Millikin’s Football team is preparing for the final game of the season against Elmhurst University.
There’s a lot on the line for this game. Not only does the team want to end their losing streak, but they want to bring in one last win for the seniors.
“I really have a great deal of respect for them, they stuck around through a coaching change, through a period of time, unfortunately in Millikin football history, where there wasn’t a lot of success,” Head Coach Billy Riebock said. “They trust us enough to try and build a foundation, which I think they’ve done. I’m excited for their futures with a Millikin education and the personality and mindset of this group. I know they’ll be very successful.”
Millikin is aware of its football history. They understand that, for the senior players, this may be the last time some of these players will play the game that they love.
“I think for any senior who isn’t going to play anymore, it’s different than baseball and basketball, where you can suit up and play in a rec league or something like that. Football is really the only sport where when you’re done, you’re done,” Offensive Coordinator Gunnard Twyner said.
The team is looking to end the 7-game losing streak and finish this season on a high note, helping to set the team up for future success.
“You’re only as good as your last game, so for me it’s all about making the plays I’m supposed to make and setting my team up for success,” Linebacker Alex Araiza said.
The Millikin seniors are sharing their final bits of wisdom with the younger players. They hope that Millikin will continue to work to be the team they know it can progress to.
“I always tell Ryan Baskerville and the other guys to, ‘just be you, play fast, don’t think, just be you,’ cause most of these guys are dogs,” Araiza said. “I always tell the freshman I was that freshman getting burnt too. I know how you are and how it feels. Just keep your head down and keep grinding.”
Millikin is favored to win the game, as Elmhurst is still looking for its first win of the season. However, they aren’t letting the favored win stop them from giving it their all.
“Vegas didn’t contact me, so we’re a program that’s in building mode and we treat every opponent the same and with respect,” Riebock said.
The coaches are confident going into this week; they know that this is a game that can be won so long as the team plays well with the cards they are dealt.
“We’re not going to ask anybody to be Superman, we’re not going to ask anyone to go out there and be Patrick Mahomes or anything like that. Just play within ourselves and make plays when we are asked to make plays,” Twyner said.
As always, Millikin shares the gratitude for support from the fans and for Riebock’s signature score predictions.
“As long as it’s Millikin by one,” Riebock said. “Excited to go out there and play another opportunity in front of our home fans and represent the University the right way.”
Millikin plays their final game of the season this Saturday at 12 p.m. at the Frank. The team is looking to finish out strong while Elmhurst is looking to get their first win.
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