ORANGE CITY, Iowa — Northwestern College athletics and Vice President for Athletics Dr. Micah Parker have announced that Northwestern football will travel to Des Moines, Iowa in 2023 for a September 9 clash with the Bulldogs of Drake University.
“We are excited for the opportunity to compete against Drake in historic Drake Stadium,” said head football coach Matt McCarty. “It will be a great opportunity to play in front of our fans and alumni in the Des Moines area.”
Drake University football competes in the Pioneer Football League (PFL) and had a 2-9 record in 2021, going 1-7 in league play. The Bulldogs are led by head coach Todd Stepsis who completed his fourth season as head coach this past season. He took the reins of the program after serving as defensive coordinator for five seasons.
“We are excited to bring Red Raider football to the Des Moines area where we have many alums. Drake has a unique football tradition and they play in a historic stadium,” said Parker. “This will be a great student athlete experience which will only help us continue to improve our football team. Save the date on your schedule Raider fans!”
Northwestern is coming off another highly successful campaign in 2021, holding a 12-2 record overall and a 9-1 mark in Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) play. The Raiders advanced to the semifinal round of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Football Championship Series (FCS) for the second straight season under McCarty.
