Tiger Football Looks to Extend Win Streak

By: Matt Wickiser

Posted: 10/9/08

This Saturday at 1 p.m., the Tigers' football team will compete against the winless Earlham Quakers in front of a homecoming crowd, though the team considers the game to be just as important as every other.

"We treat every team with the same importance and focus," said junior offensive lineman Clay Hewson. Sophomore linebacker Brad McKinley added, "We make sure that we approach every team with the same mindset and know that we are physically and mentally prepared for each week."

Homecoming marks a very significant weekend for the close-knit community of Wittenberg alumni and undergraduates, and many former Tiger players will be in attendance to cheer them to victory.

"It's always a good feeling to know there will be a large fan base," McKinley said. "We're going to do our best to make the alumni proud."

Thus far in the season, the Tigers are 2-0 in the NCAC and 3-1 overall, losing week two to Washington University by a mere three points, 27-30. The team expects to be more than prepared to take on Earlham, another NCAC opponent, this week.

"The team is practicing hard and watching a lot of tapes on Earlham," said Hewson. "They are a good team who has improved from last season."

Last year, the NCAC rivals met for the 34th time since the two teams entered the league together in 1989. Since then, Wittenberg has won 26 of the 34 meetings, including last year's 73-0 onslaught at Earlham. That victory marked a 23 game winning streak against the Quakers, who are currently 0-4 so far in their season.

The homecoming game will certainly add to a weekend of excitement for everyone at Wittenberg, which includes the women's soccer game against Hiram at 5 p.m., as well as the men's soccer game against Oberlin at 7:30 p.m. For anyone interested, prior to the football game, fans will gather for a Tiger Tailgate just outside the HPER Center. Be sure to check out all of the thrilling events scheduled for this homecoming, and come support the Tigers to a weekend of victories!