Landmark Conference 2024 FOotball Preview

2023 In Review

The 2023 fall season marked a milestone for the Landmark Conference as it launched its first-ever football season, following unanimous approval by the league's Executive Board in February 2022.

Susquehanna University emerged as the inaugural champions, achieving a perfect 10-0 overall record and a 6-0 conference slate, earning them an automatic spot in the NCAA Division III Football Tournament.

Expanded Opportunities

In 2022, the conference also announced expanded postseason opportunities for its football programs. In partnership with the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), they introduced a four-year bowl series called the Chesapeake Bowl Challenge.

The format of the series featured two games with four teams (two from each conference) playing in either the Cape Henry Bowl or the Cape Charles Bowl. Cape Henry and Cape Charles serve as the northern and southern gateways of the Chesapeake Bay. Each conference was represented by the top two teams from their respective league standings that did qualify for the NCAA postseason.

Lycoming College and Wilkes University represented the Landmark Conference.

Victory for the Landmark

The first year of the Chesapeake Bowl Challenge saw the Landmark Conference shine with a perfect 2-0 record. Lycoming College edged Washington & Lee University with a 20-17 victory, while Wilkes University dominated Bridgewater College 35-17 on their home turf at Schmidt Stadium.

In a nail-biting finish, Washington & Lee faced a 4th-and-2 from the 31-yard line with less than 30 seconds remaining. Lycoming senior Kevin Gianoni's ankle tackle, followed by stops from junior Joey Rivituso and senior Johnny Day, sealed the upset victory for the Warriors. Junior quarterback Will Fish earned MVP honors, completing 23 of 36 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 14 yards. First-year running back Terrence Oliver added 103 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Junior Billy Coppock caught seven passes for 64 yards, and sophomore Dawson Debebe recorded five receptions for 77 yards and a score.

Wilkes University quarterback Isaiah Rodriguez led the charge in the Cape Henry Bowl, passing for 250 yards and three touchdowns on 17 completions, earning him MVP accolades. His favorite target, Devin Higgins, made six catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. Running back JayJay Jordan contributed 80 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. On defense, linebackers Brandon Holcomb and Tallen Murray each recorded 12 tackles, with Holcomb also leading the team with two sacks.

Catholic University

• Head Coach: Mike Gutelius (7th Season)
• 2023 Record: 5-5 (3-3 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 5th

After wrapping up last year with a solid 5-5 record—marking their third straight season at .500 or better—the Cardinals are charging into the upcoming season with momentum, riding a three-game win streak that has them hungry for more.

Despite losing their star receiver Preston Jeffrey, who snagged an impressive 72 catches for 871 yards, the Cardinals have a new plan of attack. Look out for the trio of Malachi Hansen, John Maynes, and Anthony Giordano to step up and keep the offense flying. Giordano, last season’s second-leading receiver with 40 grabs for 379 yards, and Maynes, who was just behind with 39 catches for 377 yards, are both ready to take on bigger roles. Hansen, with 282 yards on 25 targets, is also primed to make some noise.

The ground game is in good hands with the return of Zach Williams, who powered his way to 653 yards on 130 carries in 2023.

The big question mark for the Cardinals offense will be at quarterback. Last year's starter Madden Lowe, graduated with impressive marks in several categories. He ranked first in the league in completions (304) while also topping the rankings in completion percentage (72%). Lowe had the second-most yards (2,651) and second-most touchdowns (26).

Defensively, the Cardinals bring back a unit that was second in the league in interceptions (10) and tallied 14 sacks. Leading the charge are Conor Jennings, who notched four sacks, and Carson Henry with two. Michael Hopkins, with two picks, and safety Mason Stillwell, who broke up a team-high five passes, round out the defense.

The action kicks off on the road as the Cardinals face McDaniel College on Friday, September 6. They’ll return to home turf for the first time on September 14 to take on Capital University. Circle October 5 on your calendar—that’s when conference play heats up with a showdown against defending Landmark Conference champs, Susquehanna University.

"We had a great time traveling to Susquehanna for Media Day. The discussions and excitement only make me more eager for the season. I appreciate the respectful competition among the teams in our league and cannot wait to see them on the field come game day." - Malachi Hansen, Wide Receiver

Juniata College

• Head Coach: Blake Treadwell (2nd Season)
• 2023 Record: 1-9 (0-6 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 7th

With a full season under his belt, second-year head coach Blake Treadwell has set the bar high as the Eagles gear up for their second run in the Landmark Conference.

All eyes will be on all-conference standouts Ethan Shank and Dawson Booher. Shank racked up a league-leading 92 tackles—51 solo—plus two interceptions and four pass breakups. Booher wasn’t far behind, snagging four interceptions to lead the league and breaking up seven passes. He also had 25 solo tackles, eight assists, a sack, and a forced fumble. With Shank and Booher leading the charge, and 17 starters returning, the Eagles are ready to climb the conference standings.

The season kicks off at home with a noon showdown against Gettysburg College. Circle October 4, when the Eagles clash with Wilkes University under the lights at 6:00 p.m. to start league play.

“We had a great start to the season at Media Day - it was an awesome experience. We can't wait to let the world know what to expect from Juniata Football this fall!” - Blake Treadwell, Head Coach

Keystone College

• Head Coach: Justin Higgins (4th Season)
• 2023 Record: 2-8 (1-5 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 6th

The Giants may be the youngest program in the conference, but as they enter their fourth NCAA season, they’re ready to make some serious strides.

Despite their youth, Keystone is bringing back six All-Conference selections from a team that went 2-8 overall and 1-5 in conference play last season. Leading the charge on the ground is Mujaheed Muhammad, who powered through nine games in 2023, racking up 447 yards on 132 carries—good for 10th in the conference.

Through the air, Honorable Mention selection Jayson Nami is back after a stellar 2023, where he had 521 yards, ranked sixth in the conference and added four touchdowns, including an 80-yard return. Tightend Reese Karp, another Honorable Mention honoree, is also set to make an impact, following a season with 13 receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown.

In the trenches, the Giants are returning three All-Conference performers on both sides of the ball. Offensive lineman John Balchunas, an Honorable Mention selection, anchored a unit that ranked fifth in the conference for sacks allowed (15) and fourth in third-down conversions (55). On defense, look for lineman Tyler Malanga and linebacker Quentin Tibbs to continue leading a unit that tallied nine sacks, six interceptions, and seven forced fumbles.

The Giants kick off the 2024 season on Saturday, September 7, with a noon showdown at Misericordia University. They’ll open conference play at home against Moravian University on Saturday, October 5, at 1 p.m.

"We're very excited to be heading into our second year in the Landmark. I think that was a big step for us last year being able to get in, and I think we competed quite well. Our team has worked hard this offseason, and we are excited to welcome them back in a few weeks."- Justin Higgins, Head Coach

Lycoming College

• Head Coach: Mike Clark (17th Season)
• 2023 Record: 5-6 (4-2 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 2nd

The Warriors are gearing up for another exciting season, bringing back 10 All-Conference selections from a 2023 campaign that saw them go 4-2 in their first year in the Landmark Conference. They capped it off with a gritty 20-17 road victory over Washington & Lee in the first-ever Cape Charles Bowl, part of the Chesapeake Bowl Challenge series.

Leading the charge once again is quarterback Will Fish, who earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors last season. Fish was a force under center, ranking third in the conference in both passing yards (1,974) and average yards per game (179.5). He also tossed 19 touchdowns and posted a solid 109.9 efficiency rating.

Fish’s go-to target, Dawson Debebe, returns after a standout year that earned him a spot on the All-Landmark Second Team. Debebe racked up 569 yards on 35 catches, finding the end zone seven times to rank fifth in the league. Tightend Brendan Clark, an Honorable Mention All-Conference pick, will also be a key weapon for Fish, coming off a season with eight catches for 50 yards.

On the ground, the Warriors will lean on Terrence Oliver, a Second Team All-Landmark selection. Oliver led the team with 757 yards on 135 carries, punching in seven touchdowns, which placed him fifth in the conference last year.

Defensively, Lycoming is stacked with returning talent, featuring five All-Conference players: Jack Welch, Elisha Carothers, Joey Rivituso, Ryan Pentz, and Jordan Rhinehart. Welch and Rivituso anchored the defense with a combined 134 tackles, while Pentz and Rhinehart added 51 each. Carothers was a disruptive force, tying for the team lead with three sacks and chipping in 34 total tackles.

A big question mark for the Warriors this season will be on special teams. They’ll need to fill the void left by Ian Plankenhorn, a three-time All-Region selection, and First Team All-Conference kicker and punter.

Lycoming faces a challenging nonconference slate to kick off the 2024 season. The Warriors open at home against Widener on September 7 at noon before hitting the road for a showdown with defending National Champion Cortland on September 14 (noon) and a clash with Utica on September 21 (noon). Conference play begins October 12 when the Warriors travel to Wilkes for a noon kickoff.

“I’m just proud of the work and that the guys never gave up last season. That’s led to a great offseason. Our guys have worked hard. We’re thrilled about the quality of the people and players that we return, and we’re excited to get started here.” - Mike Clark, Head Coach

Moravian University

• Head Coach: Jeff Long (2nd Season)
• 2023 Record: 4-6 (3-3 Landmark)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 3rd

Head Coach Jeff Long heads into his second season at Moravian with high expectations and 14 returning starters, including five Landmark All-Conference selections. After guiding the Greyhounds to a 4-6 overall record and a 3-3 finish in their first year in the Landmark Conference, Coach Long welcomed over 100 players to preseason camp.

At the helm of the offense is senior quarterback Jared Jenkins, who earned a spot on the Landmark All-Conference First Team last season. Jenkins put up monster numbers, throwing for 2,737 yards and 26 touchdowns, while setting school records for touchdowns, completions (244), attempts (381), and pass efficiency (139.56). His top target, senior wide receiver Jordan Bingham, also made the All-Conference First Team after hauling in a school-record 69 receptions for 830 yards and nine touchdowns. The offensive line looks solid with four returning starters, including senior Reins Leedy, another All-Conference First Team selection. The only question mark on offense is the running back position.

Defensively, the Greyhounds are anchored by senior defensive lineman Jeremy McGuigan and junior linebacker Clay Basile, both All-Conference First Team honorees. Basile led the team with 80 tackles, including six for loss, while McGuigan added 49 tackles and three sacks. With nine of their top 11 tacklers returning, Moravian’s defense is primed for another strong season.

Special teams could be an area of concern after graduating Honorable Mention All-Conference punter Colin Conway. The Greyhounds brought several kickers to camp, hoping to shore up a unit that went 10-for-13 on extra points while converting 13 of 24 two-point attempts last season.

Moravian kicks off the season with a big test, hosting No. 21 Muhlenberg at home on September 7 at 1:00 p.m. They’ll follow that up with another home game against Utica on September 14 at noon. The Greyhounds then hit the road to face Hobart and Morrisville State before opening league play at Keystone on October 5 at 1:00 p.m.

"Excited to get the boys back together to see how they've grown and the work they've put in over the summer. Camp is a special opportunity for Team 98 to come together and see how we will compete every week come September 7th." - Jeff Long, Head Coach

Susquehanna University

• Head Coach: Tom Perkovich (10th Season)
• 2023 Record: 10-1 (6-0 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 1st

Susquehanna made a big statement in their first year in the Landmark Conference, going 10-0 in the regular season and 6-0 in conference play. They’ve claimed back-to-back conference titles, made two NCAA tournament appearances, and were ranked as high as ninth nationally last season.

With 13 returning All-Landmark players, head coach Tom Perkovich has the River Hawks ready for another strong run in 2024. Leading the charge on offense are Kyle Howes, the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year, who racked up 1,387 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns, running back Tommy Grabowski, who posted a 1,000-yard rushing season, and quarterback Josh Ehrlich, who threw for 1,562 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The offensive line trio of Nick Gonzalez, Eli Kantor, and Hunter Shimko is back, after helping the team set a school record with 35 rushing touchdowns and leading the conference with 230.4 rushing yards per game.

On defense, the "Wild Dogs" return key players like Jake Schultes, Garrett Carter, and Drew Robinson. Last season, they held opponents to just 13.6 points per game, forced 23 turnovers, and logged 29 sacks, ranking among the best in NCAA Division III.

Susquehanna starts the season with three straight home games, beginning with a Friday night clash against Bridgewater on September 6, followed by games against Brockport on September 14, and defending national champion Cortland on September 21. They’ll finish non-conference play on the road against Western New England on September 28. SU will travel to the nation's capital on October 5 to take on Catholic for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff.

"2023 was obviously a great season... We got a lot of people back, a lot of guys in their senior or fifth year coming back that want to take our program to new heights and get things started, but I think we're grounded in what we do and how we do it. With our culture and strength and our leaders, those guys have done a great job of keeping our guys really focused and hungry for what we want to do in 2024." - Tom Perkovich, Head Coach

Wilkes University

• Head Coach: David Biever (1st Season)
• 2023 Record: 5-6 (4-2 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 4th

Wilkes went 5-6 in 2023 (4-2 in Landmark play), capping the season off with a victory in the Chesapeake Bowl Challenge defeating Bridgewater College for the Cape Henry Bowl.

This will be the first season under head coach David Biever, who has been a part of the Wilkes staff for 11 years as Associate Head Coach, Offensive Line coach, and Recruiting Coordinator. Wilkes also added new offensive coordinator Matt Rodgers and defensive coordinator Chris Bantell.

The Colonels are bringing back some serious firepower for the 2024 season, highlighted by a group of standout All-Landmark performers ready to make an impact.

On the defensive front, Angel Ramos returns after a monster 2023 season where he racked up 68 total tackles, led both the team and the conference with 10 sacks, and added 13.5 tackles for loss. His dominant play earned him First Team All-Landmark and D3Football.com All-Region 2 First Team honors.

On offense, running back Elijah Jules is back after leading the Colonels with 819 rushing yards and contributing 212 receiving yards and five total touchdowns, earning him a spot on the All-Landmark First Team. He’ll have plenty of support from an experienced offensive line anchored by Aidan Palochik, another First Team All-Landmark selection. Palochik led a line that powered Wilkes to an average of 170 rushing yards per game.

At linebacker, Tallen Murray is set to lead the defense once again after a stellar 2023 season in which he topped the team and the conference with 103 total tackles and snagged two interceptions, securing his place on the All-Landmark First Team.

The Colonels also return a strong supporting cast, including All-Landmark honorees Mauro Guarino, Steele Hess, Alex Orlando (Second Team), and Devin Higgins (Honorable Mention). With this group, Wilkes is primed to make a serious push in the Landmark Conference this season.

The Wilkes Colonels kick off their 2024 season under the lights on September 7 with a 6:00 p.m. showdown against crosstown rival King’s. On October 4 when the Colonels head to Juniata for their league opener, with another 6:00 p.m. kickoff.

"What a great day for our student athletes to be showcased for the whole world to see them. Our athletes are always looking for a big time experience and Landmark Football Media Day gave them that. Look forward to being there again next year with a new group." - Dave Biever, Head Coach