The Misericordia University football team will make the short trip down Route 309 to play their first game ever against local rival Wilkes, Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Schmidt Field.

In their first season, the Cougars are 0-5 (0-4 MAC) after a 35-7 loss to Stevenson a week ago.

Wilkes (2-2, 1-2 MAC) is coming off a 37-27 come-from-behind win over FDU-Florham a week ago which handed head coach Frank Sheptock his 100th career victory.

Continuing to show week-to-week improvement, the Cougars played their most complete of the season against Stevenson.  MU trailed just 20-7 after three quarters in their closest game of the season while allowing the fewest points of the season.

On offense, the Cougars enjoyed their best game of the season on the ground as they rushed for 230 yards on 46 carries, including an average of 5.0 yards per carry.

After being ranked among the top 40 teams in the nation over the first four weeks, the Cougars were hampered by a season-high nine penalties for 113 yards a week ago.

MU will look to keep penalties at a minimum against the Colonels.

Quarterback Jeff Puckett, who rushed for a touchdown against Stevenson, is completing 52.8% of his passes and is second on the team in rushing with 203 yards.

Tailback Cody Lamoreaux leads the team with 285 yards rushing on 63 carries.

Freshman wide receiver Paul Brace has a team-high 22 catches for 222 yards.

Hunter Pates and Brandon Salazar lead the team with 24 tackles while Michael Comerford and Ben Camacho both have 22 stops.

The Colonels utilize a junior tandem at quarterback with Alex George and Tyler Bernstein sharing the snaps.

Tailback Calvin Garvin had 162 and two TD's a week ago against FDU.

MU will enjoy a bye next week before visiting Delaware Valley, October 20.  The Cougars will host FDU-Florham, October 27.