Game Day Preview: Midland University vs. Hastings College

Game Time: Midland University plays its first of two straight home games on Saturday against Hastings College at Heedum Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in Fremont, Nebraska.

Watchhorn/McLaughlin Trophy: The traveling trophy between Midland and Hastings will once again be up for grabs in Saturday's game. The trophy will be presented to the winner of the game and remain with that school until next season's matchup.

During the 1940's and 1950's, the winner of the annual Hastings/Midland football game held a traveling trophy that was sponsored by the lettermen's club at the two schools. The tradition ended in 1955, but in 1992, the Hastings and Midland athletic departments re-instituted this tradition in honor of the contributions of the two schools most famous football coaches: Tom McLaughlin of Hastings and Don Watchorn of Midland. Both of these men were standout athletes at their alma maters and they later returned to their respective campuses to coach record-setting football teams. Both coaches are members of their schools athletic Hall of Fame's as well as the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame.

Despite trailing 21-20 at halftime of last year's game, Hastings exploded in the second half for a 48-28 victory to walk away with the trophy. The Broncos own a 4-2 record over the Warriors in their previous six meetings.

About Midland: The Warriors had a shakeup on the coaching staff this week and will be led on an interim basis by former Nebraska football player/administrator, and current Midland Athletic Director, Dave Gillespie. Mike Collins will continue to serve as the team's Defensive Coordinator, and Shawn Daniel will assume Offensive Coordinator duties.

The Warriors are coming off a 24-17 loss at Dordt College last weekend in which the Defenders compiled 359 rushing yards while only attempting two passes on offense. Midland threw for 285 yards through the air, and won the turnover battle 3-2 despite the loss. The Warriors outgained the Defenders, 392-354 in total offense, but Dordt owned the time of possession in the game by nearly 10 minutes. The loss dropped Midland to 1-7 (1-5 GPAC) on the year.

The Warriors have had success through the air this season, ranking second in the GPAC and 12th in the NAIA in total pass offense (2,194 yards). Quarterback Raul Alvarez ranks 11th in the country with over 263 passing yards per game this year. The junior has been plagued by 13 interceptions though compared to his 12 touchdown passes.

Alvarez has three primary targets through the air: Tristin Kamaka, Hayden Dunn and Javonte Williams. Kamaka leads the team with 37 receptions and five receiving touchdowns. He is second with 414 yards receiving. Kamaka has seven total touchdowns on the year, including one on the ground and a kick return. Dunn has compiled three touchdowns on 30 receptions for a team-best 424 yards. Williams has 411 yards on 25 catches for two scores this season.

Midland had a slow start to the year on the ground, but has rushed for over 100 yards in each of its last four games. The Warriors exploded for a season-high 223 yards in their lone win of the year at Briar Cliff. Leading the charge on the ground over those last four games has been Deon Ransom who has rushed for 401 yards on 88 attempts and three scores this season. However, Midland still ranks last in the GPAC in both total rushing (727 yards) and rushing per game (90.9).

Defensively, Troy Rodriguez leads Midland with 65 total tackles. Brock Dunn is next with 59 tackles and two interceptions. Lane Heinert has 44 tackles and a team-best three interceptions. Lucas Schawang has also recorded 44 tackles this year and leads the Warriors with eight tackles for a loss. Midland currently ranks last in the GPAC in both scoring per game (36.8 points) and total yards per game (465.5 yards).

About Hastings: The Broncos have dropped two straight games entering play on Saturday, both to ranked teams. No. 20 Northwestern handed Hastings a 24-17 loss last weekend and No. 3 Morningside downed the Broncos two weeks ago, 69-10. Hastings owns a record of 2-5 (1-5 GPAC) this season. The Broncos' wins have come over Briar Cliff (44-31) and Bethel College (33-29).

The Broncos rank ninth in the GPAC in both scoring offense per game (18.1 points) and yards per game (314.3) this season. Similarly, Hastings is seventh in both scoring defense (35.4 points) and total defense (427.1 yards) per game in 2015.

Cruz Samaniego is likely to start under center against Midland on Saturday and has thrown for 837 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He owns a 99-yard touchdown pass to Austin Curlee earlier this year. Crulee leads the team with 356 receiving yards on just 15 receptions. Rash Shamburger and Glenn Wallace have each caught 22 passes on the year. Shamburger has a team-best three touchdowns.

The Broncos feature a two-headed rushing attack with Darvonte Knight and Jake Fowler. Knight leads the team with 68 carried and 281 yards on the ground. Fowler has rushed for 198 yards on 65 touches.

Broadcast: Saturday's game can be viewed on the Midland Athletics Livestream, here. The game can also be heard in the Fremont area on KHUB 1340 AM.

Twitter: Follow @Midland_Sports for in-game updates and scores.

Upcoming Schedule: The Warriors close out their 2015 home schedule with a tough test against No. 2 Morningside College next Saturday. Senior Day is slated to kick off at 1:00 p.m. at Heedum Field.