The University of Akron Athletics
Thursday, September 1
Akron, Ohio
6:00 PM
University of Akron
vs
Saint Francis (Pa.)
Akron Opens Campaign Hosting Saint Francis
August 31 | Football
DIGITAL TICKETING INFORMATION | CLEAR BAG POLICY
Akron (0-0) vs. Saint Francis (0-0)
Thursday, Sept. 1
InfoCision Stadium
Akron, Ohio • 6 p.m.
Series History: First Meeting
Live Stats:Â www.GoZips.com
Live Stream: www.GoZips.com (subscription may be required) and ESPN App
Television:Â www.GoZips.com (subscription may be required) and ESPN App
Radio:Â 640 WHLO AM (Dave Skoczen - pxp and Joe Dunn - color)
Â
DIGITAL TICKETING
As part of our ongoing effort to enhance our fan experience and improve safety at all of our venues, we are excited to deliver a convenient way for fans to access tickets and parking passes for every Akron home event directly on their smartphone.
GoZips.com/Tickets will be the easiest and most convenient way for fans to access their Zips ticket account. To save time at the venue, fans are encouraged to save tickets and parking to their Apple Wallet or Google Pay apps prior to arrival on game day.
GoZips.com/Tickets is the easiest way for a fan to access their tickets and parking on their mobile browser and log in with their email or Zips tickets account number and password. At that point fans will be able to manage their online account from their smartphone.
AKRON CLEAR BAG GIVEAWAY AND FIREWORKS
The first 5,000 fans in attendance will be given a free clear bag in accordance with Akron Athletics implementing a clear bag policy at all its athletic venues for the 2022-23 year.
Â
Approximately 10 minutes after the game, there will be a fireworks celebration launched from Nash Street, east of the stadium. Nash Street will be closed and there will be limited, if any, paid parking available in the grass lots east of the stadium. The first row of Lot 9 (off Spicer Street) will also be closed.
Â
The following roads will be impacted during the post-game fireworks show:
The University of Akron football team opens its 122nd season with a showdown with Saint Francis (Pa.) on Thursday, Sept. 1. The 6 p.m. ET tilt will be broadcast on ESPN3 with Michael Reghi and Adam Breneman calling the action with a link on GoZips.com.
HEAD COACHES
Saint Francis: Chris Villarrial (Indiana (Pa.)), overall record: 51-71 (12th Season)/record at Saint Francis: 51-71 (12th Season)
Akron: Joe Moorhead (Fordham, 1996), overall record - 52-25 (Seventh Season)/record at Akron - 0-0 (First Season)
SERIES HISTORY
Akron is meeting Saint Francis for the first time in program history.
SCOUTING SAINT FRANCIS
Saint Francis enters the 2022 campaign on the heels of a 5-6 record a season, including a 4-3 mark in the Northeast Conference.
Redshirt junior QB Justin Slowoski paced the Saint Francis attack in 2021 passing for 1,165 yards, including throwing 12 touchdowns. Redshirt junior RB Marques DeShields rushed for 767 yards and four touchdowns, while redshirt sophomore WR Kahtero Summers and redshirt junior WR Brandan Lisenby combined to haul in 80 passes for 1,145 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Defensively, the quartet of senior S Martin Foray, Jr., senior ILB Willie O'Hara, redshirt junior S Gio Vonne Sanders and redshirt sophomore ILB Tremayn Stott combined to record 287 tackles, including posting 44, 15, 40 and 29 solo stops, respectively. Redshirt junior DL Donnell Brown and redshirt sophomore OLB Jaylen Parks led the Tigers with 5.0 defensive sacks apiece.
As a team, Saint Francis averaged nearly 23 (22.91) points per game, while holding their opponents to under 20 points (19.09) per outing. The Red Flash threw for 176.3 yards and rushed for 146.4 yards per tilt.
As a team, Saint Francis ranked fourth in the NCAA FCS in kickoff return defense (13.94), 10th in punt return defense (3.73), 16th in scoring defense (19.1), 18th in punt returns (10.94), 21st in red zone defense (.742), 22nd in red zone offense (.867), 27th in total defense (332.2), 29th in fewest penalty yards (514), 30th in fewest penalty yards per tilt (46.73) and team passing efficiency (138.69), 33rd in team passing efficiency defense (120.07), 41st in passing yards per completion (12.67), 45th in third down conversion defense (.364), 46th in fewest penalties (63) and 48th in fewest penalities per game (5.73).
Individually, Silwoski rated fifth in passing efficiency (162.2), 11th in yards per pass attempt (8.38), 15th in completion percentage (.647) and 26th in passing yards per completion (12.94). Redshirt sophomore K Alex Schmoke rated seventh in field goal percentage (.882) and 16th in field goals per game (1.36), while Foray, Jr. ranked 28th in total tackles (9.3).
ZIP TIDBITS
• Redshirt junior QB DJ Irons (Lawrenceville, Ga.) connected on 78-of-120 passes for 892 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021. He was perfect in debut as a Zip against Auburn, completing 13-of-13 passes for 129 yards with his first passing touchdown coming to sophomore RB Jonzell Norrils (Toledo, Ohio) in the fourth quarter. He followed with a 19-of-23 effort for a career-high 296 yards versus Bryant.
• Sophomore TE Tristian Brank (Asheville, N.C.) leads Akron returning receivers pulling in 25 catches for 269 yards and three touchdowns a season ago.
• Jonzell Norrils led Akron in rushing a season ago with a team-best 573 yards on the ground, including three touchdowns. QB DJ Irons, sophomore RB Blake Hester (Ashland, Ky.) and redshirt sophomore RB Anthony Williams, Jr. (Chicago, Ill.), round out the Zips' returners having registered 296, 274 and 207 yards rushing a year ago, while combining to score five touchdowns on the ground.
• Redshirt junior LB Jeslord Boateng (Dublin, Ohio) led Akron in total tackles (80), solo tackles (39), assists (41) and in tackles for a loss (7.5). He registered a career-best three tackles for a loss against Buffalo on Oct. 23.
• Senior CB Jaylen Kelly-Powell (Detroit, Mich.), sophomore LB Andrew Behm (Appleton, Wis.), senior CB Charles Amankwaa (Hillsborough, N.J.) and senior LB Bubba Arslanian (Aurora, Ill.) ranked second, third, fourth and fifth, respectively, in tackles for the Zips in 2021 with totals of 73 (33 solo | 40 assists), 63 (26 solo | 37 assists), 48 (34 solo | 14 assists) and 43 (19 solo | 24 assists).
• Akron was 25-of-36 in the red zone last season, including 18 touchdowns and seven field goals.
• Akron rated 27th in the NCAA in 2021 in fewest penalty yards (528), 30th in blocked kicks (2) and in time of possession (31:08), 36th in fewest penalties (68), 37th in completion percentage (.642), 41st in fewest penalty yards per game (46.08), 50th in team passing efficiency (143.34) and 52nd in fewest penalties per game (5.67).
AKRON NAMES FIVE CAPTAINS FOR THE 2022 CAMPAIGN
The Zips elected Bubba Arslanian, redshirt senior DL Curtis Harper (McKeesport, Pa.), DJ Irons, Shocky Jacques-Louis and K Cory Smigel (North Royalton, Ohio) as captains for Akron for the 2022 campaign.
AKRON INTRODUCES CLEAR BAG POLICY
University of Akron Athletics in conjunction with increased security measures on the campus of The University of Akron has established a clear bag policy at all its athletic venues for the 2022-23 year.
Â
In alignment with many of the area's professional organizations, Akron has instituted new clear bag policy where approved bags include clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed a size of 12 inches wide by 12 inches high and 6 inches deep. Other approved bags include one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar), medical bags and small clutch bags approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap.
Â
Prohibited bags include backpacks, binocular cases, camera cases, fanny packs, large-printed bags, mesh bags, purses and tinted plastic bags.
Â
Prohibited items include; artificial noisemakers, laser pointers, hoverboards/skateboards, signs larger than 2 feet by 3 feet, alcoholic beverages, outside food and beverages, signs with inappropriate of offensive language and weapons are not permitted at Akron Athletic venues.
Â
Prohibited behavior include but are not limited to throwing objects of any kind; demonstrating unruly behavior; attempting to enter the court; engaging in behavior that endangers the safety of student athletes, coaches, officials, or other guests; attempting to access the court and/ or taunting of law enforcement, safety and event staff personnel. Consequences for guests exhibiting prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to, ejection from all Akron Athletic venues, and/or arrest.
Â
NO RE-ENTRY POLICY AT ALL ATHLETIC VENUES
Guests and students that exit all Akron Athletic venues will not be permitted to re-enter.
AKRON INTRODUCES MODERN, STYLIZED "A" MARKS
The University of Akron (UA) Department of Athletics unveiled in May its new principal logo, a modern, stylized "A"—and a companion version that also incorporates the name "Akron"—showcasing the University as a prominent NCAA Division I program. The new design is the anchor in a comprehensive and unified UA Athletics visual brand identity that features a bold and distinctive primary letterform. It also subtly includes the "Z" that has been utilized for the last several years.
Â
The new design reflects the tradition of Akron's program and establishes a more complementary and reinforcing linkage to the University's overall brand identity, which will provide advantages in advancing the University's student recruitment efforts. The name Zips and the beloved mascot, Zippy, will continue to be prominently represented for UA and UA Athletics.
UP NEXT
Akron travels to East Lansing, Mich., to battle Michigan State in a 4 p.m. game on Saturday, Sept. 10.
Â
Akron (0-0) vs. Saint Francis (0-0)
Thursday, Sept. 1
InfoCision Stadium
Akron, Ohio • 6 p.m.
Series History: First Meeting
Live Stats:Â www.GoZips.com
Live Stream: www.GoZips.com (subscription may be required) and ESPN App
Television:Â www.GoZips.com (subscription may be required) and ESPN App
Radio:Â 640 WHLO AM (Dave Skoczen - pxp and Joe Dunn - color)
Â
DIGITAL TICKETING
As part of our ongoing effort to enhance our fan experience and improve safety at all of our venues, we are excited to deliver a convenient way for fans to access tickets and parking passes for every Akron home event directly on their smartphone.
GoZips.com/Tickets will be the easiest and most convenient way for fans to access their Zips ticket account. To save time at the venue, fans are encouraged to save tickets and parking to their Apple Wallet or Google Pay apps prior to arrival on game day.
GoZips.com/Tickets is the easiest way for a fan to access their tickets and parking on their mobile browser and log in with their email or Zips tickets account number and password. At that point fans will be able to manage their online account from their smartphone.
AKRON CLEAR BAG GIVEAWAY AND FIREWORKS
The first 5,000 fans in attendance will be given a free clear bag in accordance with Akron Athletics implementing a clear bag policy at all its athletic venues for the 2022-23 year.
Â
Approximately 10 minutes after the game, there will be a fireworks celebration launched from Nash Street, east of the stadium. Nash Street will be closed and there will be limited, if any, paid parking available in the grass lots east of the stadium. The first row of Lot 9 (off Spicer Street) will also be closed.
Â
The following roads will be impacted during the post-game fireworks show:
- Southbound Spicer Street. at Vine Street will be closed.
- Traffic will be diverted from Lot 9 gate at Spicer Street, southbound only.
- Spicer Street northbound at Exchange Street will be closed.
The University of Akron football team opens its 122nd season with a showdown with Saint Francis (Pa.) on Thursday, Sept. 1. The 6 p.m. ET tilt will be broadcast on ESPN3 with Michael Reghi and Adam Breneman calling the action with a link on GoZips.com.
HEAD COACHES
Saint Francis: Chris Villarrial (Indiana (Pa.)), overall record: 51-71 (12th Season)/record at Saint Francis: 51-71 (12th Season)
Akron: Joe Moorhead (Fordham, 1996), overall record - 52-25 (Seventh Season)/record at Akron - 0-0 (First Season)
SERIES HISTORY
Akron is meeting Saint Francis for the first time in program history.
SCOUTING SAINT FRANCIS
Saint Francis enters the 2022 campaign on the heels of a 5-6 record a season, including a 4-3 mark in the Northeast Conference.
Redshirt junior QB Justin Slowoski paced the Saint Francis attack in 2021 passing for 1,165 yards, including throwing 12 touchdowns. Redshirt junior RB Marques DeShields rushed for 767 yards and four touchdowns, while redshirt sophomore WR Kahtero Summers and redshirt junior WR Brandan Lisenby combined to haul in 80 passes for 1,145 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Defensively, the quartet of senior S Martin Foray, Jr., senior ILB Willie O'Hara, redshirt junior S Gio Vonne Sanders and redshirt sophomore ILB Tremayn Stott combined to record 287 tackles, including posting 44, 15, 40 and 29 solo stops, respectively. Redshirt junior DL Donnell Brown and redshirt sophomore OLB Jaylen Parks led the Tigers with 5.0 defensive sacks apiece.
As a team, Saint Francis averaged nearly 23 (22.91) points per game, while holding their opponents to under 20 points (19.09) per outing. The Red Flash threw for 176.3 yards and rushed for 146.4 yards per tilt.
As a team, Saint Francis ranked fourth in the NCAA FCS in kickoff return defense (13.94), 10th in punt return defense (3.73), 16th in scoring defense (19.1), 18th in punt returns (10.94), 21st in red zone defense (.742), 22nd in red zone offense (.867), 27th in total defense (332.2), 29th in fewest penalty yards (514), 30th in fewest penalty yards per tilt (46.73) and team passing efficiency (138.69), 33rd in team passing efficiency defense (120.07), 41st in passing yards per completion (12.67), 45th in third down conversion defense (.364), 46th in fewest penalties (63) and 48th in fewest penalities per game (5.73).
Individually, Silwoski rated fifth in passing efficiency (162.2), 11th in yards per pass attempt (8.38), 15th in completion percentage (.647) and 26th in passing yards per completion (12.94). Redshirt sophomore K Alex Schmoke rated seventh in field goal percentage (.882) and 16th in field goals per game (1.36), while Foray, Jr. ranked 28th in total tackles (9.3).
ZIP TIDBITS
• Redshirt junior QB DJ Irons (Lawrenceville, Ga.) connected on 78-of-120 passes for 892 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021. He was perfect in debut as a Zip against Auburn, completing 13-of-13 passes for 129 yards with his first passing touchdown coming to sophomore RB Jonzell Norrils (Toledo, Ohio) in the fourth quarter. He followed with a 19-of-23 effort for a career-high 296 yards versus Bryant.
• Sophomore TE Tristian Brank (Asheville, N.C.) leads Akron returning receivers pulling in 25 catches for 269 yards and three touchdowns a season ago.
• Jonzell Norrils led Akron in rushing a season ago with a team-best 573 yards on the ground, including three touchdowns. QB DJ Irons, sophomore RB Blake Hester (Ashland, Ky.) and redshirt sophomore RB Anthony Williams, Jr. (Chicago, Ill.), round out the Zips' returners having registered 296, 274 and 207 yards rushing a year ago, while combining to score five touchdowns on the ground.
• Redshirt junior LB Jeslord Boateng (Dublin, Ohio) led Akron in total tackles (80), solo tackles (39), assists (41) and in tackles for a loss (7.5). He registered a career-best three tackles for a loss against Buffalo on Oct. 23.
• Senior CB Jaylen Kelly-Powell (Detroit, Mich.), sophomore LB Andrew Behm (Appleton, Wis.), senior CB Charles Amankwaa (Hillsborough, N.J.) and senior LB Bubba Arslanian (Aurora, Ill.) ranked second, third, fourth and fifth, respectively, in tackles for the Zips in 2021 with totals of 73 (33 solo | 40 assists), 63 (26 solo | 37 assists), 48 (34 solo | 14 assists) and 43 (19 solo | 24 assists).
• Akron was 25-of-36 in the red zone last season, including 18 touchdowns and seven field goals.
• Akron rated 27th in the NCAA in 2021 in fewest penalty yards (528), 30th in blocked kicks (2) and in time of possession (31:08), 36th in fewest penalties (68), 37th in completion percentage (.642), 41st in fewest penalty yards per game (46.08), 50th in team passing efficiency (143.34) and 52nd in fewest penalties per game (5.67).
AKRON NAMES FIVE CAPTAINS FOR THE 2022 CAMPAIGN
The Zips elected Bubba Arslanian, redshirt senior DL Curtis Harper (McKeesport, Pa.), DJ Irons, Shocky Jacques-Louis and K Cory Smigel (North Royalton, Ohio) as captains for Akron for the 2022 campaign.
AKRON INTRODUCES CLEAR BAG POLICY
University of Akron Athletics in conjunction with increased security measures on the campus of The University of Akron has established a clear bag policy at all its athletic venues for the 2022-23 year.
Â
In alignment with many of the area's professional organizations, Akron has instituted new clear bag policy where approved bags include clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed a size of 12 inches wide by 12 inches high and 6 inches deep. Other approved bags include one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar), medical bags and small clutch bags approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap.
Â
Prohibited bags include backpacks, binocular cases, camera cases, fanny packs, large-printed bags, mesh bags, purses and tinted plastic bags.
Â
Prohibited items include; artificial noisemakers, laser pointers, hoverboards/skateboards, signs larger than 2 feet by 3 feet, alcoholic beverages, outside food and beverages, signs with inappropriate of offensive language and weapons are not permitted at Akron Athletic venues.
Â
Prohibited behavior include but are not limited to throwing objects of any kind; demonstrating unruly behavior; attempting to enter the court; engaging in behavior that endangers the safety of student athletes, coaches, officials, or other guests; attempting to access the court and/ or taunting of law enforcement, safety and event staff personnel. Consequences for guests exhibiting prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to, ejection from all Akron Athletic venues, and/or arrest.
Â
NO RE-ENTRY POLICY AT ALL ATHLETIC VENUES
Guests and students that exit all Akron Athletic venues will not be permitted to re-enter.
AKRON INTRODUCES MODERN, STYLIZED "A" MARKS
The University of Akron (UA) Department of Athletics unveiled in May its new principal logo, a modern, stylized "A"—and a companion version that also incorporates the name "Akron"—showcasing the University as a prominent NCAA Division I program. The new design is the anchor in a comprehensive and unified UA Athletics visual brand identity that features a bold and distinctive primary letterform. It also subtly includes the "Z" that has been utilized for the last several years.
Â
The new design reflects the tradition of Akron's program and establishes a more complementary and reinforcing linkage to the University's overall brand identity, which will provide advantages in advancing the University's student recruitment efforts. The name Zips and the beloved mascot, Zippy, will continue to be prominently represented for UA and UA Athletics.
UP NEXT
Akron travels to East Lansing, Mich., to battle Michigan State in a 4 p.m. game on Saturday, Sept. 10.
Â
Players Mentioned
DB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
ILB
/ Football
ILB
/ Football
TE
/ Football
DL
/ Football
RB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
S
/ Football
RB
/ Football
PK
/ Football
RB
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