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DWU football opens season Saturday at Dordt

MITCHELL, S.D. – A new era will start for the Dakota Wesleyan University football team Saturday when it opens the 2010 season at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa.

For four years, Jon Doom – who graduated as the school’s all-time leader in career passing yards and total offense – has taken the snaps and led the team from the quarterback position, but this year, the Tigers will have a new leader. Two freshmen were vying for the starting spot behind center in fall camp, and Jon Bane, a Rogers, Texas, native, got the nod to start in Saturday’s season opener, which starts at 6 p.m.

Brennon Flannery, a Centerville, Utah, native, is the No. 2 quarterback on the Tigers’ roster. Both freshmen are athletic and talented, and have plenty of experienced hands to get the ball to. Leading the Tigers’ backfield will be Raymond “Boogie” Blossom, a senior running back, as well as sophomore back Josh Endres.

DWU’s perimeter also returns some experience, as well as some new, talented faces. Sophomore Anthony Muilenburg is back after a spectacular freshman season and junior Russell McGuire, who has been a top punt returner as well as backup quarterback for DWU the past two seasons, will also see time on the perimeter. Justin Sydney, Nate Ovenden and Euedell Clayton will all add depth to the perimeter for the Tigers’ young quarterbacks.

DWU’s defense also returns plenty of familiar faces. The Tigers dealt with injury after injury in 2009, which meant that several young players got experience, and return to use that experience in 2010. The linebacking corps is especially experienced with three seniors on the starting roster. Jimmy Williams, Dane Carlson and Lucas Sieve all return for their senior seasons and sophomore Mike Barnaud also gets the start.

The defensive line will be anchored by senior Marco Mora and sophomores Aaron Rolen and Zach Reker, who both saw time on the line as true freshmen. Seniors Derek Washington and Jordan Gau return for their final seasons on the Tigers’ defense, and juniors Jesse Holz and Tom Jarding will also keep Dordt’s offense in check.

Dakota Wesleyan finished the 2009 season 4-6 in a tie for 6th in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. After several tough losses, the Tigers were able to end the season on a two-game winning streak, including a 13-10 win over No. 18 Northwestern in their final home game of the year, and hope to use that momentum for a strong start in 2010.

Dordt College enters Saturday’s game coming off a 1-10 season; it’s second in as many seasons as a varsity program. The Defenders bring back 19 juniors who have been with the program since its inaugural season in 2008, and have high expectations for their third varsity season.

For fans who can’t make it to the game, Tim Smith and Bob Sprang will have the call on 105.9 FM KMIT. Their broadcast will also be available live on the station’s website, www.kmit.com. For more information and complete game notes, click on the Game Day Preview link on the Tigers’ football home page.