Lake Erie College has the bulk of its club back after posting a third consecutive 3-8 mark in 2012. Nearly all of the skill-position starters return on offense, including signal-caller Brendan Gallagher, who started the last five games of 2012 and notched two of The Storm’s three wins. Alongside Gallagher are his top two receivers from last year, Anthony Kukwa and Tommy Jackson, as is leading rusher Anthony Bilal.
Coach Mark McNellie does have his work cut out for him on defense, as The Storm yielded nearly 40 points per game and finished last in the GLIAC in total defense. Top tackler Marcus Rogers is back after tallying 99 stops a year ago, and he’ll be tasked with leading the defense in improving upon their less-than-sparkling statistics of a year ago.
Despite having six home games, the bulk of Lake Erie’s tough tests will likely come on the road. Trips to Ferris State University and Saginaw Valley State University glare in September, as does a trip down I-71 to Ohio Dominican University in November. The team from Painesville will enjoy an opener with border rival Gannon University, as well as a visit from defending league champ Ashland University in week five.