Football | 8/28/2017 3:11:00 PM

Goodwell, Okla.--Panhandle State Football and its fan base will be able to experience something new and exciting this week at No Man's Land Stadium. On Aug. 31 at 7pm, our very own CSFL 5th-ranked Aggies will take on the ASC's 8th-ranked McMurry War Hawks for the first Thursday night matchup on Carl Wooten Field in recent history.

As game day edges closer, Head Coach Russell Gaskamp reflects on the foundation of his team and how they prepare to take on McMurry. The Aggie offensive line will bear five, double-digit returning starters this year, impelling the leader-heavy line to guide the way for the rest of the team. Though weighing heavily on their reliability, Coach Gaskamp can only commend their exceptionality, saying, "This is the most experienced offensive line I have coached in my career here."

Standing out from this already remarkable offensive side is transfer receiver, junior Nick West. Coach Gaskamp and the football staff have known West for some time but were particularly excited when he transferred to Panhandle State in the spring. Gaskamp commends the talented receiver, stating, "We are very happy to have him; He is the best receiver we have had on campus since I have been coaching here."

At the helm of the Aggie football team this season is starting quarterback, sophomore D.J. Scott. Gaskamp feels great about Scott taking the field for the Aggies, noting his work over the spring and during the summer camp has distinguished Scott as a core, improved and progressed athlete for this season. Coach Gaskamp will be looking for offensive development throughout the season, as the Aggies are lacking on returning starters on the offensive skill line, but is looking forward to seeing them in action as his athletes continue to find out more about themselves and their contributions to the team as a whole.

On the opposite side of the football, the secondary and defensive back seven will see many new faces this season and will observe some first-time collegiate athletes. While the defensive side will most likely be experiencing some uncertainty on the depth chart at the start, Gaskamp is eager to see seniors Zachary Perez-Clack and Kameron Lyons leading his defensive line. Gaskamp extols the seniors, marking them as "two of the best in the CFSL." Senior defensive lineman David Smith also makes a significant impact as "the most natural pass rusher in my six years," according to Gaskamp. Starting inside linebacker, senior Dominick Bell, saw just one game last season before taking leave as a medical redshirt, but Coach Gaskamp deems Bell "the most physical guy on defense," and is very excited to have him back this season.

The special teams unit is looking to harness its' widespread aptitude and ability to help the Aggies gain momentum early in the season. Coach Gaskamp made it a point to take the lead as Special Teams Coordinator this year in order to set the tone and focus he wants to implement throughout the team. Special teams met with some tribulations last year, but Gaskamp notes the overall exceptional athleticism of the unit and hopes this will sideline the same struggles they saw last season.  The Aggies coaching staff is excited and eager to see the action of returning punter, junior Jacob Test, sophomore kicker Sterling Claphan, and deep snapper, senior Mason Williams. Special teams also yields the talent of sophomore Miquel Hudson, who saw limited time as a returner for the Aggies last year but will get a start in the slot for the 2017 season. Hudson made an impression last year as a freshman; fans will find it hard to forget his 78-yard return in the final season game against Kingsville, and Coach Gaskamp is excited for Hudson to continue to produce that level of effort and showmanship this season.

As the coaching staff gathers over game film of McMurry, their strategy begins to reveal itself. The Aggies hold losses to the War Hawks in 2012 and 2013, and a win away in 2015, which could make for a first at-home win if the Aggies can stand their ground and play well on Thursday. McMurry experienced a fair amount of transitioning and faced a tumultuous off-season. The War Hawks defense is seeing several returning starters, and their offense will be under the leadership of a newly hired Offensive Coordinator, causing the Aggie defense to be hard at work in preparation. Despite what could be a daunting match, Coach Gaskamp feels ready to ascertain and adjust stating, "You expect some wrinkles in a first game, but we know their system."

Going into their season opener, Gaskamp leads with three main objectives for his team for not only game one, but throughout the season. His foremost goal with is athletes is to stay healthy, which succeeds practicing smart and taking care of each other. His next aspiration is to lead the CFSL in turnover margin, wherein Gaskamp acknowledges, "protecting the ball and creating turnovers are paramount." Lastly, though certainly not the lesser, he encourages his team to continually play with "fanatical effort." If the Aggies strive to triumph in those aspects, Gaskamp says, "Success should follow suit."

For the first time in Aggie Football, the season tickets and tailgating spots have all sold out, empowering the coaching staff and the team's spirit for a conceivably momentous season. The Panhandle football staff hope the student fans and campus community will optimize on this incredible maiden event, sponsored by Bank of the Panhandle, and attend the Thursday night game and its' preceding tailgate festivities. The football frenzy will begin at 4pm with the opening of the Tailgate Zone and all students and community members are encouraged to experience the fun, with some fans even getting to walk away with free t-shirts, given away at the pre-game events and within the stadium during the game. The National Champion Panhandle State Rodeo Team will be recognized during a special half-time segment.

We wish Aggie Football a winning season opener, and encourage the student body and community to fill the stands and cheer on the Aggies as #TheNEWCrew steps out from No Man's Land and into the lights. Free video streaming by PTCI and live stats links are available online at opsuaggies.com on the Football schedule page. Fans can find information about tailgating policies in the Fan Central tab of the team website.