Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney football team returns home this weekend to face the No. 33 Missouri Western State Griffons.

The game will kickoff at noon from Ron & Carol Cope Stadium at Foster Field. The game is available via The MIAA Network, The River 93.1/106.9 KRVN FM and live stats.  

Both UNK (2-5) and Mo West (5-2) after first-year head coaches in Ryan Held and Tyler Fenwick. This is Fenwick's second go-around in St. Joseph as he was a successful offensive coordinator between 2007-12 when the Griffs made six postseason trips (three playoffs and three bowls). Fenwick then moved on to be head coach at both Missouri S&T and Southeastern Oklahoma State.

The Lopers have had success in this series of late, taking four of the last five meetings. MWSU tallied a total of 81 points (16.2 avg.) in those five games; they are averaging 41 points and 423 yards per game this year.

Having a 20-12 series advantage, UNK got out to an 18-7 lead last year in St. Joe and won 39-18. The quarterbacks of both teams, TJ Davis and Reagan Jones, ran for 100 yards, had rushing and passing touchdowns and threw for at least 90 yards. 

Jones is now the backup as sixth-year senior Armani Edden (#2) came in from the University of Hawai'i. He had eight TD's and is completing 67% of his passes with the offense powered by a strong run game and line. The backfield of Brandon Hall (#11), Seth Cromwell (#20) and Jared Scott (#6) average 150 yards a week and have combined for 16 TD's.

Receiver Traveon James (#3) had eight catches for 169 yards in last year's loss to UNK and currently is second on the team in receiving behind Jonas Bennett (#23). He's averaging almost six grabs per game. Finally, a veteran line features All-MIAA right tackle Brendan McClure (#71).

The MWSU defense is among the MIAA leaders in sacks (21), interceptions (11), fumble recoveries (seven) and red zone TD rate (46%). Overall, they are allowing 25 points and 429 yards per game.

Sophomore safety TreVon Holmes (#7) has a team-high 53 tackles, reserve end Dakari Streeter (#40) is at eight sacks and starting end CJ Ravenell (#44) has seven tackles for loss. Finally, reserve corner Taylor Williams (#9) has brought back four picks for 96 return yards. On special teams, veteran kicker Cody Watson (#7) is 36 of 37 on PAT's and 8 of 11 on field goal tries.

UNK's defense continues to be stingy in the red zone, allowing opponents to score a TD only 14 times in 29 chances. The 15 "missed opportunities" break down to seven made field goals, three missed field goals, three turnovers on downs and two turnovers (one INT and one fumble).

The Lopers forced three fumbles, recovering two, and picked off two passes at Fort Hays State last Saturday. Safety CJ Kuehl (Indianola, Ia.) and freshman corner Keon Washington (Orange, Calif.) had the INT's with tallying 14 points off those four turnovers.

Offensively, the Lopers had two of their biggest plays of the season in Hays. Sophomore back Zane Schawang (Waverly) had a 31-yard run on 4th & 1 with Davis hitting junior receiver AJ McPhee (Belle Glade, Fla.) for a 63-yard gain. Schawang's burst is the longest run by a back this year with the 63-yarder being the longest pass play to date.

UNK hits the road next Saturday to visit No. 24 Emporia State (5-2). The Hornets have almost a "playoff elimination" game this week at No. 16 Central Missouri (6-1).

 

UNK Release/Depth Chart & Roster

MWSU Football