ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Last weekend, Henderson State took down crosstown rival Ouachita Baptist in the Battle of the Ravine to punch their ticket to the NCAA Division II playoffs with an at-large bid.
"I think everyone is pumped to get another week together," Henderson State wide receiver Chris Hatzis said. "There are a lot of sixth-year seniors, and I'm one of those guys. The fact that we got to Week 12 is a blessing. I think we're happy to suit up with each other one more time."
Defensively, the Reddies must step it up to get past Central Missouri and its top-ranked offense, led by redshirt junior quarterback Zach Zebrowski's 388 passing yards per game.
"That's probably been our biggest focus... how we can contain that offense," Henderson State head coach Scott Maxifield said. "We just have to play our game and don't panic."
Henderson State is entering the playoffs with a 9-2 overall record and is undefeated on the road.
"Every season, this is our goal," Hatzis said. "Last week was a playoff game for us, so in my eyes. We are 1-0 in the playoffs and are going to the next round."
The Reddies will battle Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo., on Saturday at 1 p.m. Central. The game will be streamed on the NCAA's website.