ST. LOUIS – Following a closely-contested game with Lyon last week in the home and season opener, the Missouri Baptist University football team welcomes Siena Heights University to St. Louis and is eyeing its first win of the season and a 1-0 start to league play in the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA). Due to scheduling conflicts at Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School, the Saturday game will be played at nearby De Smet High School with a 12 p.m. kickoff. Spartan Digital Network will begin its coverage of the game around 11:45 a.m. with Kevin Paulus on the call, Guy Danhoff providing color commentary and former student-athlete Nicole Walen providing coverage from the MBU sidelines.

Saturday's contest will mark the fourth meeting between the two MSFA opponents. Siena Heights carries a perfect 3-0 record when facing Missouri Baptist and has outscored the Spartans 110-45 in those three games. Last year in Adrian, Michigan, SHU shut out Missouri Baptist 30-0 behind 419 yards of offense including 194 on the ground by returning running back D'Aries Davis, and a trifecta of field goals from returning placekicker Brady Tanquay. The closest matchup between the Saints and Spartans came in 2015 when MBU staged a miraculous comeback effort, erasing a 21-point deficit and ultimately coming up just one score short in a 42-35 loss on the road.
Saturday's contest will mark the fourth meeting between the Saints and Spartans.

A Quick Look at the Spartans

• The Spartans sported a much-improved run defense in Week 1 against Lyon, limiting the Scots to 1.6 yards per rush on 36 attempts.
• Against Lyon, MBU recorded six sacks, which ranks as the second most in a single-game for the Spartan defense.
• The MBU offense was impressive on fourth downs going 3-for-4, however, the Spartans failed on all accounts on third-down conversions going 0-for-14.

Scouting the Siena Heights Saints

• Fifth-year senior running back D'Aries Davis is the Saints' top offensive threat returning after finishing 2017 with 1,023 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Davis also pulled in 18 receptions for 222 yards and a receiving TD.
• Other returners on offense include senior Alonte Rice who will anchor the SHU offensive line after eight starts a season ago. Senior wideouts Damon Wright Jr., and Deontae' Rush combined for 73 receptions, 740 yards and nine TDs.
• SHU's defense will be led by Malik Edwards who had five sacks, 11 solo tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss in 2017. In the Saints' secondary, junior Trey Claybourne is one to watch after finishing last season with 33 tackles, seven pass breakups and two interceptions.
• Aside from the returners, the Scots will be looking to quickly integrate 60 newcomers on their squad.