Two top ten teams in the country will face off in Atchison this weekend. The Ravens and Vikings will clash on the field with two of the most complete teams in the Heart of America Athletic Conference and beyond. This game will be broadcasted live on ESPN 3 as the Heart Game of the Week.
Last week, the Ravens handled Culver-Stockton easily. The scoreboard was closer than the actual product on the field. Benedictine defeated the Wildcats 27-7 behind touchdowns from running back duo Charlie Nihart and Marquis Stewart.
The Vikings had a much closer game. Grand View defeated Evangel 32-28 on a controversial final drive. The Vikings had the ball down three points with less than two minutes remaining. The Vikings threw an incomplete pass on fourth down near the 50-yard line. This would have sealed the victory for Evangel, but the referees threw a flag for defensive pass interference. The penalty helped Grand View extend the game and ultimately led the Vikings to score their wining touchdown.
The Opponent
The Vikings are guided by first year head coach Joe Woodley. Joe is taking the reins of the Vikings from his father and first head coach for the school, Mike, who took the head coaching job at Mount Marty.
Joe Woodley is no stranger to the Heart of America. He has been the Vikings defensive and offensive coordinator for the past 12 years.
Sophomore quarterback Johnny Sullivan is the main under center who has averaged 316 yards of passing in the past two games. His main receiver in this game will be junior Anthony Turner who has shredded defenses this season.
Ravens defensive backs will be called upon to handle the explosive receiver. Ravens senior defensive back Dayton Bush will most likely get the assignment. Bush has the most interceptions on the team and ranked number two in the country in that department. Bush has four interceptions in five games.
Grand View has a strong defense led by senior linebacker Austin Cuicchi. Cuicchi is wreaking offenses in the backfield with sacks and tackles for loss. He is ranked fourth in the country with 11.5 tackles for loss. His ability to stop offenses has led to many opportunities in the punt return game.
Vikings return game is dangerous. Junior corner back Dallis Flowers is ranked number two in the country for most punt return yards. He averages 44 yards per kick return including a 95 yard return for a touchdown.
#13 QB Johnny Sullivan- 165 yds/g passing; 8 TDs; 2 INTs
#8 WR Anthony Turner- 92 yds/g receiving, 6 TDs
#21 KR/PR Dallis Flowers- 11 yds/g punt returning; 44 yds/g kick returning; 1 KR TD
#26 LB Austin Cuicchi- 32 total tkls; 11.5 total TFL; 5.5 sacks
Previous Meeting:
11/3/2018: Ravens 25 Vikings 13
Where
O’Malley Field at Larry Wilcox Stadium, Atchison, Kansas
When
Saturday, October 5th, 11 am
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