Aug. 29, 2008

Story courtesy of Victory Sports Network

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GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - Pick your favorite storyline for the upcoming Victory Sports Network (VSN) "First Down Classic." Coach and player will meet as opponents for the first time as Doane (Neb.) College faces William Jewell (Mo.) University in the Victory Sports Network's "First Down Classic," Aug. 30th, in Platte City, Mo. 

William Jewell head coach Fran Schwenk, recruited and coached Doane alum and second year Tiger head coach Matt Franzen. 

On top of that, alumni from the football programs from both schools will come together to finally "break the tie".  In 1967, Doane and William Jewell played to a 14-14 tie in the Mineral Water Bowl.  The tie was the only blemish on both teams records as the Tigers and Cardinals finished the season without a loss.

Doane, of the Great Plains Athletic Conference finished 4-6 last season, but was a tough team to play at Simon Field, winning four of their five home games.

"We're excited this year to come out early and show what we can do," said Franzen.  "We feel like we have a team that will be competitive with every team we play this year."

In Schwenk's third year with the Cardinals, he improved his overall record as a head coach to 140-101-3 with the team's 6-4 finish. 

Schwenk said he's excited to be a part of this game with the schools having such storied traditions.

"Doane is the all-time 6th winningest program in NAIA and Jewell was the first school to win 500 games," he said. "Having coached at both schools is an honor in itself. I'm thrilled to be a part of the "First Down Classic."

After a strong finish to last season, Schwenk feels like the Cardinals have turned the corner.

"I think the team realizes they can win no matter what the odds are," Schwenk said. "We are looking to have a great year."

While the game's storylines are seen as excited by the fans, Franzen sees this game as a chance to test the waters against another conference.

"We see this game as an opportunity to play a very good opponent from another conference which is something we don't get a chance to do very often." 

The Victory Sports Network is in its second year of putting on the "First Down Classic" and seventh season of NAIA football coverage.  In last year's inaugural game, MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) defeated Azusa Pacific (Calif.) 59-38. 

"The storylines are set and the teams are ready to play," said Jason Dannelly, event organizer and Victory Sports Network owner. "Now we just need things."

Members from both of the 1967 Mineral Water Bowl teams will be honored prior to the game as well as past Presidents of the Excelsior Springs Quarterback Club who were responsible for the Mineral Water Bowl.

"The First Down Classic" will kickoff from Platte County R3 High School's Pirate Stadium at 7:00 on Saturday August 30th. Tickets can be purchased on game-day at the gate. Prices are $7 for adults and $5 for students.