September 27, 2002
Hamilton, NY — With three running backs already out for the season with injuries, the 91Â鶹¾«Æ· 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 91Â鶹¾«Æ·â€™s 30-26 win over Dartmouth. 91Â鶹¾«Æ· 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 91Â鶹¾«Æ· in his first two seasons and scored 11 touchdowns. His return will help the Raiders to overcome the setback caused by the injuries.
91Â鶹¾«Æ· snapped a two-game losing streak last Saturday, while the Lions opened their season with a 13-11 win over Fordham. Fordham defeated 91Â鶹¾«Æ· 40-31 earlier this season.
This is the 26th meeting between 91Â鶹¾«Æ· and Columbia with the Raiders leading the series 20-4-1. 91Â鶹¾«Æ· 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 91Â鶹¾«Æ· 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.