Grand Rapids, MI—The last time the Raiders took the field against Iowa Western they walked away with a victory, a victory by an extremely narrow margin. Grand Rapids outlasted the then #5 Iowa Central, and won by a score of 56-48, but right up until the last play took place it was anyone's game. The Raiders left with a 5-0 record, and Iowa Western left with their first loss of the season.

This time around there is a bit more at stake. The winner of Saturday's game will be crowned the MFC champion, and will continue their quest for a shot at the national championship.

Over the course of the season Grand Rapids has steadily marched up the rankings in all polls. In the NJCAA poll the Raiders rank 5th overall, while Iowa Western sits in the #8 Slot. GRCC owns the #6 slot in the JCGridiron Dirty 30, with Iowa Western at #11. In the scout.com poll, a poll that features JUCO teams from across the nation, the Raiders are #4, and the Reivers again sit at #11.

Iowa Western has been a force to be reckoned with this season, and their only loss has come at the hands of the Raiders. The Reivers have been dynamic on the offense this season, and have posted an average of 482 yards per game. They've scored an average of 51 points per game while allowing an average of only 12 points per game.

Grand Rapids has averaged an astonishing 519 yards of offense this season, and has received contribution from numerous players. QB Cody Kater is living up to the hype, and has completed 139 of 199 passes for 1972 yards. Devin Jarret stepped up to fill in for the injured Korey Ringer, and has delivered. In 7 games Devin Jarret has rushed for over 600 yards and has scored 14 touchdowns.

Cody Kater has found support from numerous receivers, and leading the pack is Torico Searcy with 3 catches for touchdowns and Brian Parker with a total of 375 receiving yards. Their success is largely due to the highly talented group of offensive lineman including Justin Glover, DeShawn Byrd, Carlin Landingham, Dana Harris, and Devonte Jones.

The defensive line has proved to be quite stingy. Through 9 games the team has allowed an average of only 16 points. Myrick Gwynn and Nathan Lindsey lead the team with a total of 46 tackles each, with Jamar Wimberly and Ja'ron Embry close behind with 36 each. Ben Hayes has been punishing opposing quarterbacks all season, and leads the team with 7 sacks. Terrell Clinkscale and Malcolm Goines aren't far behind with 4 sacks apiece.

With a win due to a forfeit by DuPage the Raiders finished the 2011 regular season with a perfect 10-0 record. The team used the weekend off to nurse injuries and prepare for the game of the season, a game that should prove to be one of the most exciting of the season.

The MFC Championship game will be held at Houseman Field at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 5th.