Panthers will tackle improved Grand View - Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics

Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics

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If the Kentucky Wesleyan College football team handed out an award for most improved opponent, Grand View might be the winner for 2009.

The Panthers beat the Vikings 34-13 in the first meeting between the two teams last season in Des Moines, Iowa. But Grand View (5-2) has made significant strides since then.

KWC hosts the Vikings at 1 p.m. today at Steele Stadium.

"They're a good little team," KWC coach Brent Holsclaw said. "We handled them pretty easily up there last year. They're a much better team. Watching them on film, they're scary good. We're 1-5, so we can't hide. They have a big quarterback... They've got speed at their skill positions."

That big quarterback, 6-foot-6, 225-pound sophomore Taylor Bennett, leads a balanced offense that doesn't put up flashy numbers.

Grand View, an NAIA program, averages 260 yards of offense per game, rushing for 128 yards and passing for 131.

Offensively, expect a different look out of the Panthers this week as Apollo product David Howard will take some snaps at quarterback.

Holsclaw said whether Howard starts will be a "game-time decision," but he will split time with Vincent Lalonde under center.

The addition of Howard will allow KWC to divide its possessions between a more traditional look with Howard in the game and the wildcat when Lalonde is running the offense.

Defensively, KWC should get a boost as senior defender Heath Smith is expected to return this week after sitting out with a knee injury.

The Panthers wrap up a three-game home stretch today, then head out for three road contests before returning to Owensboro for the season finale.

Picking up a win would give KWC some momentum for its road swing, but the Panthers must eliminate mistakes that cost them in a 24-16 loss to Urbana last week. The Panthers led that contest late, and Holsclaw said it was disappointing to see a win slip away against a solid team.

"We've blown two games," he said. "We should be sitting 3-3. We've got a nice team, but we have to learn how to win.

"It will be a war Saturday. That's for sure."

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