1997 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON

One could claim that Mount Union College's 61-12 win over Lycoming College in the 1997 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl was a result of having the most prolific offense in college football - the Raiders set a new modern day record (since 1937) for points scored (752).

Or it could be a result of boasting Divison III's best defense - the Purple & White led the nation in fewest points allowed (5.6 ppg) and rush defense (48.6 ypg).

In reality, Mount Union's formula for success in '97 can be directly attributed to the concepts of senior leadership, consistency and respect.

Perhaps that's why a #1 pre-season ranking, a difficult Ohio Athletic Conference schedule - which included three top-25 opponents, and four playoff opponents with a combined record of 43-2, couldn't keep the Purple Raiders from their intended goal - to repeat as National Champions.

Mount Union entered the '97 campaign with an impressive 49-1 regular season mark over the past five seasons with five consecutive league titles in hand. At year's end, the Raider regular season resume would stand at 59-1 with six straight conference crowns in tow.

A record total of 20 Raider players earned All-Conference honors, including 10 First-Team selections.

Over and over again, opposing coaches were heard echoing the following words - "Mount Union is not only the class of the Ohio Athletic Conference but the class of Division III football as well."

The Raiders would get the opportunity to prove them right.

The post-season began with a familiar opponent - the Allegheny College Gators (PA). The co champions of the North Coast Athletic Conference would take on Mount Union for the fourth time in five years and sixth time overall this decade.

The Gators (9-2) would be the only team to challenge the Raiders all season long. Tied 24-24 with 13:46 remaining in the final stanza, Mount Union's defense rose to the challenge, sacking the Gator signal-caller twice and forcing a three-and-out series. Mount Union's offense would seize the moment - scoring on its next two possessions en route to a 34- 30 victory.

Mount Union's next stop was a familiar one - the Raiders would compete in their sixth consecutive North Region Championship contest. The opponent - a familiar foe - conference rival John Carroll University, a team the Purple & White had beaten earlier in the season in laying claim to the OAC Championship.

The Raiders seemed too focused to listen to those who were saying - "It's difficult to beat a quality opponent twice in one season." Behind dominant offensive line play, the Raider passing game was sharp while the running game featured Marc Lantos rushing for a career best 155 yards. Meanwhile, the defense controlled the line of scrimmage, frustrating the Blue Streak (10-2) offense into a number of turnovers. The Purple Raiders entered the semi-final round on the heels of a 59-7 win.

Simpson College (IA) entered Mount Union Stadium boasting the nation's top-ranked offense and best overall running game. The Storm (12-1) would be held to a season-low 288 yards, while for the second straight week, Mount Union would total over 600 yards of offense in earning a 54-7 win.

As Storm head coach Jim Williams put it - "I want to make it clear that we have a very good football team. But today, we ran into a great football team."

The Raiders were prepped to make their third Stagg Bowl appearance in five years. The opponent - undefeated Lycoming College (12-0). The Warriors were masters of the improbable, a team that found ways to win all season long - including a come-from-behind upset over eastern power Rowan College (NJ) in round #3 of the playoffs.

On this day, there would be no surprises, no second half comeback, no fourth quarter flurry. Instead, Salem Stadium became a personal showcase for the Raider football program in extending college football's longest win streak to 28.

Melberger & Gagliardi Award winner Bill Borchert, the Division III Player of the Year, threw for over 400 yards and six TD strikes while the Raider defense harassed and sacked the Warrior signal-caller six times.

The scoreboard spoke volumes: Mount Union 61 - Lycoming 12. The Purple Raiders (14-0) made their statement on the field of play.

"Frankly, we could have played our best game and that team would still have beaten us," confessed Warrior mentor Frank Girardi afterwards. "I don't know if there are too many Division II teams that could have beaten them today. They're easily the best team we've played."

Lost in the flurry of statistical superlatives was the fact that an amazing group of Mount Union seniors led with class and dignity - finishing their collegiate careers with a legacy that included 50 wins, a pair of National Championship Titles and lasting memories for players and fans alike.