Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Goodwell, Okla.—The Oklahoma Panhandle State University football team will pack up and hit the road bright and early Thursday morning to make the long trip to Beaumont, Texas for their season opener against Division I-AA Lamar University out of the Southland Conference.

Lamar returns 50 letter-winners and 14 starters from last year's 4-8 squad including starting quarterback Caleb Berry who finished the 2012 season completing 52.1% of his passes for a total of 633 yards and 5 touchdowns; and last year's conference newcomer of the year, wide receiver Kevin Johnson. Johnson, a transfer from Oklahoma State, was also named to the Sports Network FCS 2013 Preseason All-America Third-Team at kick returner.

The Aggies have a few returning weapons of their own. Senior defensive back and pre-season All-American candidate Keidrick Brewster has had a strong off-season and looks to improve on last year's 32 tackles, one interception, and eight pass break-ups. He is one of three returning starters on the defensive side of the ball, but fans can expect to see a number of newcomers that should prove to be a faster, more athletic unit than last year. The Aggie offense returns six starters from a unit that averaged 33 points per game last year and with senior left tackle Marcus Dimando anchoring the o-line the Aggies are aiming high again this season. Starting quarterback Caleb Holbrook returns to run the no-huddle, fast-paced unit.

Head coach Russell Gaskamp said that "the guys are very excited about the opportunity to play an FCS opponent (D-IAA). If you want to be the best you have to compete against the best and that includes making a jump in level of competition. Playing against Lamar will be an experience for our young team that should bode well for us over the second half of the season."

Assistant head coach Anthony Randle will act as head coach while Gaskamp serves a three-game suspension for violation of university policy. While Gaskamp is remorseful that he will not be able to travel with the team and participate on game day he is confident that the team is well prepared and his staff is up to the job. "Strength, Unity, and Family" has been Gaskamp's motto while at OPSU and the team is putting those three words into action as they come together during this time of adversity.

Aggie fans can tune into a live video and live stats feed of the Lamar game which will be linked through the Aggie Athletics website on the football schedule page.