The AU Notebook: Kent’s The Real Superman for Eagles
October 22, 2005

He doesn’t have an “S” on his chest, just plenty of bruises on his body. Such is the life of sophomore fullback Ray Kent, the lead blocker for AU tailbacks.

What a resume Kent is putting together. Too bad most people overlook it. Last year, he helped Antwan Hart rush for a school-record 1,474 yards. Now he’s helped put Jason Schwalm in the AU record book, picking off Wayne State defenders on Saturday (Oct. 22) as Schwalm set school single-game records for carries (45) and rushing yards (295).

“We ran 46, 47 and they have a stud defensive lineman (Leo Wells) over there,” said senior offensive lineman Blake Dickson. “He was just crashing and Ray took him down. He gave us a chance to read the blocks. He did the exact same thing for Antwan last year. He’s good and he’s young.”

Last week, AU was ranked 12th in the regional rankings. The top six teams in the region at season’s end make the playoffs. Obviously, AU has some teams to leap frog. One big question is how many teams the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference will send to the postseason. Undefeated Grand Valley State looks to be a lock. If Saginaw Valley keeps winning, the Cards should reach the promised land as well. Northwood has lost to GVSU and SVSU, but owns a victory over Michigan Tech, which beat Ashland.

All of this can make for a lot of scoreboard watching, but the Eagles insist that they’re only worrying about themselves.

“It’s a big goal, we’d love to go to the playoffs,” admitted Dickson.

Dickson and the rest of the seniors on this year’s team have been the anchors as the program’s made an impressive about face. Two years ago, AU was 2-9. Now, there’s talk about playoffs. Sadly, the seniors have only one home game left – in two weeks against Indianapolis. The reality of all of that hit home in the Wayne State game, which was Football Alumni Day.

“I got emotional before the game,” Dickson admitted. “I saw them in the end zone. In two more games I’ll be in their shoes.”

Will Schwalm’s big day net him the GLIAC player of the week award? No AU players has received that award in 2005. Schwalm will have stiff competition. Saturday, Michigan Tech’s Lee Marana carried for 51 times for 333 yards and four touchdowns in a win over Ferris State.

The GLIAC single-game record for carries is 61, set by Northern Michigan’s Nelson Edmonds in 1991. The GLIAC single-game rushing record is owned by Andrew Terry of Ferris State, who had 410 yards against Findlay last season.

During their four-game winning streak, the Eagles have outscored the opposition, 106-23. AU has allowed two field goals over the last two games.

“If we score 21 points, I don’t know if there’s anybody in the country who can beat us, let alone the conference,” said Strance, who completed 7-of-14 passes Saturday. “Before the season, we talked as a team without the coaches. Devin (Conwell) and the defense said, ‘You don’t have to score 50 points a game. Just win time of possession and don’t turn it over. We’re doing that now. That’s why it’s such a big turnaround from last year.”

The Eagles allowed a sack for the first time in five games. For the year, AU has allowed five sacks…Conwell and linebacker Jeremy Crabtree had interceptions Saturday. They’re tied for the team lead in picks with three apiece…defensive back Chris Holland looks to be playing some of the best football of his career. He tied for the team lead in tackles against Wayne State (7 total/6 solo) and has 29 over the last four weeks. Holland has been the team’s leading tackler twice during that stretch…sacks on Saturday went to Luke Busson, Chris Meyer, Matt Baughman and Jake Grove…give credit to WSU punter Brian Cyr. On a very wet field, he punted six times and averaged 41.5 yppg…sophomore wide receiver David Ziegelhofer threw his third pass of the season. It fell incomplete. Ziegelhofer is 1-for-3 passing this season....AU’s opponent next week, Findlay, lost at Gannon, 50-45. The Oilers have lost six straight, their longest skid since 1999…the Eagles are 5-1 in their last six home games and have allowed 30 points (5.0 ppg.).