Game 2 Match-ups announced

The teams that will play in the Graphic Edge Bowl have been set, as two games will kick off in the UNI Dome on Dec. 8 in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

The Graphic Edge Bowl will feature three top ten teams.  The matchups are: Iowa Central against No. 7 Rochester, and the featured match-up of No. 3 Iowa Western vs. No. 5 Butler.

The Iowa Western Reivers (10-1, 8-0 ICCAC), who were last year’s NJCAA National Champion, put together another excellent season, suffering only one loss to No. 1 Georgia Military.

The Reivers offense was explosive this year, with the team averaging 48 points per game in the regular season. Moreover, the offense was also well rounded.

Quarterback Connor Bravard and running back Akise Teague have been key cogs in the Reivers ability to put up points.

Bravard is averaging 234.3 passing yards a game and has 23 touchdowns this year. Teaque has been a dominant force on the field, averaging 132.6 rushing yards a game, and has rushed the ball into the end zone 12 times this season.

Reivers head coach Scott Strohmeier is thrilled for the chance to compete against Butler in the bowl game.

“Butler’s tradition speaks for itself,” Strohmeier said. “We are excited for the chance to play against such a quality opponent.”

The Butler Grizzlies (9-1, 6-1 KJCCC) will top off another successful season with a chance to avenge their loss to Iowa Western last year in The Graphic Edge Bowl, which was the NJCAA Championship Game.  Butler head coach Troy Morrell is looking forward to another challenge.

“Playing #3 ranked, and defending national champion, Iowa Western will be a tremendous challenge for our program this year,” Morrell said.  “Special thanks to The Graphic Edge and their continued support of this bowl game.

The Grizzlies are use to playing in high-stakes games, as they have played in 11 national championship games in their history—winning six of them.

This year the Grizzlies have relied on a range of talented offensive and defensive players, such as linebacker Phillip Williamson, who leads the team in sacks with 7.5, and running backs Ty Suggs and Chris Carson, who together have found the end zone 13 times.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to participate in the 2013 Graphic Edge Bowl,” Morrell said.  “Being part of a bowl game in junior college football is special and something that our players, coaches, administration, students and fans will all cherish.”