What Is 2022 Lake Erie Storm football team

Overview

The 2022 Lake Erie Storm football team represented Lake Erie College in NCAA Division II competition during the 2022 college football season. Competing in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC), the team was led by head coach Jason Hall in his second full season at the helm.

The Storm played their home games at Tressel Field in Painesville, Ohio, a venue with a capacity of approximately 3,500. Despite showing improvement in several offensive categories, the team finished with a losing record, reflecting challenges in conference play.

• Record: The Storm finished the season with a 5-6 overall record, including a 4-5 mark in GMAC games, marking modest improvement from previous years.
• Head Coach: Jason Hall, in his second full season, led the program with a focus on rebuilding the Storm’s competitiveness in the Division II ranks.
• Home Field: Tressel Field, located on campus in Painesville, Ohio, served as the home venue and has hosted Storm games since 2010.
• Offensive Output: The team scored 267 total points across 11 games, averaging 24.3 points per game, a slight improvement from 2021.
• Defensive Performance: The defense allowed 305 points on the season, averaging 27.7 points per game, indicating areas needing improvement for future seasons.

Season Performance

The 2022 campaign featured a mix of close contests and competitive losses, with several games decided by one possession. The Storm showed resilience but struggled to maintain consistency against stronger conference opponents.

• Opening Game: The Storm opened the season on September 3, 2022, with a 35-28 loss to Kentucky Wesleyan, setting the tone for a competitive year.
• Best Win: A 31-24 victory over Tiffin University on October 15 was a highlight, showcasing offensive execution and defensive stops.
• Streaks: The team had two separate two-game winning streaks, including victories over Walsh and Tiffin, but couldn’t sustain momentum.
• Key Player: Quarterback Jalen Suggs threw for 1,842 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading the Storm’s passing attack in 2022.
• Rushing Leader: Running back Darius Jiles rushed for 738 yards and 6 touchdowns, anchoring the ground game throughout the season.
• Defensive Standout: Linebacker Marcus Jones recorded 87 tackles and 3 sacks, earning a spot on the GMAC All-Conference honorable mention list.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2022 Lake Erie Storm compared to select GMAC peers:

The Lake Erie Storm ranked in the middle of the GMAC in terms of win-loss record and scoring. While not among the conference’s elite, they outperformed lower-tier teams and remained competitive in most matchups. The data shows a program in transition, striving for consistency and conference relevance.

Why It Matters

The 2022 season was a step forward in the long-term rebuilding process for Lake Erie football. Though not a playoff contender, the team demonstrated growth under Coach Hall and laid groundwork for future competitiveness.

• Program Development: The season reflected ongoing efforts to stabilize the football program after years of sub-.500 records in Division II.
• Player Development: Young talent gained experience, with several underclassmen starting, setting a foundation for 2023 and beyond.
• Recruiting Momentum: Competitive performances helped boost visibility, aiding in attracting recruits from Ohio and surrounding states.
• Conference Standing: A 4-5 conference record placed them near the middle of the GMAC, showing potential for upward movement.
• Fan Engagement: Improved on-field performance led to increased attendance and local media coverage during home games.
• Future Outlook: With returning starters and a stable coaching staff, the 2023 season offered realistic hopes for a winning record.

The 2022 Lake Erie Storm football season may not have ended in postseason play, but it served as a crucial chapter in the program’s rebuilding arc. Each close game and hard-fought win contributed to a growing sense of momentum and optimism for the future of Storm football.