Millikin’s Big Blue prepares for a long road trip down to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to take on the 2-4 Carthage Firebirds, a game that is a must-win for the Big Blue.
Millikin currently sits on a four-game losing streak after a devastating loss to their rivals, Illinois Wesleyan, 27-49. This was a game that saw Millikin attempt a comeback, but the Big Blue ended up falling short when it was said and done.
“We can’t dig ourselves in a 28- or 35-point hole; it’s correctable, that’s the good thing, but it happened,” Head Coach Billy Riebock said.
The players have been able to keep spirits high within the team, allowing players to come back stronger in the second half of the season. This is partly due to the continued confidence from veteran players.
“We just didn’t do our jobs; we didn’t do our jobs overall,” Linebacker Alex Araiza said. “I’m not going to blame anyone because that’s not what we do. I’ll lead the defense. I’m not a big vocal guy; I like to lead by example. I’m not going to be ripping your behind or anything. I got your back, not the coach, not anyone else; I got your back.”
The team is looking to bounce back from a 4-game drought and not allow this to be a defining part of the season.
But Carthage won’t be an easy game for the Big Blue. While Carthage is 2-4, they have excelled in the run game, led by Bryce Frank, the CCIW’s leading rusher.
Millikin has struggled to stop the run game this season, allowing over 155 rushing yards per game. They look to slow him down any way possible.
“I think it’s going to take all 11 players,” Riebock said.
Millikin, however, does look to have players returning from injury. Huge pieces from the defense are looking to return, especially Defensive Back Zyon Turner.
“It’s great; he’s a big part of our defense,” Defensive Back Latrell Hannon said. “When [Turner] went down, he was the leading tackler of our defense.”
Millikin will rely on the offense this week, which all starts with Quarterback Sylas Gomez. Gomez has had a decent season so far, but he still sits at 5th in the CCIW quarterback rankings. However, his receivers still have his back and see Sylas as the best in the conference.
“He should be number one, but it’s just errors we’re having,” Wide Receiver Kevin Louis said. “We know he is number 1 in the conference.”
Millikin understands how vital a win is this week. They want to get back into the win column and turn this season back in the right direction.
“This is a business trip,” Linebacker Ryan Baskerville said. “We have to come focused, we have to come mentally together, [and] we have the players to win this game.”
Players have also expressed their dislike of Carthage going into this game and are prepared to take them on.
“I don’t like Carthage; I don’t like them,” Wide Receiver Matthew Thurman said.
Millikin plays Carthage at 1 pm this Saturday in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and is looking to get back into the win column. As always, Riebock expresses his love for the team and his weekly score predictions.
“We can’t thank [you] enough for your support all year; these teams are fighting for you, and they will represent you the right way,” Riebock said. “As long as it’s Millikin by one, I’m happy.”
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