Football | 11/05/22 | 9:18 AM

ASHLAND, Ore. - The No. 23 Carroll Football team is on its longest road trip of the season this week, making the trek to Ashland, Ore. for a showdown with Southern Oregon at 2 p.m. (MDT).

The Fighting Saints (6-2) enter the week with some momentum, winning their last three games, and doing so in convincing fashion. Carroll blew out Eastern Oregon 37-3 last Saturday in Helena, in what was their final home game of the 2022 season.

Southern Oregon (3-5) comes into the game on a two-game skid, both against ranked opponents (No. 24 Montana Tach, No. 12 College of Idaho). The Raiders almost caused chaos in the Frontier Conference last weekend, leading the No. 12 Yotes for the majority of their game before ultimately surrendering a last minute score, falling 28-24.

The Raiders have one of the most explosive passing offenses in the NAIA, and lead the Frontier Conference in nearly every passing statistic. SOU quarterback Blake Asciutto leads the league in passing yards per game at 233.8, and receiver Chrisitan Graney leads the conference in receptions, and touchdowns.

Carroll's defense allowed 263 passing yards in the first meeting between the two teams, but have been extremely stringy as of late. The Saints have only allowed 196  passing yards over their last three games combined.

Carroll's offense has been effective over the last month as well. Quarterback Jack Prka (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho / SO) has seemingly found a new favorite target, and its a combination Saints Fans will be excited to see for years to come, Wide Receiver Chris Akulschin (Gig Harbor, Wash. / R-FR). Akulschin was named Frontier Conference Offensive Player of the Week after his 9 reception, 158 yard, three touchdown performance last weekend.

The Saints must win out if they have any hope of competing in the NAIA Playoff, however winning in Ashland has been a difficult task. Carroll has not won at SOU since 2001, a streak they will look to end this afternoon.

Today's game will be streamed live HERE, and live stats can be found HERE. Tune in to Rewind 94.9 FM and catch Stewart Davis on the call, or listen online HERE.

Visit www.carrollathletics.com tonight for a full recap of the action, and to stay up to date with everything going on in Carroll Athletics.