MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (October 5, 2023)- The St. Thomas University (STU) Football team travels to West Palm Beach to take on the Keiser Seahawks under the lights. The Bobcats come in to this one on a two game win streak with a 3-2 record. The Seahawks come into this one 2-2 with both losses coming to NCAA D2 powers. This is a highly anticipated Sun Conference matchup with playoff implications.
 
The Bobcats have never beaten the high powered Seahawks, last year narrowly losing while leading with under a minute left in the game. A long kickoff return after an STU touchdown would set Keiser up to punch it in late and walk away with the win. This year you can feel the pressure from this game, as the Bobcats want to finally get over the hump and make a run at the playoffs.
 
So far in 2023 the Bobcats have averaged 41 points per game, while only allowing an average of 22 points to their opponents. The offense has been making strides since the start of the season, as they average seven yards per play. However, they will have to take care of the ball better in this one and not allow turnovers against a team of this magnitude.
 
On the offensive side of the ball, Rontavious Farmer is averaging 183.50 per game on the ground. Keely Watson has been under center consistently the last two games and is looking more comfortable. Watson averages 162.45 in the air and is bolstered by a 52.38 completion percentage, with 6 touchdown passes thus far. David Hayes leads the team in the receiving category, with 321 yards and 5 TD's while also averaging around 80 yards a game.
 
Kendall Wilson leads the defense with 34 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. Not far behind is Jordan Lynch with 22 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and half a sack. These last two games the Bobcats haven't allowed much at all on the defensive side of the ball, and a lot of it has to do with the big guys up front. They get in the back field fast and don't look back. STU will have to keep pressure on the Seahawk QB because that is the root to the defense succeeding the way it has these last two weeks.
 
Keiser opened up their season against NCAA D2 power Mississippi College. The Seahawk offense struggled a bit, but the defense held their own only allowing 17 points. They would go on to lose 17-14, but it was a strong outing against a high level program. The following week got their best win of the season defeating #9 Lindsey Wilson College on the road 30-26. QB Bryce Veasley threw for 218 yards, and can get it done on the ground as well as he rushed for two touchdowns. Jaden Meizinger rushed only for 72 yards, but got two touchdowns of his own.
 
The Seahawks average 28.25 points per game, to their opponents 26 average. Linebacker Jaelin Willis leads the team in tackles with 31, the next closest has 20. Special teams has to be a priority this year for STU as return man Wendol Philord who returned the kickoff all the way down to our 15 to win the game last year is a senior. The Bobcats must be sound in all stages of the game, and find a way to get their first victory over the Seahawks.