Grand Rapids, MI—The 7-0 GRCC Raider football team heads to Joliet Community College this Saturday prepared to add another win to their undefeated season.  Joliet’s Wolves, now 4-2, are expected to battle as they look to find a place in the NJCAA’s Top 20 poll.
This week the Raiders maintained their 6^th place NJCAA rankings after last weeks second half 63-41 comeback win over Georgia Military College.

The Raiders have one unusual advantage to help them prepare for Joliet—the Wolves’ starting quarterback and leading receiver both suited up for the Raiders during the 2010 season.

Quarterback Chris Rokita originally from Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central in Saginaw, MI, didn’t see the field for the Raiders in 2010.  He was a red-shirt freshman as James Stallons and Terrance Moore, who together threw for 2380 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2010, got the starts.  This season with Joliet Rokita is making an impact for the Wolves going 77-of-161 for 838 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions.

Former Raider receiver Anthony Whitehead is also posting some impressive figures for the Wolves.  This season he is one of Rokita’s favorite targets with 197 yards on 19 receptions and a touchdown.

The Wolves ground leaders in 2011 are Robert Beaver and Courtney Molton.  Beaver has rushed for 161 yards on 53 carries with one touchdown while Molton has 80 carries on the season for 347 yards and three touchdowns.

The Raiders have given Joliet plenty to prepare for as their fourth ranked total offense averages 57 points with512 yards per game and a defense allowing less than 20 points on average.  The Raiders have a host of offensive weapons to choose from when they face Joliet this Saturday.

Quarterback Cody Kater is currently ranked 17^th in passing in the NJCAA with 1505 yards and fifteen touchdown passes delivered to eight different Raiders.  On the ground the GRCC has an equal amount of weapons.  Running backs Jayshon Jackson, Devin Jarret and Antwan Gilbert have rushed for fifteen touchdowns on 174 carries for 1062 yards.

A rock-solid Raider defense will be key for this weekend’s matchup.  While the Raiders have many outstanding defenders, last week several stood out as true threats.  Defensive back Evan Ray walked away with three interceptions and seven tackles, Ben Hayes recorded two tackles and two sacks and Myrick Gwynn has 7 solos and one fumble recovery against the Bulldogs.

As a whole, nearly every member of the Raider’s defense deserves credit for this season’s outstanding play.  The Raiders have forced seven fumbles, made fifteen interceptions totaling 206 return yards and recorded 43 tackles for a loss of 166 yards.

With only three games remaining in their Regular season, the Raiders will need to put up some impressive figures to continue their quest to enter the top 5 in the NJCAA’s National Poll.

Kickoff for Saturday’s game will be at 2:00 PM EST at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Ill.