No. 13 Reinhardt vs. Union (Ky.): Game Preview
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
Special thanks to Union Sports Communications
WALESKA, Ga. – It will be a unique situation tomorrow afternoon in the regular-season finale for the newly-13th-ranked Reinhardt football team, as the Eagles will host Union (Ky.) for Senior Day and Homecoming festivities at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Ken White Field at University Stadium.
The hometown team has been getting used to unorthodox situations all season, however, as Reinhardt went through a stretch of six road games in seven weeks, followed by a cancellation of a conference battle seven days before a bye week.
"Really excited to get back on the field since it's been three weeks since we played," lead Eagle James Miller said. "I think our kids are very eager to hit somebody. I really hope we come out and have a great execution and effort; that's really what we have been stressing for the last three weeks. Our kids have handled this downtime extremely well and I'm really proud of them.
I really hope we send the seniors out the right way – it's a special day, and the kids have put a lot of hard work, effort, blood, sweat and tears into this program."
Reinhardt (8-2) – who is coming off a bye week – comes into the game after it continues to rise in the NAIA Football Coaches' Top 25 Poll, as the hometown team now sits at No. 13 in the rating.
To view the entire Top 25 from the NAIA, please click here.
This is the fifth meeting between Union and Reinhardt on the football field, with the Eagles owning a 4-0 series lead.
For the Bulldogs (0-10), Montrell Johnson continues to grow in his new role of quarterback. Last week, he passed for 99 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 55 yards in a 34-28 loss to Kentucky Christian.
Individually, Jalen Echols continues to lead the team in rushing with 465 yards on 111 carries. Drew Carson recorded his first career 100-yard rushing game with 122 yards on 12 attempts against Kentucky Christian.
Union rushed for over 200 yards for the first time last week, galloping for 226 on the ground. Union finished with 325 yards for the game.
In comparison, Reinhardt averages 362.9 yards in total offense with 268.1 coming on the ground.
Seven Eagles have rushed for over 100 yards on the season with Billy Hall's 546 leading the way. Hall and Trevae Cain each have eight rushing touchdowns.
Earl Wells continues to be the Bulldogs' leading receiver with 40 catches for 651 yards and eight scores. He is the 18th player in program history to amass 40 in a season.
Jay Brown is the Bulldogs' top tackler with 70, while Demonte Bell is next with 56.
Storylines for Saturday
1. Homecoming 2019
Head coach James Miller, Reinhardt University and all its faculty and staff would like to welcome you back to campus for Homecoming 2019 here at Reinhardt. We hope you have enjoyed your stay and we appreciate your support of Reinhardt Athletics.
2. Senior Day Salute
The Eagles are celebrating the careers of those student-athletes who have dedicated their time and talents for the team as they suit up in Reinhardt gear at home for the last time. Festivities will begin at 1:05 p.m. today on the field.
3. Getting on a Roll
The Eagles are perfect in conference action and sit at 8-2 on the year after earning a road win in a 48-28 triumph at St. Andrews (N.C.) in Appalachian Division play.
4. Postseason on the Horizon
NAIA National Championship qualifiers will be announced tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. EDT live on Facebook.
For up-to-the-minute Eagles sports news, follow Reinhardt Athletics on Facebook, @RU_Eagles on Twitter and @ru_eagles on Instagram.
For more information on Reinhardt Football, please click here.