SWOSU Closes 2005 Football Against TAMC

November 4, 2005

Weatherford, OK - Southwestern Oklahoma State will draw the curtain on its 2005 football season Saturday against division newcomer Texas A&M-Commerce. Although the Lions have been a fixture in the Lone Star Conference since its 1937 inception, this is the first year in which TAMC has competed as a member in the LSC North Division. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Milam Stadium.

SWOSU (1-9, 0-4) will try its part to make certain the division title stays within the state of Oklahoma by beating TAMC. A Bulldog victory would send the division title to Southeastern Oklahoma State, who is one game ahead of the Lions (4-5, 3-1) in the division standings. The Savages (7-2, 4-0) can also assure themselves sole possession of the North title by beating rival East Central tonight in Ada.

Tonight’s game against TAMC should provide the Bulldogs a good opportunity to give some relative un-tested youngsters a significant amount of playing time. SWOSU has consistently used six freshman in their offensive and defensive lineups, now add linebacker Ruzell McCoy and wide receiver Patrick Freeman and the number grows to eight.

McCoy, a native of Frederick, had his best game last week against Northeastern State when he had five tackles, four of which were for losses. Freeman, a Bishop McGuiness product, has been a reliable pass-catcher for the Bulldogs all season and ranks third on the team in receptions.

While the youth begin their transition into the regular rotation, tonight’s game also marks the final collegiate football game for 13 seniors: linebacker Michael Hart; wide receivers Chase Pratt, Danny Howard, Eric Johnson, Cory Campbell; defensive back Alvin Wells; offensive linemen Chris Chaddick, Brandon Guptill, Thomas Grant; defensive lineman Terry Joiner, Brian Hill, Colt Allison and Roddrick Sheppard. All will be recognized in a brief ceremony prior to kickoff.