THE GAME: Missouri Baptist University will begin its 2016 campaign, the third season in the history of the program, on Saturday, August 27 at 6:00 p.m in McKenzie, Tenn. against Bethel.
STARTING FRESH: Missouri Baptist is looking to begin the season with a clean slate after an 0-10 season in 2015. Led by a returning cast of juniors, including quarterback Billy Ritchie and running back Antorryio Barton, along with All-Conference punter Tyler Hach, the Spartans will look to flip the script in 2016. The Spartans will also have a new look with some exciting new faces. Oscar Madrigal will bring strength to the defensive line as Keenan Savage will be an exciting addition to the linebacker corps. Maleek Ross, team leader in sacks for the past two seasons, will also be back as the veteran leader on a rising defense.
SCOUTING BETHEL: The Wildcats handed the Spartans a 48-7 loss in St. Louis a year ago, and are looking to build off a 4-7 record a season ago. Bethel began the season 3-3, but won just one game down the stretch as the team searched for answers in a tough Mid-South Conference. Nine starters on the offensive side of the ball will return for Bethel this season, and three total players from the 2015 squad who will return, were named All-Conference First Team Selections. On the defensive side of the ball, Bethel will be relying on new blood, as four of the five top tacklers from 2015 (Vic Czyzewski, Jensen Youngblood, Max Massengill, and Brenton Davis) are now gone.
FOR THE RECORD: MBU is looking for its second win in team history... The team returns its first All-Conference selection in team history in Tyler Hach... Missouri Baptist will open on the road for the second time in team history... The Spartans will face a second year team in Lyon College (Ark.) in the final game of the season at home. The Scots were winless in 2015.
ON THE AIR: MBU Audio Broadcast: www.spartandigitalnetwork.com
Bethel Video Broadcast: https://boxcast.tv/view/football-bethel-vs-missouri-baptist-199821
Live Stats: http://www.dakstats.com/Websync/Pages/Webcasts.aspx?association=10
