Week 5 in the NAIA Football schedule opens the month of October, and the top 25 is on full display in a nine-game featured schedule that includes a top 15 matchup that sends No. 9 Campbellsville (Ky.) to No. 12 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), as well as a pair of top 10s – No. 4 Benedictine (Kan.) and No. 6 Montana Tech – in conference matchups against top 25 opponents.
For a full breakdown, plus printable schedules, standings and stats, download this week’s copy of the NAIA Football Notebook.
Edwards Runs Into the Record Book
Bluefield’s Kyree Edwards set an AAC single-game record with 232 rushing yards on 29 carries and two touchdowns. The performance pushed Edwards to 706 rushing yards and eight touchdowns this season.
Midland Scores Through the Air
Midland has thrown an NAIA-high 21 TD passes through five games. Brodey Johnson leads the nation individually with 20, while Jurrion Dickey and TJ Covington have combined for 15 TDs.
Madonna’s Defense Is Scoring, Too
Madonna leads the NAIA with four defensive touchdowns this season. The Crusaders have also returned interceptions for 201 yards, the NAIA’s third-best total.
Dakota Wesleyan Taking It Away
Dakota Wesleyan has collected an NAIA-best 12 interceptions, including four by Trevor Sladky. The Tigers have returned those picks for 213 yards, second-most in the association.
William Penn Forces the Issue
William Penn leads the NAIA with 10 forced fumbles and has recovered seven. The Statesmen are the only team appearing atop both national categories.
Sewell in the Backfield
Speaking of the Statesmen, Rhyan Sewell leads the NAIA with 12.5 tackles for loss. He has 24 total tackles going into this week at Mount Mercy.
Davis Does It All for McPherson
McPherson’s Jaylan Davis recorded 11 tackles, including nine solo, with a tackle for loss and a 19-yard interception return in the Bulldogs’ win over Ottawa (Kan.), earning Defensive Player of the Week.
Patterson Provides the Spark
College of Idaho’s Trezell Patterson totaled 127 yards on two kickoff returns, including an 84-yard touchdown on the final play of the first half against Montana Tech, earning NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week.
Keiser Piles Up the Yards
Keiser rolled up 642 yards of offense in a 58-21 win over previously unbeaten Cumberlands (Ky.), the second-highest single-game total in program history. Quarterback JT Tabora threw for a career-high 336 yards and three touchdowns.
#14 Southeastern (3-0) at Florida Memorial, 1 p.m. ET
Southeastern opens Sun Conference play looking to avenge last season’s 28-23 home loss to Florida Memorial, the Lions’ first win over a ranked opponent. The unbeaten Fire enter allowing 14.7 points and 219.3 yards per game.
(RV) Taylor (3-1) at #11 Marian (3-1), 1:05 p.m. ET
Taylor takes a three-game winning streak into its MSFA Mideast opener against Marian. The Trojans average 255 rushing yards per game, while Marian enters on a three-game winning streak with one of the NAIA’s top pass defenses.
#17 Dordt (2-2) at #16 Midland (5-0), 1 p.m. CT
Unbeaten Midland puts its perfect start on the line against Dordt. The Warriors rank second nationally in scoring defense at 6.6 points per game, while Brodey Johnson leads the NAIA with 20 touchdown passes.
#6 Montana Tech (4-1) at #22 Dakota State (4-1), 1 p.m. CT
A pair of 4-1 teams meet in Madison, with Montana Tech taking one of the NAIA’s top defenses against the nation’s leading passing attack. Dakota State quarterback Tray Hettick leads the NAIA in passing yards.
#23 Baker (4-0) at #4 Benedictine (4-1), 1 p.m. CT
Unbeaten Baker opens Heart South play against a Benedictine team riding four straight wins. Baker leads the NAIA in scoring defense at 4.3 points per game, while the Ravens have climbed to No. 4 after their 4-1 start.
(RV) Evangel (3-2) at (RV) Kansas Wesleyan (4-1), 1 p.m. CT
Two teams just outside the Top 25 meet in Salina. Kansas Wesleyan leads the NAIA in rushing defense at 37.4 yards per game, while Evangel has scored on every red-zone opportunity this season.
#9 Campbellsville (4-0) at #12 Lindsey Wilson (4-1), 1:30 p.m. CT
An in-state matchup pairs two of the Mid-South’s highest-ranked teams. Campbellsville averages 47.3 points per game, while Lindsey Wilson counters with NAIA receiving leader Max Gainey, who has 739 yards and 11 touchdowns after a program-record 230-yard performance last week.
| By the Numbers | Lindsey Wilson | Campbellsville |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 4-1 | 4-0 |
| Turnover Margin | 0 | 4 |
| Opp. Yards/Play | 3.8 | 3.6 |
| Yards/Play | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Total Off./Game | 450.6 | 540.3 |
#24 Georgetown (2-2) at #25 Cumberland (3-1), 2:30 p.m. ET
The final two teams in the Top 25 meet in Lebanon. Cumberland has won three straight since its season-opening loss to St. Thomas, scoring at least 31 points in each victory.
Langston (2-2) at (RV) OUAZ (3-1), 7 p.m. Arizona Time
OUAZ has won three straight since its season-opening loss at Montana Tech, including a 3-0 start in SAC play. The Spirit have rushed for 966 yards and 14 touchdowns, while Langston looks to rebound after a 24-9 loss at Arkansas Baptist.
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