The Notebook: Is Dickson AU’s Hidden Weapon?
October 1, 2005

Don’t laugh, maybe it’s time that AU senior left guard Blake Dickson spends five or 10 minutes before each game running routes with the wide receivers.

Dickson caught the second pass of his career Saturday (Oct. 1) at Mercyhurst, alertly pulling down a deflection and gaining 12 yards. The reception was the second of his career – he caught a pass for a 4-yard gain last year against Michigan Tech.

“Don’t even tell me that,” said offensive line coach Doug Geiser. “I don’t need to put that fire out.”

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One of the most overlooked stories on this AU team is the play of sophomore defensive lineman Chris Meyer. The son of Ashland defensive coordinator Jim Meyer, the younger Meyer has consistently given the Eagles quality minutes. Last week, he blocked a kick. Against Merychurst he had two tackles, a fumble recovery and half a sack.

“He’s a turnover machine,” said defensive line coach Randy Homa. “He works very hard at it in practice. When we work on field goal blocks, we have little techniques we work on. He and Kyle Zelazny work hard on that.”

Meyer’s presence was extremely important at the ‘Hurst. Injuries deprived the defensive line of Jarrett Fuller and Jonathan Frost. Linemen like Meyer found themselves playing extra snaps on a 70 degree afternoon on the sixth week of the season.

“We’re a little thin up there,” Homa admitted. “But those guys run to the ball. Great things happen when you run to the ball.”

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Both coaches and players talked extensively after the Mercyhurst game about the week of preparation leading up to the trip to MC’s Tullio Field. While teams prepare hard every week, it seemed that last week went nearly perfect for the Eagles.

“We prepared more than any other game,” said tailback Jason Schwalm. “The coaches made it a point to get in there. We’ll take it one game at a time. Obviously, we need more wins. But before we can be champions we have to win one game at a time. That’s what this team is focusing on. We need to match the same type of preparation.”

“This team wasn’t going to make the mistakes of the past,” added Owens.

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AU limited Mercyhurst wide receiver Calvin Kelly to four catches and 59 yards. Coming into the game, Kelly had three 100-yard days to his credit this season. Mercyhurst had just 158 yards passing, the Eagles outgained the Lakers in total offense, 457-334. While Mercyhurst rushed for 100 yards (AU yielded a season-high 176 yards rushing) for the first time in eight games against the Eagles, AU took away just about every weapon the home team had.

“They’ve put some numbers up on the board,” said Jim Meyer. “They’re a very capable team. The way the kids responded is great to see.”

While Mercyhurst is winless, Meyer has a point. The Lakers put a major scare into undefeated Michigan Tech before losing, 24-20. MC has scored 26 or more points three times.

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Kicker Jared Karrasch had his best day of the year, hitting a 25-yard field goal and converting all six extra point attempts…linebacker Luke Busson, in addition to his 62-yard fumble return, had six tackles (five solo)…freshman defensive back Tom Brenner recorded the first two interceptions of his career…Schwalm’s four-touchdown day is two shy of the school record for touchdowns in a game – six, set by Ray Novotny in 1929 vs. Adrian…Saturday’s win broke a two-game losing streak against Mercyhurst…freshman kicker Mitch Van Dine made his first tackle of the season. The rookie handles all kickoffs.