Huskies kick off the season vs. The University of Mary on Aug. 30

 

The St. Cloud State University Football team returns to the gridiron for the 2018 season, beginning with their first contest hosting the University of Mary on August 30th at 6 pm.

 

The Huskies feature a small senior class headed into the 2018 season with only seven players in their final year. Despite the small group, the seniors will be looked upon to play a crucial role throughout the season against a tough NSIC North schedule.

 

On the offensive side of the ball, senior running back Gregory Lewis will look to be the charging force of the run game for the Huskies. Junior quarterback Dwayne Lawhorn is back healthy after battling an injury last season. Huskies head coach Scott Underwood made it clear in the offseason that Lawhorn is healthy and ready to lead the offense. Wide receivers John Pass and John Solberg will look to be threats to

opposing defense through the air, along with tight end Sam Hartmann who will contribute as a large frame to the passing game for the Huskies.

 

In 2017 the defense shined in the NSIC. With a challenging schedule ahead, first-year defensive coordinator Mark Sipple will have a solid group of talent to work with a group of game-changing playmakers.  Defensive backs Jamari Manuel and Jack Horter will lead as seniors looking to be a shutdown force to opponents this year. Senior Jake Schley had ten starts out of eleven games on the defensive line last season for the Huskies and leads a group up front that will look to improve against the run and pressuring quarterbacks around the league.

           

The Huskies football team features more than just key returning names on the offense and defense. Sophomore Adam Stage is looking to repeat his freshman year in the kicking game, posting outstanding numbers for the Huskies special teams. Stage went 11-15 on field goals and featured an almost perfect point after attempt stat, finishing the year at 35-36 which made him the highest scoring player last season for the Huskies.

            Head coach Scott Underwood is entering his 11th season at the helm of St. Cloud State football. Underwood goes into the 2018 regular season with a record of 75-41 overall. While in charge of the Huskies, he has led the team to three NCAA tournaments in 2010, 2011 and 2013.

 

 Opening the 2018 season at home, SCSU will host Mary at before heading on the road in week two to battle Crookston. Returning home will be a Thursday night clash against one of the favorites in the NSIC North University of Minnesota-Duluth. The following two weeks will be a difficult road test against Northern State and Minnesota State Mankato, last season’s NSIC overall champions. Homecoming will return to the campus of St. Cloud State University, and Huskies football will showcase in the activities hosting Upper Iowa at 1 pm on October 20th.  A pair of home games and then two more on the road is how the Huskies will wrap up the regular season.

 

KVSC 88.1 FM will have LIVE coverage of St. Cloud State’s home opener vs. Mary on August 30^th at 6pm. Be sure to follow kvsc.org/sports all season long to follow the Huskies and check the KVSC Sports Stream schedule for all upcoming broadcasts.

 

Follow KVSC Sports on Twitter @KVSCSports for updates of all SCSU Athletics.