September 27, 2002
Hamilton, NY — With three running backs already out for the season with injuries, the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø running game takes on a new appearance as the Raiders entertain Columbia University Saturday at Andy Kerr Stadium. Kickoff is 1 p.m.
Last Saturday, starting tailback suffered a season-ending fractured dislocation of the left ankle late in the third quarter in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s 30-26 win over Dartmouth. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø head coach Dick Biddle replaced Thomas at tailback with starting fullback and inserted senior at fullback.
That combination produced 170 yards rushing in the fourth quarter with Polk carrying for 167 yards and Lavoie leading the way with some devastating blocking. Lavoie was making his first appearance for the Raiders since the 1999 season. He missed the 2000 season with injuries and was out of school during the 2001 campaign. He came back this season but injured his hamstring in preseason forcing him to miss the first two games of the year.
Lavoie, a 5-foot-11, 241-pounder from Tewksbury, Mass. had gained 704 career yards for 51³Ô¹ÏÍø in his first two seasons and scored 11 touchdowns. His return will help the Raiders to overcome the setback caused by the injuries.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø snapped a two-game losing streak last Saturday, while the Lions opened their season with a 13-11 win over Fordham. Fordham defeated 51³Ô¹ÏÍø 40-31 earlier this season.
This is the 26th meeting between 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and Columbia with the Raiders leading the series 20-4-1. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø has won nine straight in the series including a 27-24 decision in the last meeting in 1993 at Andy Kerr Stadium. The Lions are winless in four previous visits to Hamilton.
This is the second of four games for 51³Ô¹ÏÍø against Ivy League teams this season. The Raiders have won 12 straight against the Ivies and are 15-2 under coach Biddle against the Ancient Eight. The last Raider setback came against Princeton during the 1997 season.