ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of Northwestern football team will open its 2019 campaign when they kick off against American Rivers Conference powerhouse, Central College this Saturday, Sept. 7. For just the second time in program history, the Eagles will match-up with the Central Dutch in a rematch of the teams' 2018 opener. UNW Head Coach Matt Moore begins his third season at the helm as Northwestern looks to build upon the squad's traditionally strong defense and young offensive talent.
 
Northwestern, who finished 5-5 overall last season and 5-3 (4th place) in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) returns several key players. Accordingly, the 2019 UMAC Coaches' Preseason Poll tabbed the Eagles to finish second. Senior Nick Swore (Grand Rapids, Mich./North Pointe Christian), who sat out last year due to injury, will return to the line-up this season. Swore picked off a top-ten nationally ranked seven interceptions as a junior and grabbed All-Conference, All-Region and D3football.com All-American nods.
 
Additionally, junior defensive lineman Seth Johnson (Westlake Village, Calif./Oaks Christian) is coming off a breakout year where he put together 32 tackles, including 6.5 tackles and five sacks. Junior linebacker George Obitz (Florence, Ariz./Florence) recorded a team-best 85 tackles and an interception.
 
Returning to the Eagle offense is senior wide receiver Evan Pruitt (Temecula, Calif./Rancho Christian) and senior running back Payton Bowdry (Minneapolis, Minn./South) who each earned first-team all-conference nods in 2018. Pruitt had 38 catches for 553 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Bowdry rushed for a team-best 506 yards and tacked on four touchdowns.
           
Sophomore Damon Clapper (Dallas Center, Iowa/Dallas Center - Grimes) will get the nod at quarterback. The 6'2", athletic, Dallas Center, Iowa native appeared in six games as a freshman.
 
The Eagles enter Saturday's season opener having led the UMAC in defensive average for two straight seasons. Central College came in second in the ARC in scoring average in 2018, averaging 35.8 points per game. The Dutch return junior quarterback Blaine Hawkins, whose passing game is only complemented by his ability to run the ball. Central also returns eight of 11 starters from last year's defensive line-up.
 
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Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. in Pella at Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium. Webcast will not be available for Saturday's game. Make sure to follow UNW Football on Twitter (@unwfb) and Instagram (@unw_fb) for the most immediate game day updates. A complete recap will be posted on www.unweagles.com following the contest.