Game notes
The football teams at Kentucky Wesleyan College and Saint Joseph's are heading in different directions.
The Panthers have dropped three straight games. The Pumas have won four in a row.
But today's 1 p.m. Great Lakes Football Conference contest is the first of a three-game homestand for KWC, and Panthers coach Brent Holsclaw will be looking for a reversal of recent trends.
Saint Joseph's and KWC have long competed against each other in other sports. Though it's a different league for football, that history makes the Panthers' annual game with the Pumas one worth circling on the calendar.
"If we have a rival game, I guess Saint Joseph's would be it," Holsclaw said. "We beat them two years ago, then we went up there and got the tar beat out of us.
"The home field does help. It's not the sole reason you win a football game, but it doesn't hurt you."
KWC has played well, although that effort hasn't shown up on the scoreboard recently.
The Panthers (3-4, 0-2 GLFC) put up the numbers to win last week against Missouri S&T, but special team breakdowns and a late drive by the Miners to tie the game led to a 38-35 overtime loss.
A young offensive line has done a nice job protecting KWC quarterback Chris Owen, but the run blocking still needs improvement, Holsclaw said.
KWC's running game is average 54 yards per outing.
The Panthers should benefit if two injured starters are able to see action today.
Linebacker Ken Stoklosa, who still leads the team in tackles despite missing two games, returns to the defense and is available if needed, Holsclaw said.
The offensive line will get a boost if 6-foot-4, 302-pound senior Chuck Palonis returns to action. His status was uncertain as of Friday night.
On defense, the Panthers will key on Jashon Banks, who leads the Pumas in scoring with six touchdowns. He ran for 207 yards and four scores in last year's meeting.
Much of that was due to Saint Joseph's size up front. The Pumas (4-3, 1-0) are big and are physical, Holsclaw said.
"We have to focus on the defensive front, be smart about what we're in and use Ken when we need him," Holsclaw said. "They are big. They are strong, and they move well. We have a big challenge ahead of us with our rush defense."
