Five things to watch for in the Lehigh-Holy Cross game

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/ FROM KEITH GROLLER Lehigh plays Holy Cross in a Patriot League football game at 12:30 today in Worcester, Mass. Unfortunately, or maybe, fortunately, if you don't like my coverage, I will not be there as the huge number of Lehigh Valley-area postponements prompted a major shuffling of assignments. But I will be following along on the Internet for the first three quarters before heading off to the Parkland-Emmaus game What to look for: 1. Ryan Spadola's return. Head coach Andy Coen was non-commital on Spadola's availability earlier in the week as the All-American receiver tries to bounce back from mono. He was practicing, but it wasn't certain if, or how much, he will play. If Spadola plays it makes a big difference in the Lehigh offense, obviously. The Mountain Hawks should be able to make plays against a Crusaders defense that surrendered 407 yards in the air against Fordham. 2. Offensive consistency. Lehigh's defense is the reason they are the only FCS-level unbeaten left in the country. It's the offense that looks great for three drives in a row, and then wretched for the next three. Part of that has to do with the revolving door up front. But now is the time for the team to put it together, QB Mike Colvin included. This offense is going to have score in the high 30s (at least) to beat Colgate next week and may need an offensive explosion to beat Lafayette as well on Nov. 17. Now is the time to clean things up and get on a three-game roll. 3. A test for the secondary. As stated above, Lehigh's defense has been the difference in almost every game. The Mountain Hawks will be tested today by a Crusaders passing attack that has totaled more than 300 yards twice in the last three weeks and produced six TDs in the air over the past three games. Both Lafayette and Fordham picked off a pair of interceptions, however, in the past two weeks and Lehigh, too, could benefit from a pick or two. 4. Lots of local flavor. Northampton graduate Billy Boyko has had a superb senior season and leads the team in tackles. Look for freshmen Matt Laub (Parkland) and Noah Robb (Central Catholic) to get more time and make more contributions as backup outside linebackers. And, hopefully, even if Spadola returns, sophomore Josh Parris (Palisades) will continue to see a lot of balls thrown his way. Parris had five catches for 114 yards against Bucknell two weeks ago. 5. Andy Coen's 50th win. There was a time when it looked like I had a better chance of becoming president than Andy Coen had of ever winning 50 games at Lehigh. There were a lot of tough losses and a lot of stress and criticism in some of those early years. After his first four seasons, he was looking at a 20-24 record and a restless fan base. But AD Joe Sterrett supported him and Coen stayed the course, got the guys to rally around him, bolstered the coaching staff with the addition of Dave Cecchini and now his team has gone on 29-5 over the last three seasons and won two league titles and two FCS playoff games. If Coen's 50th win comes today, and I think it will, he deserves a hearty congratulations because there's not a more down-to-earth person in local sports than Coen.