WILKES-BARRE – King's College head football coach Jeff Knarr has announced captains for the 2010 season. Seniors Corey Lavin, Craig Geibert, Michael Stampone, Ryan Nelson, and Edwyn Edwards will lead the Monarchs in a 10-game slate including Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) play.
Lavin, the returning starter at quarterback, will enter his fifth year after receiving a medical redshirt following his sophomore campaign. The 6-0, 225-pound signal-caller enjoyed a fine junior season under center for King's passing for 1,675 yards and 18 touchdowns, completing 50.0 percent (131-262) of his passes. The Jackson, N.J. native also created problems for opposing defenses with his legs finishing second on the squad with 591 rushing yards and five touchdowns including a season-long 49-yard scamper at Lebanon Valley College. For the season, Lavin threw for two or more touchdowns in seven of the Monarchs 10 contests, including a season-best 311-yard, three touchdown performance against Springfield College. Lavin also finished third in the MAC in total offense, racking up 219.5 yards per game.
Geibert returns to the squad for his senior campaign after anchoring the Monarchs defense a year ago. The 6-2, 250-pound defensive lineman finished seventh on the team in total tackles with 36, including 21 solo stops and 15 assists. The Doylestown, Pa. native recorded a team-high three sacks and three fumble recoveries on a defense that ranked sixth in stopping the rush in 2009.
Stampone, a four-year starter, returns to lead a young offensive line following the graduation of four starters from last season. The 6-3, 260-pound tackle helped lead the way for a Monarch offense that finished third in the MAC in rushing at 176.4 yards per game. The offensive line also did an excellent job protecting the passer allowing the fewest sacks (7) in the conference in 10 contests.
Nelson, a three-year starter on the defensive line, finished second on the squad in 2009 in total tackles (61) while leading the team in sacks (3) and tackles for loss (11). The 6-0, 200-pound pass rusher also ranked in the top twenty in the MAC in both tackles and tackles for loss. The Stockertown, Pa. native will look to create problems for opposing offenses again this season, leading a veteran defensive unit with eight returning starters.
Edwards returns to the field for his senior year to lead the Monarchs secondary, following a season-ending leg injury prior to the start of last season. In 2008, the Copiague, N.Y. native finished with 21 tackles (16 solo), one interception, and one forced fumble from his free safety position. His three fumble recoveries led the Monarchs in MAC play.
The Monarchs will report to camp August 13th. King's will open their 2010 campaign Friday, September 3 at Springfield College, Springfield, MA.
