Del Val tries to overcome QB loss

Delaware Valley College coach Jim Clements spent the first few days of preseason practice missing the guy who had become the face of the Aggies' program.

And with just cause.

Recent graduate Mike Isgro threw for 7,336 yards and 61 touchdowns during his four seasons as starting quarterback. The three-time all-Middle Atlantic Conference selection also led the Aggies to a conference title in each of the last two seasons.

"But we have to move on," Clements said of Isgro's departure. "Mark Hatty is doing a great job."

While Hatty received his coach's endorsement, the Neumann-Goretti grad is one of the few question marks surrounding what should be a successful season for the Aggies.

Folks are wondering whether the senior quarterback, with just one career start, is capable of leading a program picked to win its third consecutive MAC title and advance deep into the NCAA Division III playoffs.

The Aggies return 16 starters - eight offensive and eight defensive - from last season's 10-2 team and are a consensus top-10 national preseason selection.

Delaware Valley is ranked seventh by both Lindy's and the Sporting News. The Aggies were picked for eighth by USA Today and for 10th by D3football.com.

Hatty is confident that he'll do just fine. He points to last season's game against King's College, his lone career start.

Playing in place of the injured Isgro, the 6-foot-4, 200-pounder completed 16 of 22 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns in a 47-21 rout.

That game, along with working exclusively with the first unit during the last three springs, helped build Hatty's confidence. As a baseball player, Isgro didn't participate in Delaware Valley's spring practices.

"You wait three years and get excited, because finally it's my time to play," Hatty said. "I can't wait for this season to get started."

Cheyney. In his third season of leading the Wolves, coach Jeff Braxton looks to snap Cheyney's 28-game losing streak. Junior defensive end Tim Hume is one of eight returning starters on defense. The offense will be sparked by Consensus Draft Services preseason all-American senior offensive tackle Gabe Johnson-Siano and sophomore quarterback Angel Rodriquez, a running threat.

Lincoln. The school becomes a full-fledged active NCAA Division II member on Wednesday. It also returns 10 defensive and nine offensive starters from last season's 3-7 squad. Juniors Brucelee Sterile (5-10, 200) and Brandon McElwee (6-1, 200) might be two of the area's top undersize linebackers.

Widener. The Pride hope for renewed energy with the hiring of Isaac Collins as head coach. Widener returns five defensive and six offensive starters from last season's 3-7 squad. Sophomore quarterback Chris Haupt progressed a great deal late last season.

Ursinus. The Bears look to post their fourth winning season in five years. Returning 10 offensive and nine defensive starters, they shouldn't have a problem accomplishing their goal. Quarterback Justin Decristofaro (Father Judge) and wideouts Nick Giarratano and Al Desiderio (Roman Catholic) provide a solid passing attack.

Rowan. The Profs return four all-New Jersey Athletic Conference selections in offensive lineman Tommy Menendez, senior defensive end Matt Hoffman (Burlington Township), junior tight end Kevin DelleDonne, and senior linebacker Jerome Gordon (Pemberton). Coach Jay Accorsi takes a 66-23 record into his ninth season at Rowan.