The Northwestern College football team is in Durham, North Carolina preparing for Saturday’s NAIA title game against Keiser of Florida. Northwestern quarterback Jalyn Gramstad says they are excited to play for the championship.

The third ranked Red Raiders are 12-1 and All-American receiver Cade Moser says as a COVID senior it has been a special season.

Linebacker Tanner Oelsen says this team is more confident than two years ago when Northwestern lost to Lindsey Wilson of Kentucky 45-13 in the championship game. The Red Raiders were without injured All-American quarterback Tyson Kooima in that game.

Oelsen says previous championship game experience is a plus.

Northwestern linebacker and Great Plains Conference defensive player of the year Parker Friar says it will be a tough matchup against the Keiser offensive line.

Northwestern will be the third straight Iowa team Keiser has played. The Seahawks beat top ranked and defending champion Morningside in the quarterfinals before ousting second ranked Grand View in the semis.