Martin Luther College Football

MLC Ready for Revenge against Westminster

The Knights ascent back to .500 must go through defending UMAC Champions

The Knight's home opener Saturday comes with much anticipation. The Knights can improve to 2-0 in conference play, and bring the overall record back to .500 at 2-2. Westminster also has aspirations for a 2-0 conference record. This game is an opportunity for either team to make an statement in this young season. For the Knights, the victory against Maranatha last Saturday gives the team some much needed confidence as they prepare to play the defending UMAC champions.

Rallying from a 14 point deficit, the Knights scored 17 unanswered points, capped off by senior WR/K Noah Bater's 25 yard game-winning field goal with one minute remaining. Junior quarterback Dan Lange was also impressive in the victory, completing 20 of his 30 passes for 246 yards, including a 30 yard touchdown pass to Bater. Even more impressive was the Knights ability to adapt. Predominantly a run-first offense, the Knights went to the air when the running game was averaging only 2.5 yards per carry. The passing game was very effective, giving the Knights the best passing offense in the UMAC last week.

The Westminster Blue Jays also opened up conference play with a victory last Saturday, defeating UM-Morris 28-13. Clinging to a one point halftime lead, the Blue Jays defense held UM-Morris scoreless in the second half, while Westminster running backs Boone Brady and Mark Garber each scored a touchdown, putting the game away. The Blue Jays ball-control offense kept the UM-Morris defense on the field for 35 minutes.

When the teams met last year, the Blue Jays jumped out to a two touchdown lead in the first quarter. The Knights battled back to tie the game in the third quarter on junior running back Joel Russow's 11 yard run. In the fourth quarter, Westminster started to pull away, scoring two touchdowns in a two minute span. The Knights fired back with a five yard touchdown pass from Lange to senior wide receiver Nate Hochmuth. This time, however, the Knights were unable to complete the rally, losing 28-21 to Westminster.

If the Knights want to see a different result on Saturday, they must do a better job of protecting the football. In the first three games this year, the Knights have had seven turnovers. Even in Saturday's victory over Maranatha, the Knights were flagged for seven penalties, which was more than they had in the first two games combined. The Knights cannot afford to shoot themselves in the foot if they expect to win this ballgame.

Keys to the Game

1. Joel Russow vs. Westminster Run Defense

The backbone of the Knights offensive success last season revolved around the ability to run the football. The Knights were the #1 ranked rushing team in the UMAC in 2003. This year the Knights ground attack is averaging under three yards a carry. This will need to improve if the Knights want to beat a quality opponent like Westminster.

2. MLC Rush Defense vs. Westminster Rush Offense

The Knights held Maranatha to negative 14 yards rushing, a new school record. Westminster carried the football 50 times in their victory, and the Knights can expect more of the same in Saturday's game. If the Knights offense can remain on the field and sustain drives, it will keep their defense fresh. The Knights need to pay extra attention to wrapping up the ball carrier, and not allowing any broken-tackle runs to go for long gains. This battle of strengths could decide the game.

3. Aaron Krause & MLC Pass Rush vs. Westminster Offensive Line

Led by Aaron Krause, the Knights have caused havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Krause, who is averaging over one sack a game, is 1/2 sack away from becoming the Knights all-time sack leader. If the run defense forces Westminster into some 3-and-long situations, the Knights need to be able to take advantage of those opportunities.

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