This Week for Football
Siena Heights (0-1) vs. Saints Xavier (0-1)
Sept. 18 | 12 PM | O'Laughlin Stadium | Adrian, Mich.
THE GAME
The Siena Heights football team will host Saint Xavier this week for the team's home opener. The game is a Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) crossover game. The kick-off is set for noon EST.
The Saints (0-1) enter today's contest fresh off a bye week following a close 20-17 loss at the 10th-ranked Olivet Nazarene. The Cougars have had two weeks off after suffering a 34-10 loss to NCAA Division II University of Indianapolis on September 4.
SERIES HISTORY
This is only the fourth meeting between Siena Heights and Saint Xavier. The last meeting occurred five years ago when the Saints defeated #17 Saint Xavier, 30-29 inside of O'Laughlin Stadium. The Cougars have a 2-1 advantage in the series. This will be the first time the two teams have met when they aren't ranked in the top 25.
ON THE FIELD
Siena Heights
Quarterback Hayden Lehmann made the start for the Saints in the first game of the season. He was 9-22 for 120 yards passing. He threw for one touchdown while also running for another. Jared Jordan was the leading rusher for SHU as he finished with 11 carries for 51 yards. Four Saints made receptions in week one. Eric Williams II led the way with four catches for 55 yards and a TD. Kaleb Jefferson caught three passes for seven yards while also running eight times for 12. Pianki Abdul-Hakiym and Kashon Prather each tallied one reception. Prather's catch went for a long of 56 yards.
The defense continues to be a strength for Siena Heights. Kole Murlin is the anchor for the unit as he set a new school record with 22 tackles in a game against the Tigers in week one. Gabe Callery also had a productive day with nine tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception to his credit. Trenton Morrow had eight tackles and a forced fumble on his stat line. Daneille Lowe Jr. registered five tackles and had an interception returned to the 1-yard line that set up a Saint touchdown in the second quarter.
Anthony Secchi is perfect so far this season with a 43-yard field goal completion and a perfect 2-2 in extra-point attempts. Caleb Meister had eight punts for 256 yards. He pinned the Tigers inside the 20-yard line four times. Eric Williams II totaled 91 yards on three kick returns. He finished with 146 all-purpose yards to lead the Saints in that category.
Saint Xavier
The Cougars are led under center by Stuart Ross. He was 30-50 for 306 yards and a touchdown pass through the air in the team's only game this season. Ross also rushed 11 times for 41 yards including the longest run from scrimmage of 28 yards. Amari Venerable had 10 rushes for 45 yards out of the backfield. Mason Grey was the leading receiver with eight catches for 116 yards. Brandt Hixson had five grabs for 39 yards. Justin Pringle finished with four receptions for 72 yards and had the team's only receiving touchdown.
Defensive back Ron Carroll led the defense with 15 tackles and two pass breakups. Joey Markasovic finished with eight tackles. Caleb Marconi had six stops for the Cougars. As a unit, the Saint Xavier defense registered only two tackles for loss and had no sacks in the loss to NCAA DII Indianapolis.
For the specialists, Peyton Benes made his one field goal attempt from 37 yards out. He was also 1-1 in extra-point attempts. Joe Polselli punted five times for 150 yards and pinned the opponent inside the 20-yard line twice. Justin Pringle was the lead returner with three kick returns and one punt return for 65 yards. He also leads the Cougars with 137 all-purpose yards.
HOW TO WATCH & LISTEN
The game will begin at noon EST. Fans can follow the action via live stats and video. The game will also be broadcasted on 96.5 FM The Cave live or online Saturday afternoon.
