Expectations are nothing new for the Northwestern College football team and this season is no different. After an 11-2 season that concluded with a trip to the NAIA national quarterfinals the Red Raiders are seventh rated nationally heading into Saturday’s opener at Nebraska Wesleyan.
Coach Orv Otten says they’ve been in the top 20 for every season the last four years and have had success for many year, and the expectations are always for outstanding football play. Senior quarterback Craig Hector returns for his third season as the starter and leads and offense that has a number of experienced players at the skill positions.
He says the biggest area of concern is in the offensive line, as he says some players have to step up. The Red Raiders will have to jell right away. They open the Great Plains Conference race with two of their first three games away from home. Otten says they’ll face some of the best teams nationally right away, and that is something they’ve gotten used to. Northwestern was picked to finish second in the preseaon GPAC poll.