Missouri Baptist at St. Francis
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Outlook: Coming off a defensive-minded 13-10 win over host Lincoln University (Mo.), a Division II program, last weekend, St. Francis (1-1) returns home to Memorial Stadium for its homecoming with a Mid-States Football Association crossover. The Saints pulled off the Division II road victory with a punishing ground attack, rushing 43 times for 232 yards, including a 105-yard performance from senior running back John Magee. Quarterback Don Butkus continues to play well, throwing five touchdowns through his first two collegiate starts. The Mount Carmel product also ran for 79 yards in the Lincoln win. The Saints will try to expose a Missouri Baptist defense that allows an average of 45 points. Linebacker Brett Ditchman (Lincoln-Way Central) leads with 32 tackles. The ball-hawking Saint defense goes up against a Spartan offense that has gained 54 net rushing yards through two games. Missouri Baptist (0-2) is in its first year as a member of the MSFA Mideast League. St. Francis has lost three straight home games by a combined 14 points dating back to last season.
— Tim O’Brien
Webber International at St. Xavier
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, WXAV-FM (88.3)
Outlook: No. 8 St. Xavier hosts No. 20 Webber, out of Lake Wales, Fla., in the NAIA National Game of the Week. It’s the first game between the teams and the Cougars’ second straight against one from Florida, following last week’s 24-21 win at Ave Maria. Expect St. Xavier (2-1) to throw often, especially if running back Mike Ivlow (Joliet Catholic) is unable to return from a shoulder injury that kept him out last week. All other Cougar runners have averaged just 1.6 yards per carry. St. Xavier averages 50 pass attempts. Quarterback John Rhode was named the MSFA Midwest League Offensive Player of the Week after going 33-for-55 for 382 yards passing and three TDs. Derrick Hosselton, a transfer from Olivet Nazarene, has emerged as a playmaker on the Cougars’ defensive line. He produced a sack and four tackles for loss last week. Webber (2-1) is coming off a 35-25 win over then-No. 16 Campbellsville. Warriors are Cougars’ polar opposite offensively, averaging 306 yards rushing led by Darius Page (346 yards rushing, 6 TDs) and Brendan DeShields (278 yards).
— Steve Millar
