UP Gazette

MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan Football team is set to host Alma College on Homecoming Weekend. The game will take place on Saturday, September 21 at 1 p.m.

The Wildcats (0-3) are aiming for their first win of the season, while the Scots (1-1) enter as the No. 16 ranked team in the latest d3football.com national poll.

Fans can follow updates via @NMU_Football and @NMU_Wildcats on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Head Coach Shane Richardson commented, "I think the expectations of our team is that we don't lose heart. We have to be able to move forward and push the reset button. If we're able to compare ourselves to improvement and what we can do better, we will come out with great energy and with the hopes that this is going to come to fruition."

Last week, NMU lost 35-21 against UW-La Crosse. Aidan Hoard and Michael Love connected for two scores each, marking a career first for both players. Elizin Rouse led a 269-yard ground attack with 137 yards, including a notable 77-yard run. Jahi Wood added another 91 yards.

Junior linebacker Mitch Larkin leads NMU's defense after topping the conference last season with 118 total tackles. Sophomore Jax Hertel also aims for growth following his freshman year performance of 65 tackles and two interceptions.

Quarterback Aidan Hoard stepped up last season due to an injury to starter Mariano Valenti, appearing in eight games and throwing for 1,059 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receivers Michael Love and Sam Peiffer combined for 680 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season.

The Wildcats feature one of the youngest teams nationally, with underclassmen making up over 70% of their roster.

Alma College recently defeated Denison 38-30. Quarterback Carter St. John has thrown for 537 yards and seven touchdowns through two games this season.

Head coach Shane Richardson is joined by Associate Head Coach Billy Lindquist and assistants Mike DuFrane, Michael Kaiser, DeAndre Riddick, Ezekiel Combs in their second seasons on staff. New additions include Joe Gatz guiding the offensive line and Kadalls Siner working with tight ends.