Wilmington College will host Ohio Northern in an Ohio Athletic Conference game 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Williams Stadium.

The Quakers (0-7 OAC, 0-8 overall) are coming off a 49-20 loss at Heidelberg, a game that yielded Wilmington's most balanced and productive offensive effort of the season. Quarterback Brandon Arehart (Wilmington) passed for 233 yards and two touchdowns while running back Tyrell Richardson (Columbus/Centennial) rushed for career-high 82 yards and a score.

"Our offense really made some strides last week," Wilmington head coach Ken Minor said. "Running the ball slowed down their pass rush. They were more concerned about us running up the middle, and Brandon had some time to look for his receivers. Defensively, stopping Heidelberg was a huge challenge. Next to Mount Union, Heidelberg is probably the most explosive team in the league. Right when you think you have them pinned down a little bit, they use one of their explosive backs or a play-action pass and you are on your heels defensively."

Ohio Northern (4-3, 5-3) got its offense revved up a week ago in a 56-35 home win over Marietta. The Polar Bears, led by Justin Buenger's 146 yards, picked up season-high 335 yards on the ground.

"Ohio Northern plays on a grass field and they know that late in the season there will be some bad-weather games. Bad-weather teams always have good running games, so they recruit and build around that running game. It's not as explosive a team as Heidelberg, but it is a very good power team that can make you feel like you are getting a root canal," Minor said.

Wilmington's defense continues to blend experience and youth. Last week, freshman safety Devon Burton (Waynesville) had another strong game with career-high 16 tackles, three of which were for loss. Burton ranks No. 4 in the OAC with 10 tackles for loss.

"Devon is good and his confidence is growing," Minor said. "He is a freshman, but he plays more like an upperclassman. He has no fears at all out there."

Ohio Northern's defense is led by senior safety Chad Coward, whose blocked punt against Marietta earned him OAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

"I told Chad Coward before the game last year that he is a player that really caught my eye as a player that plays with so much hustle and enthusiasm. Whether it was a special team or on defense, he gives everything he has. He is a real credit to the whole league," Minor said.

Saturday will be Senior Day as Ryan Krugh (South Vienna/Northeastern), Brett McEvoy (Pickerington/Pickerington North), Darian McGee (Dallas, Texas/Duncanville), Antwoine Shelton (Dallas, Texas/Duncanville) and Nate Stierhoff (Rushsylvania/Benjamin Logan) play their final home games at Wilmington.

"It's always a bittersweet moment when the seniors are playing their last game on the home turf. I just hope that we give them something to remember. I will always remember how these men have helped me during my first two years here at Wilmington College," Minor said.