Edinboro All-American QB Trevor Harris had arthroscopic surgery just 9 days ago to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee - showing a slight 'hitch in the giddy-up' he led the Fighting Scots to a 31-16 win at East Stroudsburg in Round One of the D-2 Playoffs. Harris threw for 3 TDs and got a huge boost from the special teams right before the half.

ESU came out blazing and was up 13-3 early in the 2nd quarter (Warrior QB Matt Marshall had 157 yards passing and 1 TD from his first two completions!). With just 41 seconds in the half, Harris' one-yard fade to the corner to Nick Marino cut the deficit to 3 at 13-10. With time running out in the half, ESU lined-up for a 46-yard FG attempt. Soph DB Branden Williams blocked the kick, picked-up the ball at the 39 and ran 61-yards for another Edinboro score as the clock read 00:00. The Fighting Scots took a 17-13 lead and some HUGE momentum into the lockerroom.

The Warriors were unable to generate any more offense after that stunner, managing only 3 points and 130 yards in the second half. Harris will take his 9-3 team to face Super Region 1 top-seeded West Liberty this week in Round Two. EU defeated the Hilltoppers 42-30 at home in the first week of the season - West Liberty has won 10 straight games since then.

College: East Stroudsburg Conference: Division II - PSAC Columnist: Jay Horn

Matt Freed 39 5' 10.0" 205 4.85 LB 2011

Freed (again 1st Team PSAC LB) led the Warriors with 11 tackles (8 solo) and 2 sacks. He is very quick and is always moving to the ball. He is very hard to block, and despite the usual size mis-matches, he is able to make the play. Great 'motor' and he displays lots of energy and enthusiasm for his defense. With 25 more pounds and a great senior year, I would expect him to compete for an OLB job with an NFL club (and be an excellent special teams player as well).

GRADE: VERY POSITIVE

Morgan Thomas 74 6' 3.0" 300 5.00 OG 2010

Thomas was 1st-Team PSAC at guard last year, but moved to LT to shore up the line in '09. He was named 1st-Team PSAC at that position, as well. He is very mobile and strong (I would expect to see him at OG at the next level) with good pass block skills and hand work against the rush (he protected Marshall well). I didn't get to see him in many pulling situations, but his speed/quickness appeared adequate. I would expect him to be invited to camp and be at least on a practice squad next season.

GRADE: POSITIVE

College: Edinboro Conference: Division II - PSAC Columnist: Jay Horn

Trevor Harris 7 6' 2.4" 234 4.85 QB 2010:

Harris is definitely the reason Edinboro wins game - coming off a meniscus tear against Clarion (where EU lost and failed to score a point after leading the game with Harris on the field) he showed tremendous grit and leadership. He never bailed-out early from the pocket (he did take 3 sacks) and his poise resulted in several key completions (notably in the first drive of the 2nd half his TD pass to Shawn Walker while he was being harassed by Warrior pass-rushers was huge to set the tone for the remainder of the game). He finished the day with 298 yards and 3 TDs completing 28 of 39 including 11 rushes for 33 yards. Leadership and steady play are his strengths - if arm strength improves he could bump a back-up at the next level.

GRADE: VERY POSITIVE

Houston Brown 5 5' 9.0" 205 4.60 CB 2010

The Fighting Scots prevailed in spite of Brown today - he was burned on both big pass plays by Marshall and his receivers. He settled down to get 5 solo tackles on the day but he really doesn't want this game film seen by any potential employers. He also came in on offense and lost 6 yards on 1 carry. Has some ability, but inconsistency will probably prevent anyone from taking a chance on him.

GRADE: SLIGHTLY NEGATIVE

Jeremy Appell 54 6' 1.4" 233 4.90 DE 2010

Appell had a very good game for Edinboro today - second on the team with 8 tackles (3 solo) and a pass break-up. Showed a good rush on Marshall and was able to play good contain and make plays at the LOS. Lacks the frame and mass to play DE at the next level and is just not fast enough to be an OLB. A solid player at this level, but not any higher.

GRADE: POSITIVE

OTHER NOTES:

Endinboro soph CB Branden Williams had a big day, with 3 tackles, and INT and 2 blocked kicks (a PAT and the FG) with 90 yards of returns including the 61 yard TD return after the blocked FG - he now has 7 blocked kicks in his short career ... Warrior QB Matt Marshall was 15-26 for 301 yards and 2 TDs (on plays of 3 and 77 yards) with an INT and a fumble ... Ed Kiser caught 5 for 121 to lead the Warrior receivers while Gary Nolin caught 3 for 110 yards and TD for the Scots.