WAVERLY - Wartburg College started its 2006 and 2007 football seasons with convincing wins over Monmouth.

And while many of those same faces will be on the field at Memorial Stadium in Monmouth, Ill., today for their second round Division III playoff tilt, both teams believe those games don't carry much weight.

"Hopefully, our guys aren't thinking we've played them before, we've beaten them before and maybe we don't have to prepare as hard or work as hard," Wartburg quarterback Nick Yordi said. "They are just as good, if not better, than Wisconsin-Stevens Point."

The Knights, who defeated ninth-ranked Stevens Point last week to reach the second round, blanked the Fighting Scots 20-0 in Waverly two years ago.

Last season, Wartburg posted a lopsided 35-7 victory in Monmouth. The Knights had 522 total yards and 25 first downs compared to 142 yards and seven first downs for the Scots. Yordi threw for 297 yards.

"We're vastly different than we were last year," Monmouth head coach Steve Bell said. "We were very young when we played them. It was the first game of our no-huddle offense.

"Defensively, we were different up front in terms of experience. This game will be played (today) and that's all that matters."

Unlike last week's tilt at Stevens Point, Wartburg (9-2) is familiar with the surroundings at Monmouth. It also has more than a few video tapes to go on for scouting reports.

It has the experience of lining up against many of those players, and former Knight Luke Cutkomp serves as the defensive coordinator for Aurora University - Monmouth's playoff opponent last week.

"There is a familiarity there and that helps to a degree, but I don't think the past games are a real relevant," Wartburg coach Rick Willis said. "Both teams are significantly different than they were in September of 2007. Also, those were opening games of the year, not second-round playoff games."

Monmouth (11-0) quarterback Alex Tanney, who made his first college start last season against Wartburg, was 21 of 31 for 109 yards in that game. Since then, he has 20 starts under his belt, and he has thrown for more than 3,300 yards and 47 touchdowns this season.

"He's really improved and matured since last year when we played them," Wartburg defensive back Jason Lansing said. "It will definitely be a challenge."

The Scots' defense is also improved, Bell said. Anthony Goranson has 11 1/2 sacks and Willy Mason owns seven interceptions. The team has an eye-popping plus-21 turnover margin.

"You can tell they are a little more active and have a lot of confidence going into this game," Wartburg offensive tackle Tom Barber said. "They are a much different team."

If Wartburg can find a way to advance, it would reach the quarterfinals for the first time in school history since the playoffs expanded to 32 teams.

"It'd be like a come-from-behind story, especially since we've been basically in a playoff game since week six," Lansing said.

Willis labels it a "great opportunity."

"It's a big game for our football program because we've got a chance to do something that's very difficult to do," he said. "Our guys understand that, and I think they'll handle it in a mature fashion."

Contact Matt Coss at (319) 291-1468 or matt.coss@wcfcourier.com