Panthers trying to get healthy, stop losing streak - Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics

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Kentucky Wesleyan College's gridiron matchup with South Alabama two weeks ago was good for the program's bottom line.

But stepping up several levels in competition resulted in multiple injuries that have hampered the Panthers' ability to build on their early season momentum.

"That's why I don't like playing those games," said KWC head coach Brent Holsclaw, whose club was off to a 3-1 start. "We had to go to Urbana without several starters, and getting healthy is still my biggest concern. We just took a beating (at South Alabama)."

Though short-handed, the Panthers put up a fight before falling 39-25 at Urbana last week. Still, they'll need a better performance to stop their two-game skid when they visit Missouri S&T for a 1 p.m. kickoff today.

"They're a pretty good ball club," said Holsclaw, whose club is winless in five previous meetings with the Miners. "They're going to use shotgun and show multiple formations. They've got a nice quarterback (Steve Watson). And they've got a tight end (Chad Shockley) who is their offensive leader. He'll even run some 'wildcat.' "

Shockley is averaging 109.3 receiving yards per game and has scored seven touchdowns. Watson is throwing for 149 ypg.

But Holsclaw is more concerned about his club taking care of the basics defensively than anything the Miners (1-5) will throw at them.

"Last week was the worst display of tackling since I've been here," he said. "We continue to work in practice on the fundamentals. You've got to get your body in the right position and see what you're hitting. Then wrap up."

KWC's defense was without the services of leading tackler Ken Stoklosa last week, and Holsclaw said it is uncertain whether he can return today.

Holsclaw also wants to see more consistency out of his offense. The Panthers had the ball for less than six minutes over the second and third quarters of their Urbana loss.

"When we get the ball, we've got to take care of it," he said.

Holsclaw anticipates his club being able to move the ball through the air, with quarterback Chris Owen throwing for 279 ypg, and DaMarcus Ganaway (105.3 ypg.) and David Smith (76.7) solid receiving options.

"They'll play some zone, but they also play a lot of man-to-man (coverage), and I hope they do," Holsclaw said.

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