Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics

Game Notes

Brent Holsclaw saw a lot of things he liked from his Kentucky Wesleyan College football team in its season opener last week against Indianapolis.

Unfortunately, they were largely limited to the first half of the Panthers' 38-10 loss to Indianapolis.

Holsclaw is hoping for a more complete performance from his Panthers when they host Pikeville at 6 p.m. today at Steele Stadium.

"I was disappointed in our effort in the second half against Indianapolis," said Holsclaw, whose club only trailed 7-3 at halftime. "What we need to do is find a way to get it done for four quarters."

Offensively, Holsclaw wants to see more production from the running game. The Panthers were held to 31 rushing yards on 22 carries.

"I thought we would run the ball more effectively," Holsclaw said. "Up front, we need to get a better push. Indy did a good job of creating penetration. And our backs were missing reads. Everything has to be perfect, and that's going to take time."

Holsclaw said the Panthers have also made changes in the kicking game, which surrendered 98 yards on three kickoff returns and a 44-yard touchdown on a punt return.

Pikeville opened its season with a 56-0 loss to South Alabama. The Bears were held to 88 yards of offense.

Holsclaw said the Bears' offensive scheme is unorthodox, which he described as a shotgun/option attack.

"Their quarterback makes good decisions, and they use receivers as part of their pitch (and run)," Holsclaw said. "The key for us is to get a push up front and be real disciplined in gaps.

"But it will take an overall good effort to win."