KWC kicks off season vs. Greyhounds - Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics

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All the preseason hard work begins to pay off for the Kentucky Wesleyan College football team today.

The Panthers open their 2010 campaign when Indianapolis visits for a 6 p.m. kickoff at Steele Stadium.

"I think we're ready -- we're tired of hitting on each other," KWC head coach Brent Holsclaw said. "When we step up to the level of an Indianapolis, it's up to the guys to perform. They've just got to take what they've learned in practice and apply it to the game."

Indianapolis has a 2-0 lead in the series, including a 31-3 win last season. But Holsclaw is confident the teams are more evenly matched than that margin indicates.

"I think it's going to be a real interesting game," he said. "That was a 17-3 game going into the fourth quarter, they block a field goal for a touchdown late, and we had a couple Red Zone chances we didn't capitalize on.

"And (quarterback) Chris Owen is going to have to play better."

Owen completed 14-of-30 passes for 66 yards in the previous meeting. His season was derailed in KWC's next game when he suffered a broken foot that sidelined him for the remainder of the year, which contributed to the Panthers struggling to a 2-9 record.

Holsclaw is excited to have Owen back under center, which has allowed Vince Lalonde to move back to receiver and is expected to provide a boost for the passing game. Thomas Gordon, who rushed for 555 yards last season, is slated to lead the ground attack.

"I like what we're seeing in practice on offense, because we've got some very good weapons," said Holsclaw, who hopes to capitalize on Indianapolis being young on the defensive line.

Indianapolis' defense is led by senior strong safety Craig Ray (6-foot-1, 206 pounds).

Offensively, the Greyhounds are experienced at quarterback with junior Rob Doyle, who completed 24-of-33 passes for 260 yards in last year's meeting. Holsclaw also expects Indy to put an emphasis on establishing the running game to take advantage of having a veteran offensive line.

"They run the ball real well," he said.

Holsclaw's biggest concerns, however, are turnovers and the kicking game, which he rates as the two most critical variables early in the season.

Freshman Matt Wilson will handle kicks for the Panthers, and senior Sean Maguire will do the punting. Eric Mayfield and DaMarcus Ganaway will be the primary returners.

"We've got some quality kickers, and our (special teams) personnel is good," said Holsclaw, who hopes to also get an assist today from the 12th man in the stands. "We're expecting a terrific crowd."

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