U.S. Congressmen Sam Graves (MO-6) and U.S. Congressman Jack Kingston (GA-1) have placed a friendly wager on this Saturday’s Division II National Championship football game. Northwest Missouri State in Maryville will be playing in its third straight national championship game after winning back-to-back titles in 1998 and 1999. Valdosta State of Georgia won it all in 2004. Not surprisingly, both lawmakers picked the school in their Congressional district. The wager: The loser poses for a photo wearing the winner’s sweatshirt, with the winning Congressman.

 

Graves is confident in a Bearcat victory.

 

“Jack is clearly not aware of the “X” factor in Xavier Omon,” said Graves, referring to Division II’s leading rusher. “I am proud of the student athletes at Northwest, the top-notch coaching staff led by Mel Tjeerdsma and the tremendous support they get every year from the community. I look forward to another National Championship trophy residing in Maryville.”

 

Kingston was equally certain of a Blazer victory:

 

“Northwest Missouri State is a great team with a fine football tradition but unfortunately for the Bearcats, Southern hospitality ends at the Blazers’ goal line,” said Kingston. “They’ll need all nine of their lives to get through the first half. I'm a great fan of Sam Graves and look forward to him wearing a Blazers’ shirt on the Capitol steps.”

 

The game is slated for an 11 a.m. CST kick-off on Saturday from Braly Stadium in Florence, Alabama. The game will be carried live by ESPN2.

 

Graves has represented the University and the Maryville community since 1993 when he was elected the 4^th district state Representative.

 

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