Game Preview: No. 8 Reinhardt vs. Warner (Fla.)
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
Photo by Al Levine, Allevinephotography.com
WALESKA, Ga. – (Live Video | Live Stats) No. 8 Reinhardt is back inside the comfortable confines of Ken White Field at University Stadium tomorrow afternoon as the Eagles open their home slate against the Royals of Warner (Fla.) at Noon.
The Royals, who are in the Sun Division of the Mid-South Conference (MSC), will be making their first trip in history to Waleska to play on the gridiron against the hometown squad.
Reinhardt took the lone matchup in the series, 49-17, down in Florida on Sept. 15, 2018 in the Eagles' initial regular-season contest played in the state in football history.
Warner is coming off a defeat against NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Stetson, 54-14, one week ago. The Eagles also took on an FCS opponent back on Sept. 2, and Kennesaw State saw a much different Reinhardt team that night than it did two years ago, as the Eagles gave the FCS' 20th-ranked squad all it could handle in a 35-25 defeat.
The Royals finished the contest with -13 yards rushing, while giving up 205 to the Hatters. Warner finished the loss with just 106 yards total. Michael Young completed eight passes for 82 yards and a score.
Conversely, senior quarterback Billy Hall went 12-for-18 for 90 yards with two scores and an interception against the Owls while rushing for 128 more on just 10 carries (including an 80-yard touchdown – his career long run – after connecting with the front-left pylon).
All-American defensive end Teon Burroughs led the squad with 11 tackles. Kenneth Lowery was next in line with 10 stops, while three others tallied eight apiece.
Storylines for Saturday
1. Home Cookin'
The Eagles are back at home at Ken White Field at University Stadium and are a perfect 10-0 the last two years on their own field. They last lost in Waleska on Nov. 17, 2018 in the postseason to Concordia (Mich.).
2. Room to Grow
NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) member Kennesaw State saw a much different Reinhardt team last Thursday night than it did two years ago, as the eighth-ranked Eagles gave the FCS' 20th-ranked squad all it could handle in a 35-25 defeat. Reinhardt may have started the season 0-1, but the hometown squad rose to the occasion on a national stage under the lights against a strong FCS opponent.
3. Full Steam Ahead
After an impressive showing against the Owls of Kennesaw State on the road, senior Teon Burroughs was the Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Week with 11 tackles.
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