Raven Football returns home on Saturday to take on Missouri Valley College as part of the annual Homecoming Weekend. Saturday's game gets underway at 1 p.m. from O'Malley Field at Larry Wilcox Stadium as the Ravens continue their Heart South schedule against the Vikings.
The Match-Up: This year's meeting marks the 31st between the programs and one of just two traditional Heart opponents that have a winning record in their series with Benedictine. Missouri Valley leads the all-time series 20-10. Saturday marks the second straight meeting between the two schools on O'Malley Field. Benedictine earned a 34-0 win over Missouri Valley last year marking their fourth straight win over the Vikings. Missouri Valley last beat Benedictine, 16-10, back during week three of the 2016 season in Marshall, Mo.
About Benedictine: Saturday's loss with Central Methodist snapped an 11-game winning streak for the Ravens over the Eagles. ... The Ravens have recorded over 500 yards of total offense in three of their last four games and have posted a 2-1 record in those three games. ... Quarterback Garrett Kettle ranks fourth overall in the Heart in passing yards per game at 216.4 and passing TDs with 14. ... With 295 total points, the Ravens are the highest-scoring offense overall in the Heart through seven games with 41 touchdowns, 4 field goals, and 37 extra points. Baker ranks second at 41.9 per game with 42 touchdowns, 2 field goals, 27 extra points, and one 2-point conversion. ... Jalen James has taken a commanding lead in tackles for the Ravens. Through seven games, he has recorded 58 total tackles with 4.5 for a loss and 1 sack. ... As a defense, the Ravens have 11 sacks, 46 tackles for a loss, and 7 interceptions.
About Missouri Valley: Led by the longest-tenured head coach in the Heart now in Paul Troth, the Vikings are still looking to regain a foothold toward the top of the Heart standings. With the retirement of Larry Wilcox after last season, Troth is now the third most wins in the NAIA among active coaches with 172 heading into this season. ... The Vikings are averaging 27.7 points through seven games and are looking to pick up their first win in Heart South play after dropping their opener with Evangel University 30-23. ... Quarterback Darrion Cole is completing 55.4 percent of his passes this season with 123 completions and just 7 interceptions. He is averaging 189.3 yards per game with 8 touchdowns. ... Kenneth Sanford gives the Vikings a consistent threat on the ground with an average of 78.7 yards per game. Jeremiah Bryant adds 36.0 yards per game rushing and leads the Vikings with 7 rushing touchdowns. ... Defensively, the Vikings are sixth in the Heart overall with 15 sacks with 44 tackles for a loss.
Up Next: Benedictine returns to the road to take on No. 6 Baker University in Baldwin City while Missouri Valley travels to Fayette, Mo., to take on Central Methodist University.
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