ST. LOUIS - Spartan Field is set to welcome the Phoenix of Cumberlands for the Missouri Baptist season opener on Saturday at 1:00 PM.

The Spartans look to start the 2024 season on a good note as they host Cumberlands in a non-conference matchup for the first time in either schools' history. MBU is coming off of a 2-8 season that ended with an inspiring 56-24 victory at home against Central Methodist.

Quarterback Jordan Simpson returns to the Spartan backfield following a nine passing touchdown season averaging almost 170 yards per game.

The Spartans ground game lost Darius Morrison to graduation, but will return Lionel Banks who found paydirt three times and rushed for 109 yards in the season finale against Central Methodist.

MoBap set single season records on the ground as they rushed for 1,889 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Despite the loss of key personnel on both sides of the ball the Spartans return three Heart of America All-Conference players in Cale Bunner (2nd Team), Gavin Claud (2nd Team), and Xaivier Tipler Jr. (Honorable Mention).

Cumberlands is coming off of a 5-5 season in which they played a tough schedule featuring four top-25 opponents. The Phoenix came away with one victory in those four contests when they beat No. 23 University of the Cumberlands, 21-17.

The Phoenix had a solid run game as they averaged 232 yards rushing per game and got into the endzone 24 times on the ground. Quarterback Luke Holloway returns for the Phoenix coming off of a season in which he averaged 68 rushing yards per game.

The contest on Saturday will be the first in these teams' histories and it will take place at Spartan Stadium at 1:00 PM.