Wilmington College will travel to Marietta to face the Pioneers in Ohio Athletic Conference action 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Both teams are searching for their first conference win of the season. Wilmington is coming off a 44-7 loss to streaking John Carroll while Marietta was throttled by No. 2 Mount Union, 62-0, a week ago.

"John Carroll brought a two-game winning streak into our game, and they were feeling pretty good about themselves and very confident," Wilmington head coach Ken Minor said. "They just wore us down in the second half."

Although Marietta is winless in OAC play, Minor said there might be more differences than similarities when comparing the Quakers and Pioneers.

"We are still a very young team. I know that freshmen aren't supposed to be freshmen anymore, but we are still gaining experience. Marietta starts eight or nine juniors and seniors on their defense, which I think is the strength of their team."

The Pioneers also start a senior at quarterback, Andrew Keller, who will return to action after missing the Mount Union game due to injury.

"Keller does more for his team than any other quarterback in the league," Minor said. "He has the ability to use his feet, even when he is in the passing game, which makes their running game a little better than it appears."

Yards on the ground have been precious commodities for both Wilmington and Marietta, who are at the bottom of the OAC rushing rankings.

"Winning football is dictated by your ability to run the ball," Minor said. "That helps out with the play-action passing game and takes the pressure off the quarterback by not letting the defensive linemen laying their ears back and just rush like crazy."

Wilmington quarterback Brandon Arehart (Wilmington) averages 171 passing yards per game and benefits from a talented group of receivers. Kyle Blakeman (Wilmington) and Malcolm Heard II (Wilmington) combine for more than six catches per game, and sophomore Stephen Donoghue (Liberty Township/Lakota East) is making an impact.

"Stephen was our No. 3 quarterback, and he came to us and asked if he could play wide receiver. He felt that he could help the team at that position and he has really come on strong," Minor said. "Kyle Akers also has been playing well. Combine their play with the mismatches that Kyle Blakeman and Malcolm Heard create, and we feel good about our wide receivers."

Marietta's defense offers quickness in the secondary and plenty of pressure up front.

"They have two very good cornerbacks. Steve Perrin is a very good defensive tackle — he was a thorn in our side last year. We need to know where he is at all times," Minor said.

Wilmington's defense spent a ton of time on the field against John Carroll, but Minor said the effort never wavered.

"I am proud of those guys. Our offense put them in some bad situations, but their spirit every week motivates me," Minor said.

Linebacker Antwoine Shelton (Dallas, Texas/Duncanville) ranks No. 5 in the OAC with 8.8 tackles per game. Safety Devon Burton (Waynesville) ranks seventh with 6 tackles for loss.