Football and futbol

We start today with some bad news and some good news. Let's get the bad news out of the way first.

I was told at this afternoon's local football coaches luncheon that Dan Staffieri, known to Penn fans as "Coach Lake," is not in good health. This is why he was not at the Villanova game Saturday, and I have been told that we might not see him at Franklin Field at all this season.

Staffieri will be familiar to you all as the guy who stands on the Penn sideline with the bullhorn and red-and-blue suit, leading the student section in various chants.

It is my view that he, Dan Harrell and the late John McAdams best represent the essence and history of Penn sports. I have been fortunate to know all three rather well.

McAdams' passing a few years ago deprived us all of so much institutional knowledge about college basketball in the region. Losing Staffieri would be another serious blow.

Having said that, Staffieri's stamina and energy are legendary. If you'll allow me to say so, we should all hope he wins this fight as well.

Now for the good news. The Daily News has heard further confirmation from a source at Major League Soccer that Philadelphia Union will play its first game at Seattle on March 25, and the Inquirer has reported that the Union will play its home opener at Lincoln Fiancial Field on April 10 against D.C. United.

Yes, that latter thing is good news. I will explain why and share my thoughts about the significance of opening in Seattle later tonight, but I don't have time right now to get it all together. Stay tuned.

For now, though, let's get back to our regular Wednesday schedule. Here's what the local small colleges are up to, and the audio highlights from the football luncheon.

West Chester
Last week: Road win vs. Millersville, 63-10
This week: 9/26 vs. Kutztown, 6:00 p.m.

Delaware Valley
Last week: Home loss vs. Wesley, 31-13
This week: No game

Rowan
Last week: Road loss vs. SUNY-Cortland, 24-14
This week: 9/26 at William Paterson, 1:00 p.m.

Ursinus
Last week: Road loss vs. Juniata, 31-0
This week: No game

Widener
Last week: Road loss vs. Ithaca, 41-17
This week: 9/26 vs. Frostburg State, 1:00 p.m.

Lincoln
Last week: Home loss vs. Shaw, 68-6
This week: 9/26 at Livingstone, 1:00 p.m.

Cheyney
Last week: Road loss vs. LIU-C.W. Post, 51-0
This week: 9/26 vs. East Stroudsburg, 1:00 p.m.