Playing someone out of the state might be what the Jimmies need to get going.
After going 1-2 in their first three conference games, Jamestown College will head to Wisconsin to play NCAA Division III LaCrosse for the first time.
If the Jimmies (1-2 DAC, 2-3 overall) were in a rut after last week's loss to 20th-ranked Valley City State, hitting the road for an 8-hour bus ride could shake things up.
"I think we needed this little break in the (DAC) action, get rededicated and then go through the loop for the next three conference games and hopefully be a factor down the stretch," said JC coach Bud Etzold. "Maybe it's a good thing that we're playing a team we don't know much about and a team that doesn't know much about us. I guess we'll find out."
The Jimmies left early Friday morning and practiced at St. Cloud State (Minn.) on the way to LaCrosse.
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While it's a new opponent, it's the same caliber of team the Jimmies have faced all season.
The Eagles are 1-3, but they gave 2-time NCAA Division III national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater a good game in their season-opener. They lost to the No. 5 team in D-III by just a touchdown and their other loss is by just three points. They could easily be 3-1, with the lone loss to the premier program in D-III (Whitewater).
They play in the same conference as Wisconsin-Stout, the Jimmies' Week 2 opponent they lost to 20-17 in the closing seconds.
"They have a great football tradition. They play in the premier conference in Division III. They're maybe a hair smaller than Stout, but they play awfully hard. They sell out and they're coming off their first win so they're going to be flying high," Etzold said. "We're going to have our hands full."
The Jimmies were originally scheduled to play Dickinson State this week, but the four remaining DAC teams have all been understandably flexible with each other in order to fill a full schedule.
"We knew we'd all have to adjust with the situation we're in," Etzold said.
Different 'D'
Etzold's been coaching for nearly 40 years, but the defense the Eagles employ is unlike any other, he said.
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LaCrosse plays a base 4-3, but has nobody over the center and their tackles are lined up over the outside of the guards, meaning there's a gap right up the gut.
"It's a very unique scheme. They slant and blitz and do all kinds of stuff," Etzold said.
But they also give up yards, almost 420 in fact per game, including over 260 through the air.
Inconsistent 'O'
Both teams have been erratic offensively.
The Jimmies average over 310 yards per game, led by running back Lance Johansen's whopping 7.2 per carry average on 50 attempts.
LaCrosse counts on dual-threat quarterback Mike Butterfeld to throw and run it.
Injury update
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The Jimmies likely will have quarterback Brad Lint under center. The senior QB got his bell run good against the Vikings last week, and it was thought initially he might not be able to go. But he's made quick progress and is expected to be ready to go.
Versatile O-Lineman Matt Steiner (shoulder) will play, but starting guard Codi Berggreen (knee) will not.
Taking it away
Both teams have shown the ability to force turnovers, particularly via interceptions.
The Jimmies have seven in three games, led by A.J. Downs with three. LaCrosse has five in four games.
Plenty of support
Division III football is well known for its attendance and LaCrosse is no exception. According to the school's website, they drew over 3,200 for the Whitewater game and nearly 2,000 last week when they defeated Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Regardless of how many people are there, Etzold said his team's objective is clear.
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"We just have to play better," he said. "Our kids should feel no pressure. It seems the bigger the game the more fearful we've played in terms of making mistakes.
"If we were worried about losing or the ramifications, that ship has sailed. They should be able to go out and cut it loose."
Sun Sports Editor Dave Selvig can be reached at (701) 952-8460 or by email at dselvig@jamestownsun.com
