Great Lakes Football Conference 2011 Preview

Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers
2010 Record: 5-5
The Panthers lose QB Chris Owen after a 30 TD season, and they also lose their top two receivers in DaMarcus Ganaway, who went over 1000 yards receiving with 10 TDs, and David Smith. Darius Henderson led the team in rushing as a freshman, but barely ran for over 400 yards and 4 scores. Thomas Gordon returns to back him up, but only scored twice last fall. Quadarius Wallace and Ken Stoklosa come back at LB to lead the defense, and they both registered double figures in TFLs as well last fall. The Panthers had 4 players register in double figures last season in TFLs, but gave up 28 or more points in 9 of ten games last season.
Season Opener: 9/1 Indianapolis

Missouri S&T Miners
2010 Record: 3-8
The Miners struggled through last fall, but now have a shot to win something in a very small conference, where the completion won't exactly be stellar. Steve Watson will return at QB after passing for 1582 yards and 16 scores. Curterris Golden returns as the primary back, but he failed to rush for 400 yards last fall. Bad news at WR, as the Miners lose Chad Shockley, who posted 87-1198-10 last fall. Smook Thomas takes over as the number one receiver as a junior in 2011. The defense lacks play makers, and they gave up 28 or more points 7 times in 2010.
Season Opener: 9/3 @ Panhandle State


St. Joseph's (Indiana) Pumas
2010 Record: 5-5
Billy VandeMerkt will return at QB after leading the Pumas last season with just 905 yards. He may receive competition from senior Mike Hladik, who passed for 373 yards in 5 games, or from 3 others who were all freshmen last fall. The job is hardly safe. The run game could be a disaster, as the Pumas lose Jashon Banks, and there is very little returning experience available. Mack Ogletree is also lost as the top receiver from last fall. Scott Champman takes over as the top target. DB Kenneth Lee returns as a junior after leading the team in tackles last fall with 77 tackles and DE Andrew Ademiac returns after totalling 11 TFLs and 6.5 sacks.
Season Opener: 9/3 @ Ohio Dominican


Urbana (Ohio) Blue Knights
2010 Record: 5-6
The Knights are another new program to D2 football and will be expected to struggle in 2011. The offense had a solid trigger, as they scored 30 or more points 8 times last fall, but the defense gave up 30 or more points 4 times. Urbana won their final 3 games last fall, so they do have a chance.
Season Opener: 9/3 @ Wayne State (Michigan)