UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio — Editor's Note: The above video features a previously recorded interview between 3News' Nick Camino and Mount Union coach Geoff Dartt.
Two D3football.com Top 25 teams will kick off in University Heights this weekend in an early-season rivalry showdown.
The No. 21 John Carroll University Blue Streaks (1-1) will host the No. 4 Mount Union University Purple Raiders (2-0) in an Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) game on Saturday, Sept. 25, at Don Shula Stadium at 1 p.m.
Saturday’s 41st meeting between these two OAC teams will mark a new episode in an exciting rivalry. Mount Union holds a 35-3-2 advantage in their games against John Carroll, dating back to their first meeting in 1920.
Each year, Mount Union and John Carroll lead the pack in the OAC pre-season polls. This year, the Purple Raiders were picked to win the OAC Championship under the guidance of second-year Head Coach Geoff Dartt.
Over the past few years, the Purple Raiders have dominated in the rivalry. Mount Union currently holds a four-game win streak against John Carroll, with their most recent win coming from a 52-27 victory in Alliance this spring.
The John Carroll University Blue Streaks come into Saturday’s contest seeking to beat Mount Union for the first time since upsetting the Purple Raiders on Nov. 2, 2016.
The Head Coaches
The Blue Streaks are led by Northeastern Ohio native Head Coach, Rick Finotti who is in his fifth year with the program. Finotti currently holds a 28-10 record at the helm of the Blue Streaks. Finotti hopes to add his first victory against Mount Union to his resume on Saturday.
When former Mount Union head coach Vince Kehres left to join the staff at the University of Toledo, Dartt was promoted as head coach after serving as offensive coordinator for five years. He also formerly played at Mount Union on the offensive line. After the NCAA Division III playoffs were canceled last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dartt hopes to guide his team to his first-ever National Championship appearance as head coach.
John Carroll’s Offense
John Carroll’s team brings a lot of leadership to the table, with three-year starting quarterback Jack Floreia guiding the Blue and Gold offense. In his first two games, Floreia has completed 39 of 62 passes and has thrown for three touchdowns.
The receivers for John Carroll have a lot of experience under their belts, with graduate student JJ Olivera, seniors Keyshawn Coleman and Devin Limerick and juniors Brennan Fugh and Joey Torok leading the way.
Morgan State transfer Demerius Goodwin is coming off a career game against Otterbein last Saturday. Goodwin rushed for 194 yards and scored three touchdowns in a 41-17 victory over the Cardinals.
The offensive line returns an outstanding group of athletes. D3Football Preseason All-American 5th-year left tackle Black Herideen will lead the line alongside 5th-year Anthony Amata and senior Jack Faron.
John Carroll’s Defense
Graduate student Tyshawn Jones comes into the contest as the leader of the Blue Streaks defense with 14 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Junior Ross Valenti has shown a strong presence for the Blue and Gold defense as well. Valenti has recorded three sacks and five tackles in the early season. In the spring season, Valenti had a breakout with 12 tackles in the four games.
Hunter Orlando is another threat to the Purple Raider offense with 12 tackles, including six solos in the first two games.
Mount Union’s Offense
Domination has been the key to Mount Union’s scoring success this season.
In their first two games, Mount Union outscored their opponents 79-14. Their offense currently is at the top of the OAC and is ranked 14th in the nation.
Veteran junior quarterback Braxton Plunk will sit behind center for the Purple Raiders. In the spring season, the Florida native was named All-OAC First Team. In Mount Union's victory against John Carroll in the spring, Plunk threw for 521 yards and a career-high seven touchdown passes. For his career, he has thrown for 3,184 yards.
In both games this fall, Plunk has thrown for over 300 yards.
Plunk’s main targets have been the senior duo of Wayne Ruby and Derrick Harvey Jr. Ruby has caught 18 receptions for 247 yards in the 2021 fall season, while Harvey has received 10 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown.
The leading rusher for the Purple Raiders is senior Josh Petruccelli, who notched a career-high four touchdowns in their 48-7 win against Westminster. Over his four-year career, Petruccelli has rushed for 4,398 yards and 50 touchdowns.
Mount Union’s Defense
University of Akron transfer Mason McMillen continues to dominate the opposition in his second season with the Purple Raiders. McMillen leads the team in tackles with 13, including four solo tackles.
Eli Beers will lead the defensive line in his senior campaign. Beers has 3.5 tackles and 1.5 sacks on the season.
Tickets and Streaming
Gates at Don Shula Stadium will open one hour (12 p.m) before the kick-off.
You can purchase tickets for Saturday’s contest by clicking here.
General admission tickets are priced at $7, while premium reserved tickets at the 50-yard line are $10. Senior citizens and students receive a discount rate with tickets for $5. Children five and under can attend the game for free.
Those who cannot attend the game in person can find a live broadcast and up-to-date statistics on JCUSports.com.
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