Eureka Set to Host Wisconsin Lutheran in NACC Matchup

EUREKA, Ill. – The Eureka football team is back at McKinzie Field this weekend for a NACC showdown against Wisconsin Lutheran. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Fans can follow along via a live audio broadcast on EC 103.1 FM with Matthew Swan and Drew Danehl on the call. Live stats and streaming links will also be available through eurekareddevils.com.

RED DEVIL SPOTLIGHT: Eureka (2-5, 1-4 NACC) returns home looking to bounce back following last week's 44-0 loss at St. Norbert. The Red Devils' defense was a bright spot, highlighted by sophomore linebacker Chuck Weathersby, who tallied seven tackles, two tackles for loss, and an interception. Freshman Brian Burns recorded a team-high eight tackles, while fellow freshman Jovon Gibson added five.

Offensively, Brandon Garner led Eureka on the ground with 37 rushing yards, while Keyshawn Cone posted a team-best 21 receiving yards. Quarterbacks Christian Noel, Ethan Velazquez, and Michael Bates all saw action in the contest.

Through seven games, the Red Devils continue to be led defensively by Burns, Gibson, and Beverson Noel, who have combined for 120 total tackles. Up front, Derrick Payton Jr. has been a force, ranking ninth in the NACC with 6.5 tackles for loss.

On offense, Ronnie Sanders has anchored the rushing attack with 264 yards and two touchdowns, ranking ninth in the conference in rushing yards. Omarion Carter has been a deep threat for the Red Devils through the air, averaging nearly 20 yards per reception.

WARRIOR WATCH: Wisconsin Lutheran (2-5, 1-4 NACC) comes to Eureka riding momentum after a 34-31 road win at Lakeland last week. The Warriors built a 27-13 halftime lead, lost the lead in the fourth quarter, but came back to score the winning touchdown with just under two minutes remaining.

Quarterback Joshua Rico went 9-for-14 for 165 yards and two touchdowns, while Quincy Rheams added 72 passing yards, a touchdown, and a rushing score. Liam Heiges powered the ground game with 73 rushing yards and a score, while Benett Reader led all receivers with three receptions for 102 yards.

Defensively, Chris Korb and Layson Handwork paced WLC with eight tackles apiece, and Jalen Perera added a sack.

On the season, Heiges leads WLC and ranks fifth in the NACC in rushing yards (517 yards, 8 TDs), while Rheams has thrown for 348 yards and four scores. Jamil Gordon ranks among the league's top receivers with 204 yards and two touchdowns, and Handwork continues to anchor the defense, sitting sixth in the conference in tackles for loss (8.5).

NACC LEADERS:

• Eureka's Ronnie Sanders – 9th in NACC rushing yards (264 yards, 2 TDs)
• Eureka's Jovon Gibson – 12th in tackles (47 total)
• Eureka's Derrick Payton Jr. – 9th in tackles for loss (6.5)
• WLC's Liam Heiges – 5th in rushing yards (517 yards, 8 TDs)
• WLC's Layson Handwork – 6th in tackles for loss (8.5)
• WLC's Jamil Gordon – 19th in receiving yards (204 yards, 2 TDs)

LOOKING AHEAD: Eureka will have a bye week next Saturday before returning to McKinzie Field for Senior Day on Saturday, Nov. 8, when the Red Devils host Lakeland. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.