POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – The Marist football returns home to host Drake in a Pioneer Football League contest at Tenney Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
 
The Red Foxes enter the contest at 3-4 overall and 2-2 in PFL play, and are coming off a 49-15 loss at Valparaiso this past weekend. The theme running through the Red Foxes this past week is returning to a team that's tough to play against, one that's focused on eliminating mistakes, penalties, and turnovers.
 
"In the last couple weeks, we haven't played what we perceive as Marist football," head coach Jim Parady said. "It's about us and cleaning up ourselves more than anything else."
 
A bright spot for the Red Foxes in recent weeks has been an improved showing on the ground. After averaging 58.8 rushing yards per game in the season's first three contests, Marist has racked up 183.3 yards per game on the ground in its last four outings. During the time, the Red Foxes' top three rushers are all averaging well over four yards per carry.
 

.@Marist_Football has piled up yardage on the ground these last three games. ????#DefendTheDen #GoRedFoxes pic.twitter.com/MCyTtkwJiC

— Marist Athletics (@MaristAthletics) October 19, 2017

 
"We have to get back to doing what we do best," red-shirt senior running back Marcellus Calhoun said.
 
About Drake
The Bulldogs are 3-3 overall and 2-1 in the PFL. Drake is coming off a bye last week, and suffered a 20-10 home loss to Dayton in its most recent game on Oct. 7. Drake leads the PFL in passing offense, as quarterback Grant Kraemer averages 268.5 passing yards per game. The Bulldogs are second in the league in total defense. Rick Fox is in his fourth season as head coach.
 
"It's always great coming back home," red-shirt junior safety and captain Wesley Beans said. "The crowd is always amazing, always there supporting us."
 
What's Next
After a bye week, Marist will return to action at PFL foe Dayton on Saturday, Nov. 4.