Back to California for Whitworth football

Whitworth’s football schedule sets up nicely. For 2011. The 2010 slate is a challenge with the Pirates facing five of their first seven games away from home. Whitworth’s road ventures continue against Menlo (3-1) today at noon in Atherton, the Pirates’ third trip to California in four weeks. This contest marks the first of three straight road games, with Northwest Conference matchups against Pacific Lutheran and Pacific to follow. “It is what it is,” Pirates coach John Tully said. It certainly is. “We only have four home games, and we’re already halfway done with those,” said cornerback Derek Stottlemyer, after Whitworth’s 38-20 win over Lewis & Clark last Saturday. “But we have some smart guys who can take care of classes, and it’s kind of fun to go down to California.” Added senior running back Adam Anderson: “I don’t like it, but it’s part of the game. Next year they’ll have a whole bunch of home games.” The Pirates (2-2) are 8-2 all-time against Menlo, a football-only affiliate of the Northwest Conference from 2006-09 that is now an NAIA independent. “Menlo’s defensive front seven is very good and their offensive line is huge,” Tully said. “Our games at Menlo always seem to come down to the last minutes.” Whitworth will continue using two quarterbacks with junior Andrew DeFelice expected to start for the second straight week. Punter/tight end Zack Clow (concussion) made the trip. If he’s cleared to play, it will only be as the punter.