Steve Nafziger | Echo
After a 46-0 blowout win last year against the Anderson Ravens, the Taylor University football team looks to keep their Wagon Wheel momentum going as they take on their rivals Saturday night under the lights.
The Trojans are seeking their sixth consecutive Wagon Wheel Game victory, which would keep them undefeated (4-0) against the Ravens while under head coach Ron Korfmacher. The Wagon Wheel has been passed between the teams since 1990, when the Ravens beat the Trojans 21-17. With a Trojan win, the series would be tied at 12-12.
"It's an opener for both teams and a rival game for both teams so you throw all that into it and I'm expecting a great night," Korfmacher said. "I'm expecting us to come out on top. We just have to go play and execute as a team and execute what we've been preparing."
Last year, the Trojans shut out the Ravens with the most lopsided win in Wagon Wheel history. Taylor finished the game with 489 total yards compared to Anderson's 25, only giving up 1 yard in the entire first half. Taylor's defense dominated as AU failed to complete a third down conversion the entire game.
"It's been awhile since the wheel has left our hands and it won't be leaving this year," said senior linebacker Isaac McGaughey. "To see Anderson leaving the field with our wheel would be a horrible sight and one I don't expect to see this year or in the near future."
The Trojans went 4-6 last season, with half of their losses coming against opponents who were ranked in the top 10 nationally, leading to a 1-4 record in conference play. The Ravens finished their winless season going 0-10, including four shutout losses.
"This year's team has a different mentality than the past, and I'm excited to see where it takes us," McGaughey said. "We go into each practice trying to be better than the previous day. We have the mentality that God has blessed us with great talents and each day we will sharpen them."
Taylor's dominant defense from last year's team kept a lot of talent. McGaughey, who led the team in tackles against the Ravens last year with five, returns at linebacker. The Trojans have a strong defensive line returning with seniors Jake Shapley, Taylor Kinzer and Cody Schwerin. Senior Luke Currens and junior Taylor Borst are key starters returning for the Trojan secondary.
Junior running back Jake Fidler returns as Taylor's leading rusher. He finished last season with 504 rushing yards and two touchdowns. One of those touchdowns came against the Ravens.
Senior Chris Stutzman is returning at wide receiver and is looking to benefit the team the best he can.
"All the guys we have playing receiver this year bring different benefits to the offense, and we're looking to use all our abilities as best as we can within the offensive scheme," Stutzman said. "As a senior receiver, however, I look for ways to lead the younger guys by playing consistent, making plays, and working hard on and off the field."
Stutzman finished last year with 362 yards and one touchdown. Returning starters on the offensive line for Taylor are juniors Kenny Higgins and Steven Medlock, along with sophomore Chris Chang.
Both Taylor and Anderson have some new faces on the coaching staff this season. The Ravens brought in a new offensive coordinator to try to spark a new offense, while Taylor looks to keep their dominating defense under control of new defensive coordinator Avante Mitchell.
Taylor is hosting the Wagon Wheel Game at Trojan Stadium for the first time with permanent lights and the artificial turf field. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m Saturday night.
