Shorter University
Record: 6-5, 3-3 in Mid-South Conference West Division
Last time played: This will be the teams' first meeting.
Shorter on offense: Shorter runs a triple-option offense similar to Georgia Tech's. The Hawks' offense is directed by quarterback Ben Williams, a three-year starter from Lassiter High. Shorter has led NAIA in rushing the past two years, averaging 326 yards last year, and returns nine starters from that unit. However, the program lost its best player from a year ago, fullback A.J. Cooley, who was the school's first NAIA All-American. Octavious Edge from Lovejoy High has replaced Cooley.
Shorter on defense: The Hawks also lost their top player on defense, inside linebacker Logan Lollis, who was a two-time defensive player of the year in Shorter's Mid-South Conference West Division. Shorter plays a 3-4 defense. The leading returning tackler is Garrett Hochstetler.
Shorter on special teams: Kicker David Guilford made 43 of 49 point-after tries last year, but only 1 of 6 field-goal attempts. Brandon Morten returned a punt 66 yards for the Hawks' only score last Saturday in a 37-7 loss to Division II West Alabama.
What you should know about Shorter: Shorter started its football program in 2005 and has had winning seasons the last five years, going to the NAIA playoffs in 2008.
What you might not know about Shorter: Coach Phil Jones, who has helmed the team since its inception, was an assistant to Jim Donnan at Georgia from 1997 to 2001.
Coach: Phil Jones, 32-23 in six seasons at Shorter.
More on the web: http://goshorterhawks.com
Ken Sugiura
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