LEBANON, Ill. – Coming off their first win of the season, the Bearcats return home to host the Miners of Missouri S&T for the annual homecoming game.
Game Information
Hall of Fame
During halftime of the contest, we will recognize the three individuals and one team that are being inducted into the 2023 McKendree University Hall of Fame class. The three individuals being inducted are Arela Williams (Class of 2018, women's volleyball) and Darren Wynn (Class of 2017, men's wrestling), alumni coach Robert "Bob" Karnes (Class of 1966, baseball, basketball). The 2000 baseball team is also being recognized and inducted. For more information on the hall of fame class, click here.
Series History
The Miners and the Bearcats have met 10 times so far in their history with the Miners holding a slight advantage at 6-4. Last year, the Bearcats scored 28 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to come from behind and win by the score of 42-35. The last McKendree win over S&T at Leemon Field was on October 22, 2016.
Scouting the Bearcats
McKendree (1-5, 1-2 GLVC) entered the win column last week in dramatic fashion at Upper Iowa. GLVC Offensive Player of the Week Caleb Fisher found freshman Quincy Hall, Jr. on a 21-yard touchdown pass as time expired in regulation. Redshirt freshman Brylan Apholone hauled in an 8-yard touchdown pass on the opening possession over overtime to secure the win for the Bearcats.
Fisher went 25 of 32 for 247 yards and three touchdowns. On the season, the Washington, Illinois native is 111 of 173 passing for 975 yards and nine touchdowns. Unfortunately, he has thrown 10 interceptions. Fisher's favorite target has been Yogi Flager, Jr who has 41 catches for 406 yards and five touchdowns. Eddie Clark leads the ground game with 234 yards on 63 carries with one touchdown.
Scouting the Miners
Missouri S&T enters the week with an overall record of 2-5 (2-1 GLVC) after defeating Southwest Baptist 45-19. They are aiming for their third win in a row after starting the year 0-5.
They are led by Cameren Smith who ranks fourth in the GLVC in rushing yards with 530 and leads the conference with 10 rushing touchdowns. Projected starting quarterback Gunner Palacios has thrown for 199 yards and two touchdowns so far in his two starts. The favorite target through the air has been CJ Wiggins who has 26 catches for 397 yards with two touchdowns.
Redshirt freshman Kian Shafe was named GLVC Defensive Player of the Week as he picked off two passes last week, including returning one for a pick-six. The return extended S&T's streak of 19 consecutive seasons with an interception return for a touchdown, the longest active streak among GLVC schools.
