Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Goodwell, Okla.—Saturday, Nov. 7 will be an extra-special game day for the OPSU Football team as they host their first Lone Star Conference playoff game against West Texas A&M University. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m., but fans are encouraged to arrive early for pre-game tailgating and the Ninth Annual OPSU Chili Cook-off.

The LSC determined the Aggies' opponent by a three-way coin toss between Angelo State, Eastern New Mexico and West Texas, who all had identical 3-3 conference records; WT landed as the fifth seed. The Buffs and the Aggies have not paired up against each other since 2003; this long-awaited contest is sure to bring a big crowd to Carl Wooten Field due to the close proximity.

"Our alumni base is excited about this game and we are expecting WT to bring a large crowd. We will need all the support we can get, so I am hoping to see the home stands packed this week," stated OPSU head coach Russell Gaskamp.

West Texas owns a season record of 4-4 and the Aggies currently sit at 5-3. A win over WT would give the Aggies their first LSC victory and an extra boost as they enter the league full-time in 2016; the Buffs would mark their 500th win in program history with a victory over OPSU.

Speaking on WT's strengths he added, "Preparing starts with their defense; they have a really, really outstanding front seven and we're going to have to play well in the line of scrimmage in order to compete. Offensively, their senior running back Geremy Alridge-Mitchell has rushed over 1,000 yards this season so we are going to have to contain their running game."

"This will be an old-school match-up where we will need to be able to run the ball, stop the run and play great on special teams," Gaskamp remarked. The Aggies currently rank first in the nation in kickoff returns (Avg. 31.77) and 19th in rushing offense (236.8 YPG) among all of Division-II. Defensively the Aggies sit third in the D-II ranks in team sacks (Avg. 3.88) and second in team tackles-for-loss (10.9 TFLPG).

The Aggies have two strong weapons in the return game with Zacari Lavender and Devyn Williams. Lavender currently leads the nation in kickoff returns averaging 42.3 yards per return, and Williams is ranked fourth averaging 32.1 yards per return on kickoff. Running back Chris McClendon is within reach of another 1,000-yard season sitting at 877 yards thus far. McClendon has averaged 6.85 yards per carry and almost 110 yards per game in rushing.

Saturday is setting up to be an exciting showdown on the field and the Aggies are looking for a huge home crowd to get loud and rowdy in the stands. Fans can now show their support by making signs before the game in the new Spirit Zone! Poster board, markers, glitter and more will be available at no cost, with tables for decorating set up just outside the front gate. Show off your spirit and let the Aggies know you're out there.

Aggie fans have an extra reason to come early as the Ninth Annual OPSU Chili Cook-off will take place prior to the game, and is expected to have a record-number of entrants this year. Contestants will be set up in the parking lot east of the stadium where fans can taste free samples of a variety of chilies and vote for their favorite. The winners will be announced at halftime with prizes awarded for "Best Chili", "Best Presentation", and "People's Choice." Special thanks to prize donors: Wirtz Lumber for donating a YETI cooler; Lumber Mart for their donation of an OSU Sportula; the campus bookstore who donated OPSU gear; and the OPSU Firestone Meat Lab for their generous donation of products.

Tailgating space is also available in the parking lot south of the Noble Center for Saturday's game. Fans are welcome to bring tents, trailers, cornhole boards, etc. and set up early for a little pre-game-palooza before the big event.

The official game day sponsor this week is Prestage Farms. Gates to Carl Wooten Field will open at Noon; all fans with the exception of season ticket holders should use the main east gate to enter. Fans unable to attend the game can keep track of the action via live stats and video links available on the football schedule page of the OPSU Aggie Athletics. Radio coverage will also be provided by 91.7 FM-KPSU, 1210 AM-KGYN and in Amarillo at 98.7 JACK FM.

It's a call for all Aggies to show up and stay for support of OPSU Football in their first LSC playoff game. Saturday's the day to WEAR RED, GET ROWDY and REV IT UP!