A lot is riding for the Lindenwood Lions this afternoon at Harlen C. Hunter Stadium in St. Charles as they will try to not only finish the regular season undefeated for the second time in school history, but win the Heart of America Athletic Conference trophy. The number three Lions will take on the 1-8 William Jewell Cardinals. The Lions clinched a share of the HAAC title last weekend with their 53-21 win on the road in Iowa against Graceland. The Cardinals has a much closer game last week as they held on for a 20-13 win over Culver Stockton. This was also the first win of the season for William Jewell.
This is expected to be a close game, as they last six of seven meetings have been decided by less than seven points. Last season, Lindenwood beat William Jewell on the road, 20-17.
When it comes to offense, the Lions find themselves in some pretty unique company this season. Lindenwood has scored 501 points, which makes them one of three schools at every level of college football to score more than 500 points this season. The Lions need just 21 points to break the all time school record for points in a season.
Running back Denodus O’ Bryant is also very close to breaking a school record. So far this season, he has scored 17 touchdowns, one shy of the record. All of this has come with O’ Bryant touching the ball just 79 times this season.
The Linenwood defense will also be out to keep up its trend of not letting opponents score in the first quarter. The Lions have not allowed a first quarter touchdown over the last three games, and on the season, have given by just four touchdowns and two field goals in the first quarter.
The first round matchups in the 2009 NAIA Football Championship Series will be announced tomorrow afternoon.
Today’s game will kick off at 1:30.
