked Washington and Jefferson (27-0). Del Val then squared off with 3rd ranked Wesley; the teams have been developing a bit of a rivalry over the years with Wesley leading the series 2-1. The Aggies started out slow and were down 14-0 at halftime. Though, sparked by the defense’s play, the Aggies came back. The defense for the game forced 5 turnovers and added another one on special teams. Del Val then took the lead 17-14 with eight minutes left in the game. Then the game got controversial. On a third down play, Del Val appeared to force another turnover, but the referees overturned the fumble giving the ball back to Wesley. Three plays later they scored the game winning touchdown and Del Val lost 21-17. Preseason All-American and captain Mike Long thinks the Aggies just have to focus on the next game, “This was a tough lost, but if we take care of business and win our conference we’ll see them again in the playoffs.”
Next up for the Aggies is defending the conference crown. They have won the MAC conference back to back years and are favored to win it again this year. They will start MAC play October 2nd at home against Lebanon Valley College. Junior linebacker Chris James believes a three-peat is in their grasp. “If we play to the best of our ability and stay focused on the task at hand we’ll be fine.” It certainly is all there for the taking. After the Lebanon Valley game, the Aggies will be on the road for two consecutive weeks with road games at Fairleigh Dickson College at Florham (FDU) and Wilkes. Then follow back to back home games against Lycoming and Kings. The Aggies will then have revenge on their mind as they travel to Albright. Del Val beat them last year in the regular season 45-16 to secure the MAC championship and a playoff berth. Though, in the second round of the playoffs Albright came back to Del Val and stunned the Aggies 27-3 to end their season. The Aggies will then conclude their regular season at home versus Widener. Senior wide receiver Joe Gionfriddo says, “We have one goal, win the conference. Then a national championship.”