Staff Writer: Madelyn Cherry
For the first time in program history, the Wingate football team is ranked 10th in the American Coaches Football Association poll. So far this season, the team has cruised past all of their competitors.
The Bulldogs started off their season with two wins at home against the Shaw Bears and the Fayetteville State Broncos, beating them both by a double digit margin. The third game of the season was in Jefferson City, Tenn. against Carson- Newman, where Wingate brought home another win, with a final score of 25-3. The most recent game of the season was expected to take place last Saturday at home against Catawba, but was canceled due to many of Catawba’s players contracting COVID-19.
“The unexpected COVID outbreak on Catawba’s team gave us a much needed bye week. With a lot of our main guys injured, the canceled game allowed us to recover and get a mental reset as we head into our second conference game,” said defensive end Jesiah Carlton.
Linebacker Kendrick Hicks got injured against Carson-Newman, spraining his MCL. Hicks is expected to be out for three to four weeks. Additionally, linebacker Jaquan Edwards sprained his MCL, which will have him out for one to two weeks at most. Both players will be out for the Homecoming game against Tusculum this Saturday.
“Tusculum will be a fast paced, high-powered offense that our defense will have to shut down to be successful this week. Their quarterback is mobile and extends plays with his feet. This makes our scheme for the week change as we will have to contain his runs. We have fresh legs starting this week for us as some younger guys will get reps this week. It will be a great test for our team,” said Carlton.
Wingate will face Tusculum on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 6:00 P.M.
Wingate Triangle 