(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia football will be preparing this week to host #2 Marian in the team's home opener this Saturday at 1:00pm. The #13-ranked Cardinals enter the game 1-0 after defeating rival Siena Heights 10-7 last week on the road. The Knights enter the matchup 2-0 after a 37-14 victory over Taylor this week.
The Cardinals enter the match with the #1-ranked defense in the NAIA, limiting Siena Heights to 107 yards and -19 rushing yards last week. Marian counters with the #1-ranked offense, featuring 53.0 PPG in their two wins. Marian leads the all-time series 8-1.
Game Details
Statistical Breakdown
Personnel Matchups
Marian at a glance
The Knights enter the contest ranked #2 in the country with a 2-0 record on the young season. Marian defeated Trinity International 69-12 in their season opener and downed Taylor 37-14 last week. The Knights' 53.0 PPG on offense currently ranks #1 in the NAIA. Mark Henninger enters his 8th year with the program.
Player of the Week Honors
Alex Hinojosa was named MSFA Mideast Defensive Player of the Week. The senior defensive end recorded 6 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and an early interception in the team's 10-7 win over Siena Heights. This is Hinojosa's second career time earning the award at the conference level.
Casey Rauch received MSFA Special Teams Player of the Week. The freshman punter booted 7 punts for 251 yards, recording a long of 52 yards. Rauch pinned Siena Heights at their own 4-yard line during the game and placed 3 punts inside the 20-yard line.
NAIA Football Firstdown Playbook Top 25 Poll
The NAIA Football Firstdown Playbook Top 25 poll will remain unchanged until March 22. As such, the Cardinals still remain ranked #13 in the poll. This week's opponent Marian checks in at #2. MSFA Mideast members Saint Francis Ind. (#9) and Siena Heights (#22) are ranked. MSFA Midwest members Saint Xavier (#14), Roosevelt (#20) and Olivet Nazarene (#25) have also received rankings.
Other MSFA Games
MSFA Mideast
Taylor @ #9 Saint Francis Ind. – 12:00pm
#22 Siena Heights @ Indiana Wesleyan – 2:00pm
MSFA Midwest
#25 Olivet Nazarene @ St. Ambrose – 4:00pm
Trinity International @ Missouri Baptist – 6:00pm
