The Blue Raiders (10-0) roll into Saturday’s game undefeated after defeating Cumberlands (Ky.) 24-21 on the road on November 16th. The win over the Patriots marks the fourth time Mid-South Conference Bluegrass division coach of the year Chris Oliver has led Lindsey Wilson to a 10-win season, and the third time Oliver has helped the Blue Raiders claim the Mid-South Conference division title.
On offense for the Blue Raiders, junior quarterback and Mid-South Conference Bluegrass division player of the year Cameron Dukes comes into the opening round matchup after finishing the regular season leading the Mid-South Conference in total offensive yards per game (293.1) and pass efficiency (172.8). Dukes has completed 194 passes for 2,725 yards, 32 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Senior wide receiver Jay Gaudlock sits as Duke’s top target this season, catching a team-high 47 passes for 625 yards and seven touchdowns. Gaudlock currently sits tied with Matt Powers, who played for the Blue Raiders from 2010-2013, for the most career receptions in school history at 144. Junior running back Jaylen Boyd comes in as the top rusher for Lindsey Wilson, rushing 110 times for 760 yards and eight touchdowns this season. Boyd finished the regular season atop the Mid-South Conference recording 1,405 all-purpose yards.
The Lindsey Wilson defense comes into the matchup holding their opponents to just 15.5 points per game, which finished the regular season ranked third-best in the Mid-South Conference. Sophomore linebacker Luke Bowman serves as the defensive anchor the Blue Raiders, as he leads the team in solo tackles (41), assisted tackles (35), and total tackles (76). Senior linebacker Stevie Miller leads Lindsey Wilson with 13 tackles for loss this season, while senior defensive back James Todd leads the way with seven interceptions for the Blue Raiders.
Saint Francis (7-2) returns to the field for their playoff matchup with Lindsey Wilson after defeating Taylor (Ind.) 27-14 in the season finale. The Cougars two losses this season have come against two nationally ranked teams in Siena Heights (Mich.) and Marian (Ind.).
On offense, junior quarterback Matt Crable has tossed 114 completions for 1,648 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and five interceptions this year for Saint Francis. In his last outing against Taylor, Crable went 15-25 passing throwing for 250 yards and four touchdowns, marking the second straight game he’s recorded four passing touchdowns, while also keeping his four-game streak of throwing at least one touchdown alive. Senior wide receiver Dan Ricksy leads the Cougars with 49 receptions for 755 yards and eight touchdowns this season. In a victory over Lawrence Tech (Mich.) on November 2nd, Ricksy hauled in 10 catches for 159 yards and four touchdowns with an average of 15.9 yards per reception. On the ground, sophomore running back Martell Williams leads the way rushing 134 times accumulating 771 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. The Cougars offense is averaging 32.3 points per game this season.
The Saint Francis defense comes into the game with Lindsey Wilson allowing 19.8 points per game, the highest amount allowed the program has seen since 2015. Sophomore linebacker Nick Lucas serves as the staple for the Cougar defense, leading the team with 66 solo and 86 total tackles for an average of 9.6 tackles per game this season. Senior defensive end James Jamichich plays a critical role in the trenches for Saint Francis, as his 10 tackles for loss and eight and a half sacks each sit as team highs. Saint Francis has only recorded two interceptions this season but has forced nine total turnovers.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT at Blue Raider Stadium. Live video and stats will be available for the game.