Benedict coach Stanley Conner has put last year behind him.

Conner missed the 2008 then-CSRA Classic because of a heart procedure the week beforehand. There's no way he'd miss this year's contest pitting the Tigers against Clark Atlanta in the newly-renamed Augusta City Classic at 2 p.m. today at David Dupree Field/Laney Stadium.

"Every day has a special meaning," he said. "Every day's a good day when you're here."

On Nov. 1, 2008, Conner was taken to the hospital during halftime of his team's home game against Kentucky State. Doctors inserted five stints around his heart to relieve 75 percentage blockage in his arteries.

The 47-year-old Conner is a different man this year. He's lost more than 20 pounds through diet and exercise. He eats no fried foods and a very limited amount of red meat. Instead, he fills up on foods like baked chicken, turkey, fish and pasta.

Sunday marked the one-year anniversary of his heart-related episode.

"Since the incident," he said, "I feel much better."

Benedict has a lot on the line today. The Tigers are ranked No. 8 in Super Regional 2, which takes six teams to the Division II playoffs. With a win, and a little help from other teams, the Tigers are looking to make the postseason.

But, Conner added, his team cannot overlook Clark Atlanta. The Panthers have defeated the Tigers the past two seasons, including last season's 17-14 win.

"They realize Clark is still a very dangerous team," he said. "The challenge is still there."

With its option attack, Benedict (7-3, 5-3) leads the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in rushing, gaining 239 yards a game with 24 touchdowns. Junior quarterback Pat Riley leads the Tigers with 927 yards on 150 carries (6.2 average) for 11 touchdowns.

"We're just trying to take advantage of what the defense gives us," Conner said. "We just want to try and control the game and make them play sound, disciplined defense. A lot of times, that's hard to do."

Clark Atlanta (3-6, 3-5) is third in the league in scoring defense (allowing 20.5 points a game) but last in turnover margin (-12). Five of the Panthers' six losses have been by 10 or fewer points.

Senior linebacker Zimier McCloud and junior linebacker William Hollis give Clark Atlanta two of the better defenders in the SIAC. McCloud leads the league with 84 tackles, while Hollis owns 73.

Clark Atlanta began the year with wins over Fort Valley State and Lane before notching a forfeit win over Stillman. After losing the following three contests, the school fired fifth-year coach Ted Bahhur. Under interim head coach Keith Higdon, the Panthers are 0-3.