The Brown & White

This Saturday marks the 145th contest between archrivals Lehigh University and Lafayette College, the most-played rivalry in college football.

Lehigh will be hosting the historic event this year at Goodman Stadium for its final home game of the season. Last year, Lehigh came out on top with an exciting 31-15 win over Lafayette. Tickets for this year's game have already sold out.

Although every game comes with much preparation, the Lehigh-Lafayette game always brings some extra pressure for both the team and Head Coach Andy Coen because of the tremendous rivalry between the two schools.

"The Lehigh-Lafayette rivalry is such an exciting rivalry to be part of, but it can also be one of the hardest things to manage during the week," Coen said.

According to senior linebacker Al Pierce, the pressure has definitely been felt throughout this week's practices.

"While we work hard to prepare for every game, the intensity has definitely been high this week," Pierce said.

The Mountain Hawks are taking this weekend's game very seriously by taking the proper steps toward a victory.

"We prepare more efficiently for Lehigh-Lafayette than any other game in the season," said senior fullback Anthony Fossati.

This includes taking extra steps to prepare for the game both on and off the field.

"We've been lifting harder, watching and reviewing film, and taking the necessary precautions to stay healthy," Fossati said. "So everyone is doing their part to get ready."

This weekend's game will also require more than just physical preparation. The Hawks are mentally preparing themselves for a very pressurized game with a long-standing tradition.

"Personally, I have been reviewing the plays over and over in my mind to feel mentally ready," Fossati said.

Lehigh is expecting a hard battle against Lafayette and has been focusing on the key areas in practice needed to pull off a victory.

Offensively, the Hawks are looking to play an aggressive game from the start.

"The key to achieving a win will be running the football while managing the clock," Fossati said.

Defensively, Lehigh will be focusing on holding back Lafayette senior quarterback Rob Curley.

"Putting pressure on Curley and making him feel uncomfortable will be vital in securing a win," Pierce said.

According to Coen, successfully running big plays will be a decision maker in this game.

"Lafayette has an outstanding defense and a very balanced offense, so we will need to control their running game and get them into some obvious passing downs so we can put pressure on them," Coen said. "Offensively, we must establish the run as we have the past several weeks and make some big plays throwing the ball."

This weekend will be especially important for the Hawk seniors, who will be participating in their last Lehigh-Lafayette game.

"Going into this game, you have to remember that it's your last game, which is incredibly motivating for the seniors," Fossati said.

The seniors hope to end their last Lehigh-Lafayette game with a solid win.

"While everyone has their own individual goals, winning this game for the seniors at home is the bigger goal for the whole team," Pierce said.

The importance of securing a final win for the seniors runs deep in Coen, who has witnessed the dedication they put into the team each season.

"This game is all about the seniors," Coen said. "You want them to taste victory in their final game against Lafayette."

It will be an exciting game, which will mark the end of long football careers for the Hawk seniors.

"These guys have dedicated so much time and energy to the team and one another, and it all comes to an end after 60 minutes of football," Coen said. "For those who have been through it and have lived it, it is very powerful."

The annual Lehigh-Lafayette football game will begin at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow afternoon at Goodman Stadium. Buses for students will begin continuously running at 10 a.m. from the Taylor Street stop.