MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (September 5, 2024) - The St. Thomas University (STU) Football team will face two of their toughest opponents in back to back weeks, starting with #22 Louisiana Christian in two days. The Bobcats will then travel north to Chicago to face off against #9 Saint Xavier. In last weeks game against Fort Lauderdale, STU looked good on offense for the one and only drive of the game before the weather decided to take over and postpone the remainder of the game for a later date to be announced. 

The Bobcat offense scored in five plays against the Eagles, a drive that was capped off with a 19 yard touchdown pass from Keely Watson to David Hayes. On the offensive side of the ball, STU only returns two starters from last year on the offensive line, but still have all of the weapons at receiver and of course Rontavious Farmer. Farmer had two touches in those five plays and looked like he was ready to go for yet another year as the best back in the NAIA. 

Although we didn't get to get a look at the STU defense, they look better than ever. They returned most of their run stoppers, and the defensive backs moved around with new guys making an immediate impact. Defensive lineman Nicholas Engler returned for his fifth year after having a career year with almost 50 tackles, and eight and a half sacks. STU's leading tackler is also back for his senior year. Kendall Willson II racked up 109 total tackles in 2023,  this year shifting to Inside linebacker from outside linebacker. This will give Wilson II even more of an opportunity to make plays all over the field.

Taking a look now at Louisiana Christian, they had an 81.8 winning percentage and were SAC Conference champions. Just like the Bobcats they played in the NAIA Football playoffs, but lost to #20 Baker in the opening round. One thing the Bobcats and Wildcats both have in common, is they both played Texas Wesleyan on the road. STU defeated the Rams by a score of 38-20, and LCU beat the Rams 34-24. On the offensive side of the ball the Wildcats lost a thousand yard rusher, but look out for Sophomore Daylon Charles who rushed for 815 yards as a Freshman. LCU will also have a new QB leading the way in River Thompson, who had eight completions on 15 attempts last season. 

This is going to be a tough game for the Bobcats early on in the young 2024 season, and these next two weeks will define what the year will look like for the football team. Both sides will have new looks, with LCU getting a new Head Coach, and STU with a new Co-offensive coordinator who brings new ideas. Game time is set for 12 pm on AutoNation Field and will be Military and First Responders day.