FORT WAYNE – The University of St. Francis is making a historic run to the NAIA Football National Championship, and a pair of local players are making an impact.

The No. 4-ranked Cougars are playing in the national championship game for the fourth time in program history, and the first time since 2006 when it takes on No. 2 Baker University (Kan.) Dec. 17 at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium. St. Francis pulled off a 42-24 win over No. 3 Reinhardt University (Ga.) last Saturday, setting up the championship game.

St. Francis’, sitting at 12-1 overall, suffered its only loss in week five to then top-ranked Marian University of Indianapolis. Since then, St. Francis has rattled off eight straight wins, averaging over 54 points per game in the playoffs.

Among the success has been the play of a pair of former Warsaw Tigers. Offensive lineman Keegan Bruner, who serves as one of the team’s captains, will be playing in his final game as a senior for the Cougars. Brock Riley, a freshman wide receiver, has shifted over to long snapper for the club to help with injury needs. Riley is expected to slot back into the receiver role next season.

St. Francis also has a trio of area players on its roster in linemen Connor Holcomb and Drake DeMuyt, both East Noble graduates, and Kaleb Summers, an Elkhart Memorial product.