Panthers looking for first win in home opener - Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics

Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics

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The Kentucky Wesleyan College football team hopes there is no place like home.

After starting the season with four road games, the Panthers finally get a chance to play in a friendly environment when they host Central State at 6 p.m. today at Steele Stadium.

"The kids are really excited about being at home," KWC head coach Brent Holsclaw said.

KWC has an 0-4 record and are coming off a 50-20 loss at Southwest Baptist last week. But the Marauders, also winless in four outings, present a much-needed opportunity for the Panthers to reverse their early fortunes and get off on a positive note in the Great Lake Football Conference.

"Central State has a new head coach, with a new system," Holsclaw said. "And they're similar to us in that they've played good teams."

Central State is coached by E.J. Junior, a former NFL first-round pick out of Alabama. Ben Coates, a longtime tight end standout for the New England Patriots, is the Marauders' offensive coordinator.

KWC will be looking to get its offense cranked up after being held to 58 points on the season.

The Panthers are directed by quarterback Vince Lalonde, who showed his versatility in last week's loss by passing for 158 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 110 yards and one TD on 22 carries.

"Vine has done a good job, and he makes good decisions," Holsclaw said. "If he has a crease he's going to go."

KWC will be looking for a bounce-back game from running back Thomas Gordon. After plowing over Kentucky State for 229 yards and three TDs on 22 carries in Week 3, he was held to 47 yards on 24 carries last week. On the season, he's averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

The Panthers are averaging 193 rushing yards a game.

"Thomas didn't play a bad game (last week), I just think they felt if they stop Gordon, they stop KWC," Holsclaw said. "But I think you'll see us not be as one-dimensional. That will help him, and we'll be more difficult to defend."

Central State has struggled offensively. The Marauders are averaging 185 yards of total offense -- only 55.2 rushing.

Eriq McCorkle is the Marauders' featured back. He's averaging 31.2 rushing ypg.

KWC has surrendered an average of 375.2 ypg.

"I was really disappointed in our defensive play last week; we weren't swarming like we had been," Holsclaw said. "But defense is our strength regardless of last week, and I do expect a different performance this week."

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