Football | 11/11/2017 7:45:00 AM
#10 Southeastern University Fire (7-1, 4-0 MSC Sun) vs. Ave Maria University Gyrenes (2-7, 1-3 MSC Sun)
7 p.m. EST—Victory Field
Lakeland, Fla.
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SEU
Two-Deeps
SEU Ave Maria
The Fire have just one job in their regular season finale.
Win.
With a Mid-South Sun Division championship wrapped up and a Top 10 ranking, the Fire will be scoreboard watching until kickoff, looking for some upsets to possibly pick up a home game in the first round of the NAIA Football Championship Series.
If that does not come to fruition, Saturday's game will mark the final one at Victory Field for 19 seniors. Over the first four years of existence, the Fire are 18-3 at home.
That group of 19 seniors includes 11 that have seen the place the program calls home start as a soccer pitch and grow to one of the best small college football arenas. When the Bonnie Park Boys came to campus in 2013, there was no tangible evidence of a football program. They went through an entire year of rigorous workouts before ever lining up against an opponent.
"It's going to be one of the biggest mixed emotion games I'll ever have," said coach
Keith Barefield. "I don't know what football is like here without those guys."
Ave Maria will be looking to spoil the festivities of the evening, looking for some momentum heading into the offseason. Joe Patterson's second season as the head coach has seen the Gyrenes improve significantly, especially on defense.
The Gyrenes boast the No. 19 defense against the run in the NAIA, holding opponents to an average of 119.3 yards per game, and has allowed the seventh-least amount of first downs at 156. Last year, AMU gave up an average of 153.1 yards per game rushing.
Additionally, the offensive line has given up just 14 sacks in nine games, ranking 26
th in the nation.
On offense, the Gyrenes boast three receivers with 20+ catches this season, and are all averaging upwards of 11 yards per catch. Brian Byrd has been on the receiving end of all but four AMU passing TDs, amassing 314 yards on 21 grabs. Traylyn Jackson has been the top target with 32 catches for 373 yards and two scores.
Fans are encouraged to wear red for the finale for the "Code Red Game." There will be a special ceremony at halftime to honor active and retired military in honor of Veteran's Day. All military and first responders will be admitted free of charge.
Additionally, fans are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the
Parker Street Toy Drive.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Victory Field.
