#1 Sioux Falls (10-0, 9-0) at #4 Morningside (9-0) - The Cougars are riding a 24-game win streak in Elwood Olsen Stadium and haven't lost a regular season contest since 2005. Ironically, the opponent and site are identical to that last occasion. Lorenzo Brown heads up the defending champs' offense, accounting for 283 ypg. He's connected on 70% of his throws with only one pick in 213 attempts against 29 td's. Surrounded by playmakers in Rb Ryan Lowmiller and wideouts Jon Ryan and Alex Anderson, Brown orchestrates a varied attack that plays behind a big O-line led by another All-American, T.J. Wendt. On defense, USF has allowed just 7 touchdowns in 10 games, (3 on the ground), and given up less than 60 yards rushing per outing. Seniors Mike Hartley (d-line), Marlon Lobban (Lb) and Trevor Holleman (S) make Sioux Falls strong up-the-middle. The Mustangs counter with Qb Tim Richard having an incredible senior campaign; first in passing yards with 244/gm and second to Brown in total offense. Jake Peterson remains the NAIA's leading rusher at 154 yards per contest and a 7.9 per carry average. All-American Wr Beau Kildow continues his assault on the school record book with 1,113 yards and 12 scores. The Mustang defense is led by Linebackers, Marshall Tuttle, Bret Nickolite and Justin Taylor. D-lineman Ben Haugen is the team sack leader, 3^rd in the GPAC. The games have been exceedingly close 3 of the past 4 seasons; just 10 points separating the teams in those 3 games. Expect another tight one with the outcome undecided till the final minutes.

Briar Cliff (3-7, 3-6) at Nebraska Wesleyan (5-4) - The Chargers have yet to beat NWU but are playing well as the season progresses with wins over Dordt and Dakota Wesleyan. The offense has come alive late, averaging 27 ppg as the team split the last 4 games. But BCU doesn't want a shoot-out as they've only won when the defense holds their opponent under 8 points. The Prairie Wolves seemed headed for a 4^th consecutive 7-3 record until they were dealt a 38-17 rivalry loss by Doane last week. Rb Kory Kahlandt was hurt on the first play from scrimmage and didn't come back. NWU should be able to get ready for the season-ender as they go for Coach Keller's 80^th win.

Doane (3-7, 3-6) at Dana (0-10, 0-9) - The Tigers found their offense last week, (only their 2^nd time over 30 points this fall), and Qb Anthony Dunn was named GPAC Offensive Player of the Week. The defense played well, snatching 2 turnovers and allowing NWU only one converted 3^rd or 4^th down in 12 attempts. Dana looks to finds a silver lining on a disappointing year. The offense has turned the ball over 3.5 times a game and the defense hasn't been able to keep the opponent's rushing game in line, allowing 192 ypg. Wr Mark Schlueter remains an all-league candidate with over 60 catches and 868 yards, while Ben Mezak leads the defense with 75 tackles.

Dakota Wesleyan (3-6) at Dordt (1-9, 0-9) - The Tigers salvaged some pride last week, knocking Northwestern out of the post-season with a 13-10 win. They go for a season sweep over the over three D colleges in the GPAC, (previous wins over Doane and Dana). It will be the swan-song for Coach Brad Pole's first recruiting class at DWU, including 4 year starter at Qb Jon Doom. The Defenders aim for their final chance at a GPAC victory and have shown improvement from their inaugural edition. They've halved the number of games they didn't score from 6 to 3 and the defense has had reductions in several categories. Expect Dordt to give DWU all it can handle Saturday.

Midland Lutheran (6-3, 6-4) at #16 Hastings (8-2, 7-2) - The Warriors look for a 2^nd consecutive winning season and a possible third-place finish in the conference with a win in the annual McLaughlin-Watchorn trophy contest; named for two long-time coaches at the schools. With young running backs Khalid Waters and Darious Bentley, MLC will seek to control the clock and the ball. The defense relies on Dustin Schiele up front and linebackers Dulayne Cumberlander, Reed Mansfield and Jake Wiebold. The Broncos have had music-chair quarterbacks most of the season, but if healthy, Troy Huebert has the job. Maurice Mansfield and Nick Grummert form the potent running back duo. Lb Mackenzie Hemje was named GPAC Defensive Player of the Week for his game-changing interception return late in the first half against Concordia. Hastings is looking for more than a trophy this weekend as a post-season bid is possible with a win.

Incredible as it may seem, this ends our 2009 regular season. We'll continue with previews of all GPAC post-season contests; right up through the National Championship Game.

B Lynn Fouts