The Flying Dutchmen of Hope and the Tigers of
DePauw are probably starting to wonder if there is such a thing
as a home field advantage.

Both football teams will be seeking their first victory of
the season Saturday (Sept. 18) when the Dutchmen host the Tigers
at Holland Municipal Stadium. Kickoff will be 1 p.m.

The game will be broadcast on WHTC-AM (1450) and WFUR-FM
(102.9). It will also be available on the internet through
broadcast.com.

The Flying Dutchmen are coming off a 34-33 double-overtime
loss to Augustana, Ill. while the Tigers are aiming to end a two-
game skid after suffering losses to Rhodes, Tenn. (33-14) and
Illinois Wesleyan (28-20). Ironically, all of the losses by
these teams to date have been on their home field. Counting the
1998 season, the Dutchmen have lost three of their last five home
games. A year ago Hope won at DePauw.

Over the years Holland Municipal Stadium has been good to
the Flying Dutchmen who are 54-33-3 since making their debut in
the spacious facility in 1979.

The teams will be renewing Hope's longest active non-league
rivalry. It started in 1951 with Hope holding a slim 15-14
advantage in the series, including the 20-10 triumph in
Greencastle last year.

The game should feature two contrasting offensive styles.
Last Saturday against Augustana the Flying Dutchmen featured a
balanced offensive attack with 51 rushing plays and 34 attempted
passes. DePauw, on the other hand, puts more of an emphasis on
the pass. Through two games the Tigers have had 48 rushing plays
and attempted 93 passes.

Saturday's halftime will feature nearly 80 young gymnasts
from the West Shore Gymnastics Club. The program will feature
gymnasts ranging in age from 3 to 16 who are members of the
club's competitive team and are also in training. The
competitive team has received numerous state, regional and
national awards in recent years.

This will be Hope's final home game for a month. The Flying
Dutchmen travel to Illinois Wesleyan on Saturday, Sept. 25.
After taking a week off, Hope will travel to Defiance on
Saturday, Oct. 9 for their MIAA opener. The next home game will
be Saturday, Oct. 16 against Alma.