The sound of bagpipes echo over Edwards-Maurer Field and through campus beyond. It’s tradition. It’s rivalry week.
The game to see this weekend is definitely the football match-up between the Tigers and Wooster Fighting Scots, slated to take the field on Saturday at 1 p.m.
A lot is on the line for the final game of the regular season for Coach Joe Fincham and the senior Tigers, as a victory guarantees an outright first-place mark in the conference rankings, along with the possibility of a better advantage come the NCAA playoffs next week.
Wittenberg, averaging 39.2 points a game, is led by starting running back Deshawn Sarley, ‘19, who has found the end zone seven times this season so far. Under center is Jake Kennedy, ’19, who is responsible for 26 touchdowns this season, 22 through the air. Returning lettermen Jeff Tiffner, ’18, and Bryce Bailey, ’18, are Kennedy’s favorite targets downfield, each pulling in 32 receptions so far this season. However, it is Liam Duncan, ’19, who has been averaging 19 yards on his 26 catches and has found the end zone seven times as well.
Although on a nine-game win-streak, Wooster could prove to be a tough competitor for Wittenberg, as the Scots just broke a three-game win-streak after a 26-36 loss to Denison.
Wooster has been averaging 39 points a game as well, however, the Tiger defense looks to keep the game a lopsided affair, trying to contain the Fighting Scots to their 12.4 points allowed average.
Jonathon Seay, ’20, and Terrence Crowe, ’19, lead the red and white defense, combining for over 150 tackles on the season. Chandler Ferko, ’18, should be a playmaker despite leaving the game early last Saturday, looking to get behind the offensive line and collect a few more sacks.
The cold may turn fans away, as a high of around 43 degrees is scheduled for Saturday. The gridiron action can also be heard over WUSO or caught on live stream via the athletics website.
Keep an eye on the women’s volleyball team as well, as they make their way through the regional tournament at Otterbein University in Columbus, Ohio. They take on Penn. St.-Behrend after claiming the NCAC title over the weekend, compiling a 22-2 record over the regular season.
The Tigers will likely move to the second round against Juniata, then to the regional championship to face off against Otterbein. An undefeated weekend will send the red and white to the quarterfinals at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich. Live stats and video will most likely be available to stream for the regional as well.
Also moving into the postseason is the women’s soccer team, traveling to St. Louis, Mo. to take on Thomas More College in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Women’s soccer is likely to win the first round, and move onto the second against Washington University-St. Louis.
