Morningside coach Steve Ryan

Morningside coach Steve Ryan

Two confident football teams collide in Sioux City on Saturday when Morningside hosts Southern Oregon in the semifinal round of the NAIA Playoffs.

The Mustangs are 12-1 and top ranked while seventh ranked Southern Oregon is the defending national champion is coming off a second round upset of second ranked Baker University of Kansas.

Morningside coach Steve Ryan says the Mustangs need to slow down a balanced Southern Oregon offense that averages nearly 500 yards per game. Raider quarterback Tanner Trosin has passed for more than 2300 yards and rushed for nearly 780 yards.

“The main quality that makes them hard to defend is they are so talented at quarterback”, said Ryan. “He is an outstanding runner who also throws the ball very well. It allows them to have a wide opening running game and a wide open passing game as well.”

The winner advances to the NAIA championship game in Daytona Beach, Florida on December 19th.