Lebanon, IL - The McKendree University football team heads back on the road Saturday afternoon, traveling to Jefferson City, Missouri, for a Great Lakes Valley Conference matchup against Lincoln University. The Bearcats will look to return to the win column following consecutive road and home setbacks while maintaining their unbeaten all-time record against the Blue Tigers.
GAME INFORMATION
Matchup: McKendree Bearcats (2-5, 2-3 GLVC) at Lincoln Blue Tigers (2-4, 1-3 GLVC)
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. CT
Location: Jefferson City, Missouri
Venue: Dwight T. Reed Stadium
Live Video: GLVCSN
Radio: 88.9 KJLU-FM
Live Stats: Sidearm Stats
LAST TIME OUT
McKendree nearly completed a 21-point comeback last Saturday at Missouri S&T, but ultimately fell 28-21 after advancing to the Miners' five-yard line on the game's final possession.
The Bearcats trailed 21-0 in the first half and 28-7 early in the third quarter before scoring 14 unanswered points and holding Missouri S&T scoreless over the final 19 minutes of regulation. McKendree outgained the Miners 219-85 in the second half and limited the hosts to just 19 yards and zero first downs in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Kendrick Lyons threw for 221 yards and a touchdown, while Jerry Richardson totaled 193 all-purpose yards, highlighted by a 93-yard kickoff return touchdown.
Izaias Primus rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown, while Michale Sutton led the receiving corps with five receptions for 86 yards. Daryle Jones Jr. added five catches for 71 yards, and Kamren Schumacher hauled in a five-yard touchdown reception.
Defensively, Cooper Zimmer led McKendree with nine tackles, followed by Darren Pennell with eight. Karter Woodard added four tackles and a fumble recovery.
BEARCATS TO WATCH
McKendree enters Saturday's contest ranked third in the GLVC in scoring offense, averaging 30.9 points per game, while leading the conference in passing offense at 265.4 yards per contest.
Richardson has accounted for eight touchdowns this season, including six rushing scores, one receiving touchdown and one kickoff return touchdown. His 93-yard return against Missouri S&T marked McKendree's first kickoff return touchdown of the season.
On defense, Nick Bova leads the Bearcats with 60 tackles, including 25 solo stops, while recording 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. Pennell ranks second with 49 tackles, followed by Jayden Howard with 38.
Special teams have also provided a consistent contribution, with Truman Carnine converting all 28 of his extra-point attempts this season. The freshman kicker has also connected on six field goals, including a 52-yarder against Southwest Baptist and three successful attempts in McKendree's overtime victory over Quincy.
SCOUTING THE BLUE TIGERS
Lincoln enters Saturday's matchup following a 48-14 loss to Indianapolis on October 17 at Dwight T. Reed Stadium.
The Blue Tigers trailed 31-0 before quarterback Antwon McKay Jr. connected with Khylin Arnett for a three-yard touchdown with 18 seconds remaining in the first half. The duo struck again on Lincoln's opening possession of the third quarter, connecting for a 49-yard touchdown to pull the Blue Tigers within 31-14.
McKay finished with 114 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Kantrell Jordan led Lincoln's rushing attack with 41 yards on seven carries. Arnett accounted for both touchdowns on two receptions for 52 yards.
Lincoln was limited to 182 yards of total offense, including 68 rushing yards, while Indianapolis accumulated 480 yards and 26 first downs.
Through six games, the Blue Tigers are averaging 22.2 points and 339.7 yards of total offense per game, including 162.2 yards rushing and 177.5 yards passing.
McKay has thrown for 1,023 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 186 rushing yards and another score. Jordan leads Lincoln with 312 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while Arnett has recorded 261 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 11 receptions.
Shakim Atkinson Jr. leads the Blue Tigers with 16 receptions for 245 yards, while Ron Lunz has contributed 227 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, TJ Kelly leads Lincoln with 43 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Mark Gorbatenko has added 33 tackles and a team-high 4.5 sacks, while Marion Slater has recorded four sacks and six tackles for loss.
The Blue Tigers have registered 15 sacks through six games, but are allowing 428.7 yards and 32.7 points per contest.
Lincoln's two victories this season have come against Central Methodist (27-11) and Upper Iowa (34-32), with the latter marking the Blue Tigers' lone GLVC victory.
SERIES HISTORY
Saturday marks the eighth all-time meeting between McKendree and Lincoln, with the Bearcats holding a 7-0 advantage in the series.
McKendree won the most recent meeting 54-48 in Lebanon and will look to extend its winning streak against the Blue Tigers to eight games.
UP NEXT
McKendree returns home Saturday, October 31, to host Upper Iowa University at Leemon Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Lebanon.
