Kickoff: 6:00 PM CDT
Venue: Bolstorff Field, Orange City, Iowa
Broadcast: NAIA.TV / GPAC Network
Game Overview
Waldorf University opens its 2025 campaign with a road test against familiar GPAC foe Northwestern College. The Warriors seek to rebound from a challenging 2024 season, while the Raiders aim to build on mid-table conference finishes and claim early momentum. This matchup of under-the-radar West Division teams carries playoff implications in a rugged conference.
Team Profiles
Waldorf Warriors
2024 Record: 3–7 overall, 2–6 GPAC
Head Coach: Josh Bullens (5th season)
Offensive Scheme: Up-tempo spread with RPO and quick-game emphasis
Defensive Scheme: 4–2–5 nickel prioritizing speed and turnover creation
Key Returners
QB Taylor Hayes (Sr.)
• Threw for 1,800 yards and 14 TDs; adds 350 rushing yards on zone-read keeps.
RB Marcus Jenkins (Jr.)
• Rushed for 720 yards (4.5 YPC) with 8 touchdowns; vital on third downs.
WR Devin McDonald (Sr.)
• Team leader with 45 receptions and 620 yards; dangerous on jet-sweep screens.
DB Aaron Lucas (Sr.)
• Anchors secondary with 5 interceptions and 10 pass breakups; vocal defensive captain.
Warriors Outlook: Bullens will push tempo to generate chunk plays, lean on RPO misdirection, and force Northwestern’s defense into rapid substitutions. Protecting Hayes and limiting turnovers are critical for an upset bid.
Northwestern Raiders
2024 Record: 5–5 overall, 5–4 GPAC
Head Coach: Matt McCorkle (6th season)
Offensive Scheme: Pro-style balance featuring power runs and play-action passing
Defensive Scheme: 3–4 base front focused on gap integrity and pressure packages
Key Returners
QB Mason Smith (Sr.)
• Completed 62% of passes for 2,000 yards and 16 TDs; manages pocket with veteran poise.
RB Jake Novak (Jr.)
• Rushed for 820 yards (4.7 YPC) and 10 scores; excels on inside zone and trap calls.
WR Trey Johnson (Sr.)
• Posted 55 catches for 700 yards and 7 TDs; primary playmaker on intermediate routes.
LB Caleb Johnson (Sr.)
• Team-leading 90 tackles, 7 TFL, and 3 sacks; key communicator in front seven.
Raiders Outlook: McCorkle returns an experienced offensive line aiming to establish Novak’s run game, set up play-action for Smith, and control the clock. A disciplined defensive front must contain Waldorf’s tempo and force third-and-long.
Key Storylines
Tempo Clash: Waldorf’s hurry-up spread against Northwestern’s methodical, clock-control offense.
Home-Field Advantage: Raiders own a 6–1 record at Bolstorff Field under McCorkle; crowd noise could
disrupt Warriors’ cadence.
Turnover Battle: Lucas’s ballhawking vs. Northwestern’s +4 turnover margin in 2024—field flips will be decisive.
Tactical Matchup
Line of Scrimmage: Raiders’ veteran front should corral Jenkins and collapse the pocket, forcing Hayes into quicker throws.
Tempo Control: Warriors aim for a 25-to-30-second play clock; Raiders will huddle to slow the pace and set up downhill runs.
Big-Play Potential: Look for McDonald on bubble screens and Johnson on blitz pickups to shift field position.
Northwestern’s physical ground game, red-zone efficiency, and home-field crowd should stifle Waldorf’s tempo. The Warriors will generate a few explosive RPOs, but the Raiders’ ability to control possession and win the turnover battle makes them a solid favorite.
Game Odds
Waldorf Warriors 52.5
Northwestern Raiders (IA) – 10.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, August 29, 2025
