Jacksonville, Fla. — Edward Waters University returns to The Jungle this Saturday, October 18 to face undefeated SIAC foe and Tiger rival Benedict College inside Nathaniel Glover Stadium at 4:00 p.m.
In a contest the entire SIAC will be keeping their eyes on, this Tiger clash comes with major implications on the 2025 SIAC Football Standings.
TICKET INFORMATION:
Tickets Can Be Purchased Online At: https://ewutigerpride.com/sports/2022/7/21/349_133029008251955664.aspx
BROADCAST INFORMATION:
Channel: SIAC Network/ewutigers/
Broadcast Link: https://siacnetwork.tv/ewutigers/
Live Stats: https: https://ewutigerpride.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
Audio: https://1010xl.com/post/shows/edward-waters-university-football-92-5fm-stream/
WHERE TO LISTEN:
You can listen to the voice of the EWU Tigers, Michael McDowd on 1010XL AM Sports Radio Jacksonville.
WEATHER REPORT:
The projected game-time forecast calls for clear skies with temperatures in the high 70s.
MAKING HISTORY
On Friday, September 19, Edward Waters University promoted Brian Jenkins Sr. to Head Football Coach from Interim Head Football Coach. The EWU Tigers enter this match up with a 4-2 mark under Coach Jenkins. Jenkins has taken the EWU Football Program to new heights as they have won their first three games of the season for the first time since 1964.
COACHING RECORDS:
Brian Jenkins, Sr. (EWU):4-2, 1st season
Ron Dickerson, Jr. (BC): 10-6, 2nd season
SERIES HISTORY
Saturday marks the 4th meeting between Benedict and Edward Waters, since the EWU Tigers made the jump to Division II. The CB Tigers have a 3-0 advantage in the series. Benedict pulled off a thrilling 31-28 victory over Edward Waters in their 2024 meeting in South Carolina.
EDWARD WATERS TIGERS PREVIEW
The Edward Waters offense will be led by transfer veteran quarterbacks Noah Bodden who has been on a tear through the first seven weeks of the season. Bodden is currently tied for third in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) with nine passing touchdowns and n passing yards (1, 409). Running back Johntarrious Thomas also currently sits third in the SIAC in rushing with 470 yards while senior wide receivers Izaiah Jean-Baptiste and Makai Lovett currently sit in 13th and 14th in receiving yards per game with 51.4 and 50.3.
In total, through six games the EWU Tiger offense is third in the SIAC in scoring offense averaging 29.7 points per game. Edward Waters passing attack ranks second in the SIAC averaging 243.5 yards per contest.
Defensively, EWU has been tremendous since the start of the year. The Tigers are currently tied for 26th in all of Division II with 13 total turnovers forced. EWU Football has also received back-to-back SIAC Defensive Player of the Week honors as David Law-Mortimer took home the award in week one and Trevon French garnered the award for week two. French has compiled 38 total tackles, which leads the team and is 16th best in the SIAC right now. His 24 solo tackles are 10th most in the SIAC. Law-Mortimer is tied for the conference lead with three interceptions this season.
The Tigers rank eighth in the SIAC in points allowed at 27.8 per game, but Edward Waters has limited opponents to only 340.8 yards of offense per game, the seventh best mark in the league. The Tigers have the fourth best passing defense in the conference at 188.7 yards per game, while sitting ninth in average rushing yards allowed at 152.2 per game.
Defensive Lineman Antonio Henley leads the conference in tackles for loss at 11.5 on the year in only five games played along with two fumbles recovered and fellow defensive lineman Jamari Pierre tied for tops in the league in fumbles forced with three.
Returner and wide receiver Kiren Jackson is tied for first in SIAC with two kickoff return touchdowns on the season. Jackson was named SIAC Special Teams Player of Week after returning a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown in EWU's 41-38 Unity Classic victory over Virginia Union.
Under Coach Jenkins' leadership, the Tigers are expected to emphasize tempo offense and discipline on defense.
BENEDICT TIGERS PREVIEW
The Benedict Tigers enter Saturday's game sitting atop the SIAC Standings with a 6-0 mark on the season. This will be the Tigers' first road game in the month of October as they are coming off a 14-7 victory over Fort Valley State last weekend. The Tigers have garnered victories over Fayetteville State, Central State, Tuskegee, Clark Atlanta, Allen and Fort Valley.
Quarterback Darius Ocean leads the Tigers with 832 yards passing and eight touchdowns with four interceptions. Triston Morgan is Benedict's leading rusher with 375 yards rushing so far this season. Wide receiver Malaqhi Jones has racked up 307 yards and two receiving touchdowns for the BC Tigers.
On the defensive side of the ball is where Benedict has been dominant. The Tigers lead the SIAC in scoring defense allowing 13.7 points per game as well as forced fumbles with 11. Linebacker Isaiah Stephens leads the team with 46 total tackles, three sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception. Fellow linebacker and reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Week Israel Nwokocha has tallied 40 tackles with six sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Benedict Returner Jaxon Williams was named Special Teams Player of the Week after he returned the opening kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown, his second kickoff return for a score this season. He had two returns for 112 yards against the Wildcats. In addition, he had two receptions for 44 yards on offense, including a 29-yard touchdown reception, to account for both of Benedict's touchdowns in their 14-7 victory.
LOOKING AHEAD
After their Tigers clash with the Benedict College Tigers, the EWU Tigers will hit the road for a meeting with Clark Atlanta on October 25 at CAU Panther Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm.
Follow The Tigers
For complete coverage of Edward Waters University Athletics, follow the Tigers on social media @EWU_Athletics (Twitter), /EWUTigers (Facebook) and @EWU_Athletics (Instagram) or visit the official home of Edward Waters Athletics at EWUTigerPride.com.
