The Albion College football team (2-2, 0-0) is two years removed from an MIAA conference championship, and on Saturday, Oct. 12, they look to get back on top.
“The team goal entering conference play is simple – win,” said Darrin Williams, Detroit senior. “But we can only do that one game and one week at a time. Every game is crucial.”
Trine University will be the Britons’ sole focus this Saturday, and according to Mike Vandermus, Harbor Springs senior, coming out victorious will be no easy task.
“[Trine] is usually top three in the conference every year,” Vandermus said. “So they’ll be pretty good. As a team I think we just need to put together a full game and make sure everyone plays as one unit.”
Albion finished their non-conference schedule with a record of 2-2 and were the only MIAA team to start conference play with a bye last weekend. The Britons hope the extra rest will benefit them this weekend.
“Having a bye week is very essential and beneficial right before conference play,” Williams said. “It gives us, as a team, an extra week of preparation and also allows our bodies to rest and get healthier before the home stretch of league play.”
Although Albion would have liked to enter MIAA play with a 4-0 record, their non-conference schedule has prepared them for many different circumstances they will likely face throughout league play, according to Mark Sheridan, Ann Arbor senior.
“We played in many different situations, whether it was playing with a lead, playing from behind, or a tight game in the fourth quarter,” Sheridan said. “I think it was good just to get more game experience.”
Last year was by no means unsuccessful for the Britons, but they would love to add another trophy to the case this year. New energy and talent has brought excitement to the team, and Williams feels there is a good mix of returners and newcomers.
“We have a pretty young team,” Williams said. “Our strength as a team is the tightness we have and also a good group of leaders.”
The Britons could not ask for a bigger stage to open up conference play as this Saturday is Homecoming, and many alumni are coming back to support the team.
“The team is really excited about this game,” Sheridan said. “Playing a very solid league opponent for homecoming has the team very excited for this game.”
Kickoff is set for 1 pm at Sprankle-Sprandel Stadium Saturday, Oct. 12.
Photo courtesy of Albion College Sports Information
Leave a Reply