Season Context
William Penn returns to open 2025 after a 6–5 finish in GPAC play, aiming to build on a late-season surge that saw three consecutive wins. The Statesmen bring back a veteran offensive line and junior signal-caller Tyrin Cummings, who combined for 2,100 passing yards and 18 touchdowns last fall.
William Woods enters its third season under head coach Jason Redd, coming off a 4–6 campaign in the American Midwest Conference. The Owls feature a ground-and-pound rushing attack led by senior back Mike Jacobs and an opportunistic defense that generated 22 turnovers in 2024.
Team Overviews
William Penn Statesmen
Conference: Great Plains Athletic Conference
2024 Record: 6–5 overall, 5–4 GPAC
Offense
QB Tyrin Cummings: Accurate junior passer with 2,100 yards, 18 TDs, and just 6 INTs
RB Alex Johnson: Dual-threat back who posted 850 rushing yards and 8 scores
Defense
LB Marcus Brown: Led squad with 95 tackles and excels in blitz packages
DB Dylan Reyes: Lockdown corner who added 3 interceptions
William Woods Owls
Conference: American Midwest Conference
2024 Record: 4–6 overall, 3–5 AMC
Offense
QB Connor Stevens: Mobile senior with 1,500 total yards and 12 touchdowns
RB Mike Jacobs: Power back who churned out 750 yards on the ground
Defense
LB Kyle Patterson: Sideline-to-sideline playmaker with 88 tackles
DB Jordan Lee: Versatile defender who forced 5 fumbles
Head-to-Head
This marks the first-ever meeting between William Penn and William Woods.
Both teams view this opener as a litmus test: Penn to prove GPAC pedigree, Woods to showcase its resurgence under Redd.
Key Players to Watch
William Penn’s Tyrin Cummings (QB): His ability to stretch the field on third down will dictate the Statesmen’s tempo.
William Penn’s Alex Johnson (RB): If he breaks early tackles, Penn can control possession.
William Woods’ Mike Jacobs (RB): A hot Jacobs can keep Penn’s offense off the field and swing momentum.
William Woods’ Kyle Patterson (LB): Watch Patterson’s sideline pursuit to see if Woods can stifle Penn’s run game.
Broadcast & Streaming
Live Stats: naiastats.prestosports.com
Video Stream: William Penn Athletics YouTube
Radio: KWJP 88.5 FM (Oskaloosa) / KCVH 98.3 FM (Fulton)
What to Watch
Run-Pass Balance: Will Penn stick with its veteran rushing attack or lean on Cummings’ arm?
Second-Level Defense: Can Woods’ linebackers contain Alex Johnson?
Turnover Margin: Both defenses thrived on takeaways—early turnovers could swing this game.
Game Odds
William Penn Statesmen (IA) – 12
William Woods Owls 48.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
