EMORY, Va. - After a 47-24 loss to Shenandoah University last week, the Emory & Henry College Football Team looks to get back into the winning column this week.

 

SU's Hayden Bauserman lit up with Wasps' defense with 495 passing yards and five touchdowns. E&H struggled to stop one of the nation's leading passers in the tough defeat. This week E&H takes on Randolph-Macon College on the road in a crucial matchup.

 

Last season, the Wasps handed the Yellow Jackets their only loss of the regular season. In front of a large home crowd, E&H picked off Macon's quarterback four times in route to a 27-20 win. Safety Justin Banks (Coeburn, Va.) had two interceptions in the game. The Emory & Henry passing attack instrumental in the victory as Kevin Saxton (Monroe, N.C.) threw for 277 yards and two scores. The team will look for Saxton to repeat his passing efficiency from last year's game.

 

The Wasps are scoring at a high rate this season. At 32.4 points per game, E&H is scoring the third-most in the league. However, the Wasps are also giving up 32.4 points game. Derrick Yates (Abingdon, Va.) continues to be a staple for the Wasps offense. He is near the top of the conference in all receiving categories and maintains the position of Saxton's favorite target.

 

The Wasps are having trouble getting to the quarterback and causing turnovers. Emory & Henry has only three sacks and one interception to its credit thus far. In order to win this game, the Wasps will need to step up defensively as the team did last year.

 

Just like last season, the Yellow Jacket defense has been solid. Their defense is giving up the fewest amount of points per game and second-fewest yards. However, like E&H, Randolph-Macon has had trouble getting to the quarterback and getting interceptions. Offensively, the Yellow Jackets have used two quarterbacks primarily, both of whom have thrown at least four interceptions. This is the Wasps' chance to get back on track defensively.

 

Zack Manley has been a key fixture for the Wasps' defense. At middle linebacker, Manley has been instrumental in running the defense and stopping ball carriers. With 43 tackles on the year, Manley is the leader for the Wasps and tied for third in the conference. Manley will need to be at the top of his game in order to stop running back Tre Frederick. Frederick leads the ODAC in rushing yards at 806 in only five games. With his average of 161 per game, Frederick is always capable of breaking the game open.

 

The Wasps will visit Day Field in Ashland, Virginia to take on Randolph-Macon Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.