THE GAME: Missouri Baptist University will open the home portion of its 2016 schedule on Saturday, September 10 at 12:00pm when they face the Siena Heights (Mich.) Saints.
OFFENSIVE POTENTIAL: The growth that the Missouri Baptist squad has been searching for was realized early on Saturday, August 27 when the team jumped-out to a 21-6 lead on the Bethel Wildcats. Missouri Baptist's offense took control of the game early as Billy Ritchey threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns.
The Spartans got significant production out of its wide receiver corps, led by talented freshman Isaiah King. The Belleville East High School product nabbed 157 yards receiving in the game and two touchdowns. Shawn Calhoun also hauled-in 111 yards of catches as the Missouri Baptist offense looked explosive.
SCOUTING SIENA HEIGHTS: The Saints began their 2016 campaign on the right foot as they picked-up a 31-16 win over Lindenwood-Belleville (Ill.) on Saturday in Ann Arbor. The Saints were led by Deontae Rush who racked-up 123 yards of receiving and two touchdowns. Quarterback Garrett Schaller recorded two rushing touchdowns on just two rushing attempts as well.
Siena Heights took control with 17 unanswered points in the first quarter and never looked back. Just a season ago, After taking a 35-7 lead on MBU, the Spartans battled back for 21 consecutive points with a strong defensive effort.
The Saints are without former First-Team All-Conference kick returner and Second-Team All-Conference Wide Receiver, Reggie Blackmon. Blackmon recorded one touchdown and 84 yards receiving against MBU in 2015.
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... Billy Ritchey became the first 300-yard passer in team history in the season opener against Bethel... 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
COVERAGE: Live video and stats on the Spartan Digital Network at Spartandigitalnetwork.com
