2009 Chapman Football Season Preview

ORANGE, Calif. - Since entering the NCAA Division III ranks in 1994, the Chapman University football team has had three consecutive winning seasons just once (1994-96). The Panthers have the opportunity to achieve that feat this year under fourth-year head coach Bob Owens.

"A third straight winning season would be a huge landmark and prove that we've got this program on the right track," said Owens who is 15-12 in three years as the Panthers' coach.

Although 56 of the 94 players who reported to camp this year were not on last year's 5-4 squad, the Panthers do return a wealth of experience, particularly on offense at the wide receiver, running back and offensive line positions.

"Obviously there are a lot of holes to replace with 20 seniors leaving and a lot of those guys were holding starting positions but the future looks bright," said Owens.

Since installing a West Coast style offense, the Panthers have relied heavily on the passing game in recent years. Last season however saw a more balanced attack with the offense totaling 1,195 rushing yards and 1,848 passing yards. In 2009, Owens expects to see that balance again, just a greater efficiency in the passing game. Of Chapman's 27 offensive touchdowns in 2008, only 10 were through the air and the passing attack averaged nearly 100 yards per game less than the 303 yards per game in 2007.

"What I am hoping for is that the running game will give us balance but we can be a little bit more like we were two years ago when we through for 300-plus yards a game. That's the nature of this offense is to able to throw the ball consistently and have a solid running game that goes along with it," said Owens.

At the forefront of the passing game this season will be a receiving core which returns its top three players (in terms of reception, receiving yards and touchdowns) from 2008. Senior Dan Delahoussaye (27 receptions, 540 yards, 77.1 ypg, 3 TDs) who averaged 20 yards per catch will once again provide the deep threat. Also returning is senior Kaleo Perez (31 receptions, 406 yards, 45.1 ypg, 1 TD) who led the team with 31 receptions, and junior Chris Langstaff (17 receptions, 241 yards, 40.2 ypg, 2 TDs). In addition, the Panthers expect contributions at wideout from senior Anthony Laborin and transfer Mike Lambesis.

"Our receiving core is as strong as ever and is probably one of the featured positions on the football team," said Owens "We could probably go about eight deep."

The backfield will have some new faces as both the starting quarterback and running back positions are open with the graduation of quarterback Eric Marty and running back Mike Christensen. Dual-threat junior running back Akio Lloyd combined for 386 yards and five touchdowns out of the backfield last season now moves into the role as the primary ball carrier in 2009. With less than two weeks before the first game, it remains unclear who will be taking snaps as the Panthers' starting quarterback although the race has come down to two sophomore transfers; Eric Willcockson (L.A. Pierce College) who is more of a drop-back traditional quarterback and Blake Vanderweil (University of Massachusetts) who has more of an option, running type style to his game.

Providing protection for the offense up front is an offensive line that returns two starters in junior Jordan Pavlisin and senior Jeff Boyd. In addition, the coaching staff focused on adding offensive line depth and size in the off-season with 11 new faces fighting for playing time.

"Depth at offensive line is something that we haven't had so the two real strong points is the size that we have that we haven't had since I have been here and the depth."

While the Panthers should be able to move the ball with efficiency on offense, questions still remain on defense as the Panthers return only two starters from a 2008 unit that allowed only 17.8 points per game.

"We've had guys that played on that defense for three years and losing those guys, that's a lot to replace," Owens said. "In saying that, we've got some guys who are really stepping up to play who played big roles last year and will take more permanent roles this year."

Up front sophomore Willie Robbins (25 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack) returns at defensive end and is expected to have a big year after seeing significant playing time as a freshman. Last year's returning defensive end starter, sophomore Stephen Sales (18 tackles) is moving to outside linebacker to help fill the void left at the linebacker position with four graduating seniors. Also at linebacker, seniors Steve Downs (20 tackles) and Brian Kaltenecker (9 tackles) both played last season and will see their roles increase significantly in 2009.

With the loss of two starters to graduation and senior Jon Martinez to injury, the secondary has several spots to fill. Adding strength to the position is the return of junior strong safety Jake Fey (46 tackles, 2 PB) who is the team's top returner as far as tackles. Juniors Jake Meyer and Peter Antone (20 tackles) along with Collin Hoyer (seven tackles, four FF) will also see a lot of playing time in the secondary this season.

Owens says the pressure to try to make it three straight winning seasons falls squarely on his shoulders, specifically because new faces make up a majority of the roster. How quickly the newest Panthers adapt to the Chapman game plan will have a direct effect on the team's success on the field.