Area school update: Saturday's games to watch

Hillsdale visits MSU Mankato in the NCAA Division II playoffs.

By JOEL RIPPEL, Star Tribune

Last update: November 12, 2009 - 10:44 PM

THIS WEEKEND'S GAMES TO WATCH

NCAA Division II playoffs: Hillsdale (9-2) at MSU Mankato (10-1), noon Hillsdale, which handed then-No. 1 Grand Valley State its only loss of the season (27-24 on Oct. 10), brings a five-game winning streak into its first Division II playoff game ever. Junior Troy Weatherhead, who has passed for 2,706 yards and 16 touchdowns, and senior Vinnie Panizzi, who has rushed for 1,306 yards and 21 touchdowns, lead the Chargers. Hillsdale, which is averaging 37 points per game, has scored 163 points in its past three games. MSU Mankato, playing host to a playoff game for the first time in program history, suffered its first loss of the season (26-21 to St. Cloud State) in its regular-season finale. The winner of this game will advance to play at Grand Valley State on Nov. 21.

Carleton (3-6, 1-6 MIAC) at St. John's (9-0, 7-0), 1 p.m.

Carleton, which brings a five-game losing streak into the game, has played the Johnnies tough the past two seasons. The Johnnies have won the past two meetings -- both in Northfield -- 10-7 in 2007 and 14-10 last year. Vaughn Schmid has passed for 14 touchdowns and rushed for six touchdowns for the Knights. The Johnnies, who have clinched the MIAC's automatic bid for the Division III playoffs, are ranked No. 4 in the Division III poll and No. 1 in the region. Johnnies quarterback Joe Boyle, who has a thumb injury, is not expected to play.

Northwestern of Roseville (5-4) at St. Thomas (8-1), 1 p.m.

Three of Northwestern's four losses have been by six points or fewer. The Eagles were idle last week after losing to Greenville 26-20 on Oct. 30. Senior Zach Tarter has passed for 1,979 yards and 13 touchdowns while completing 65 percent of his passes. St. Thomas, which is ranked sixth in the Division III region poll, needs a victory to remain in contention for a postseason playoff spot. The Tommies, who defeated Bethel 19-10 last week, beat Northwestern 41-0 in 2008.

PLAYERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Jesse Hamilton, MSU Mankato, DB The sophomore from Racine, Wis., is tied with Troy Jones for the team lead with six interceptions. Hamilton, a first-team All-NSIC South selection, is fifth on the team with 55 tackles.

John Stanton, St. John's, LB The junior from San Rafael, Calif., leads the Johnnies defense, which has allowed only 14.2 points per game, with 58 tackles. Stanton has four tackles for loss and has intercepted two passes.

BY THE NUMBERS

63.9 Completion percentage (a school record) this season for Southwest Minnesota State's Ryan Ratekin. A junior from Chico, Calif., Ratekin passed for 2,963 yards and 33 touchdowns (third most in school history).

132 Points scored in Crown's 69-63 victory over Eureka last Saturday -- a record for points in a NCAA Division III non-overtime game. The teams also combined for a NCAA Division III single-game record 1,430 yards in total offense -- 744 by Eureka and 686 by Crown.

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