Widener’s football squad has been picked to finish sixth in the Middle Atlantic Conference this season based on a vote by the league’s coaches.
One of the key components returning to a standout defense is senior outside linebacker Joe Favinger (Mohnton, PA), who was tabbed second team preseason All-American by the D3 Senior Classic. A three-year starter who was selected first team all-conference the last two years as well as third team All-East Region by D3Football.com last season, Favinger last year was tied for fourth in the MAC with 14.5 tackles for a loss, 11th with 6.5 tackles per contest and tied for 11th with five sacks.
Senior defensive end Shane Szumski (Moorestown, NJ), who was tabbed second team All-MAC last season at linebacker, is another key to the defense. Also a three-year starter, Szumski plays with a high desire to win and easily led the squad last season with 75 tackles.
The offense is paced by sophomore quarterback Chris Haupt (Bloomsburg, PA), who last season threw for 162 yards per game. Haupt showed a great deal of maturity as the season progressed and he hopes to carry that into this year.
Senior Adam Smith (Littlestown, PA) showed his talent at running back with 542 yards, the most for Widener in three years, and 201 yards rushing November 7 at Wilkes. He also was a factor on special teams with 359 kickoff return yards, including 108 at Albright on October 24.
Leading the way is first-year coach Isaac Collins, the 22nd head coach in Widener history and its first African-American boss. He was defensive coordinator at The Citadel the last four years, an assistant coach at Delaware in 2005 and an assistant coach at Lehigh from 2000-03. He also participated in the National Football League Minority Fellowship Program, completing coaching internships for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2001 and the New York Giants in 1999.
Widener begins its season September 4 at Alfred. The home opener is September 11 against Thiel as part of the “MAC-PAC Football Challenge Series.”
Middle Atlantic Conference Preseason Poll
1. Delaware Valley 47 pts. (5)
2. Lebanon Valley 41 pts. (2)
3. Albright 37 pts.
4. Wilkes 27 pts.
Lycoming 27 pts.
6. Widener 24 pts.
7. FDU-Florham 11 pts.
8. King’s 10 pts.
(first-place votes in parentheses)