This Week for the Saints
Siena Heights (1-2) vs. Saint Francis (2-1)
Noon | Adrian, Mich. | O'Laughlin Stadium
THE GAME
Siena Heights hosts the University of Saint Francis (Ind.) Cougars for the 2022 SHU Homecoming Game. The Saints will look to bounce back from last week's tough loss at St. Francis (Ill.). The Cougars are also coming off a 25-20 loss to St. Xavier a week ago.
PRESEASON POLL
Siena Heights was chosen fifth in the Mid-States Football Association Mideast Coaches Preseason Poll after totaling 28 points. The Saints finished behind St. Francis (Ind.), Indiana Wesleyan, Marian, and Concordia (Mich.).
SERIES HISTORY
Siena Heights trails Saint Francis (Ind.) 6-3 in the all-time series. The Saints have won the last two matchups by two scores with a 24-14 win in 2019 and a 27-17 decision last season. All three SHU victories have come on the road. The teams have played in O'Laughlin Stadium only three times since the inaugural meeting in 2012. This is the first time the Saints and Cougars will play in Adrian since the 2017 season.
ON THE FIELD
Ryan Minor has completed 53.9% of his pass attempts for 410 yards and four touchdowns. Minor posted a career-high of 223 passing yards in the game at St. Xavier two weeks ago. Kaleb Jefferson is the Saints' leading rusher with 136 yards on 35 carries and a touchdown. Michael Guyton has a team-high 13 receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown. Eric Williams II has eight catches for 107 and a score.
Senior linebacker Kole Murlin leads the way with 40 tackles for the year. He leads the Mid-States Football Association Mideast League with 13.3 tackles per game. That marks is also second in the country. Zach Keyser has 29 stops while Joseph Wharton has 16 and 1.5 sacks, tying for the most on the team with Vincent Walker.
Anthony Secchi hasn't missed an extra point this season with a perfect 9-9 showing. Andrew Bookman is averaging 35.3 yards per punt and has a season-long of 51 yards. He has pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line five times in 2022. Eric Williams II averages 22.4 yards per return this year, leading the team in all-purpose yards with 346.
LEADING THE COUGARS
Heath Simmons leads Saint Francis under center with 735 yards through the air. He is completing 65.7% of his pass attempts and has accounted for eight touchdowns in the passing game. The ground game is led by senior Cameron Peterson, who is gaining 5.3 yards per carry for a total of 345 yards. Peterson is also the leading receiver as he has snagged 10 receptions for 68 yards and two touchdowns out of the backfield. Ben Butler and Adjaye Dandridge each have nine catches. Dandridge has scored twice.
Defensively Saint Francis is led by junior linebacker Nate Talhelm with 31 tackles. He has two tackles for loss and has recovered a fumble in the first three games of the season. River Walsh is second on the team with 18 stops and 2.5 tackles for loss. He has recorded one interception as well. Isaiah Higgins and Bailey Parker have 10 tackles. Higgins tallied an interception while also breaking up two passes.
Jack James is five-for-six in field goal attempts with a season-long of 45 yards. He has made all 15 of his point after touchdown kicks. James also punts for the Cougars. His longest boot is 51 yards, and he has pinned opponents inside the 20 five times. Ben Butler leads the returning efforts with six kick returns for a total of 168 yards. He has a season-long return of 42 yards and averages 28 yards per return. Laban Davis averages 25.3 yards on his three kick returns. His longest this season is 30 yards.
WATCH & LISTEN
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.
