Football Preview: Eureka Opens NACC Play at Rockford

EUREKA, Ill. – The Red Devils begin conference play this Saturday when they travel to Rockford for their NACC opener. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m., as Eureka looks to get back in the win column and get off to a strong start in conference play

Fans can follow the game via a radio broadcast on EC 103.1, with Matthew Swan and Drew Danehl providing commentary. Live stats and a live stream will be provided by Rockford and can be accessed on the football schedule page at eurekareddevils.com.

The Red Devils are aiming to bounce back after last weekend's non-conference loss to Westminster, where they fell 29-6. Eureka's score came on a second half touchdown connection from Daryus Warren to Keyshawn Cone.

Saturday's matchup also marks a chance for redemption against the Regents, who defeated Eureka 59-6 in their meeting last season. Historically, Eureka holds a 7-2 edge in the all-time series, including a 5-0 record at home. The teams are even at 2-2 in Rockford.

REGENTS RUNDOWN: Through two games, Rockford (1-1) is averaging 391.0 yards of total offense and 24.5 points per game. The Regents thrive through the air, posting 317.5 passing yards per contest, while their run game has been limited to just 73.5 yards per game. Defensively, they've allowed their opponents 323.5 yards per game and matched them in scoring. Rockford has been disruptive on defense, recording seven sacks and three interceptions.

Rockford is coming off a narrow 34-30 loss at Elmhurst. After trailing 28-10 at halftime, the Regents made a change at quarterback and erupted for 20 third quarter points behind Cartail Dickey's 233 passing yards and 3 passing touchdowns.

Top targets for Rockford in their last game included William Key (121 yds, TD), Timothy Bearden (107 yds, TD), and Connor Willard (65 yds, TD). Despite just 16 yards of rushing, Rockford totaled 425 yards of offense in the loss.

Defensively, Joey Alvarez led with 7 tackles and a fumble recovery, while Nasir Lamarre and LeTerrious Mackey each had an interception. Rockford's defense forced four turnovers but allowed 502 yards of total offense.

RED DEVIL SPOTLIGHT: Eureka (1-1) is looking to bounce back after a tough road loss last week against Westminster. The Red Devils are averaging 276.5 yards of offense per game, with a balanced attack that includes 166.0 passing yards and 110.5 rushing yards per game.

In their most recent outing, Eureka fell 29-6 at Westminster. After trailing 26-0 at halftime, the Red Devils got on the board in the third quarter with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Daryus Warren to Keyshawn Cone. Warren threw for 131 yards and added 40 on the ground, while Ronnie Sanders led the rushing attack with 48 yards on just four carries. Defensively, Eureka recorded four sacks but struggled to contain Westminster's run game, allowing all four touchdowns on the ground.

Eureka's offense has been led by quarterback Daryus Warren, who has thrown for 332 yards and two touchdowns while completing 42.5% of his passes. On the ground, Ronnie Sanders has been the most efficient rusher, gaining 83 yards on just seven carries for an impressive 11.9 yards per attempt. Warren has also contributed 65 rushing yards, while Aaron Locus has added 51 yards on nine attempts.

Anterion Theodore leads the team in receiving with 69 yards on four receptions, including a long of 41 yards. Keyshawn Cone has been the top scoring threat with two touchdown receptions, while Jeremiah Washington and Aaron Locus have also been reliable targets. DeVayne Isom leads the team in all-purpose yardage, totaling 200 yards, 169 of which have come on kick returns.

Defensively, Will Watkins leads the team with 17 total tackles and three tackles for loss. Ethan Paulat has recorded 14 tackles and a team-high three sacks, while Jovon Gibson recorded Eureka's lone interception so far this season in the opener against Knox.

LOOKING AHEAD: Eureka returns home on Saturday, Sept. 27, for a matchup against Aurora, with kickoff set for 6:00 p.m. The Red Devils will look to improve on last season's lopsided 56-0 loss to the Spartans.