Game notes
The Panthers (0-2) travel to Lindenwood-Belleville for their first road game of the season, still looking for their first win. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.
The Lynx (2-1) consist of much of the same players that made up last year's team, which KWC defeated 42-35 at Steele Stadium.
Key players returning are running back Kameron Harris and quarterback Kerry Gibson.
Harris has carried the ball 63 times for 403 yards and four touchdowns in three games. Gibson, a transfer from Southern Illinois, has thrown for 562 yards and five touchdowns this season.
"It should be a carbon copy of last year's game," coach Brent Holsclaw said. "I just hope we're on the right side of the scoreboard again."
The Panthers will be without running back Devin Le'Gall, who is doubtful after suffering a knee injury in last week's game. Holsclaw feared it was an anterior cruciate ligament tear, but a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed there was no tear.
Le'Gall had rushed for nearly 200 yards the first two games and was an offensive workhorse out of the backfield. Now, halfback Jeff Ward will move into the tailback position for the time being.
Last week, KWC used Ward more in the passing game where he caught 14 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown. The injury to Le'Gall limits KWC's rushing attack and limits Ward's ability to be a threat in the passing game.
Still, Holsclaw said his team remained upbeat in practice and prepared well this week.
"The guys are bringing a good attitude," he said. "As a coach, that's what you ask for."
As if the first road game of the season isn't enough of a task, KWC will have to play on one of the most unconventional fields in the country. Lindenwood-Belleville Stadium is a red and gray striped turf field.
"It's the first road game. Maybe it will be good for us," Holsclaw said. "We play well on the road. We'll see what happens."
