MANSFIELD, P.A. (WENY) - The Collegiate Sprint Football season is set to kick off this weekend. After a solid 2021, Mansfield University looks to be right in the mix this fall.

In order to play Sprint Football, student-athletes must weigh 178 pounds or less.

Mansfield finished last season 4-4 overall and was 3rd in the CSFL North Division at 2-2. The Mountaineers return a lot of talent from last season including sophomore quarterback Cahsid Raymond who was last year's CSFL Offensive Player and Rookie of the Year. Raymond rushed for 900 yards and 11 touchdowns and he threw for 1,210 yards with 9 touchdowns last season.

The Mountaineers also return local student-athletes - Wellsboro native Chase Moser and Horseheads native Matt Robert, who were named to the First-Team All-CSFL Defense last year. There are six Twin Tiers natives on the roster: Matt Robert and Gavin Hinman (Horseheads), Ethan Simpson (Elmira), Noah Bennett (Edison), Chase Moser (Wellsboro), and Mason Schultz (Canton).

Head Coach, John Evans says that running back and PSAC sprinter Terrance Quaker is back this year after missing last season due to a torn hamstring. Evans added that the offense returns All-Conference wide receivers Eugene Haynes and Latrenton Randle as well as a talented offensive line, and the Mountaineers have an all-around strong defensive unit. 

The players are thrilled to begin a new season, and Evans discussed what fans should expect and how the team is approaching the season.

"I think they're going to have a highly motivated, very talented team. We're still working on some combinations but we have key returners on both sides of the ball" said Evans. "This year is let's get 1-0 and then next week we'll work on that again, and the other thing is to only control the controllable. We're going to miss tackles, we're going to miss blocks. I always say get on to the next play and everything will be ok."

"It feels great, I've been working all summer trying to get better as a passer and I'm glad I'm back with the Mountaineers," said Cahsid Raymond. "We have a great team coming back and a lot of new guys and we're just building every week getting stronger."

"It's quite bittersweet, I wish I could spend every year of my life with these boys," said Chase Moser. "They're my family and the past four or five years have been awesome I wish I didn't have to leave. I think we're looking pretty tough this year. We lost a couple of guys last year that didn't come back but we've got freshmen ready to come up, ready to fill in spots, and ready to hit another jersey."

The Mountaineers will kick off the regular season on Saturday, September 17th when they travel to Caldwell University at 6:30 PM. Then they will have their home opener on Saturday, September 24th when they host Chestnut Hill at 7 PM at Karl Van Norman Field.