The Northwestern College football team has high hopes heading into Saturday’s season opener at Hastings of Nebraska. The Red Raiders are second ranked in the NAIA poll and have played in the national championship game three times in the last four years. Coach Matt McCarty likes what he has seen in camp.

A pair of freshmen are competing at quarterback after All-American Jalyn Gramstad transferred to Nebraska.

Whoever wins the job will lead an experienced offense.

McCarty says an experienced defense could be the best in program history.