Matchup: LaGrange College (1-3) vs N.C. Wesleyan University (1-4)
Location: Vernon. T. Bradley Jr. Stadium. Rocky Mount, N.C.
Date and Time: Oct. 12th at 12 p.m. 
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The Panthers convoy to North Carolina this Saturday (Oct. 12), taking the fight to the Battling Bishops of N.C. Wesleyan University in a USA South showdown. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. 

Scouting Report 
Following a tough 38-13 defeat to Maryville College (Oct. 5), the Panthers record sits at 1-3 (1-1 USA South). 

Quarterbacking the LC offense is sophomore Henry Brodnax. Through four games, he has completed 49 percent of his passes for 565 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. One thing that stands out about Brodnax's game is his ability to find and deliver the deep-ball. In four games, he has hit four different targets with over 30-yard passes, including a 62-yard touchdown to Ashton Bryant. Speaking of Bryant, through four appearances, the junior from Athens, Georgia has grabbed a team-high 19 catches for 213 yards. Bryant, Jasharie Anderson and Johnathan Lampkin have each secured a pair of touchdowns. Senior running back, Goldman Butler VI, has also tailed two touchdowns in addition to his 255 rushing yards (four yards per carry).

One Panther that stands out on defense is graduate student Desmond Fogle. Despite opponents trying their best to run away from the talented linebacker, Fogle continues to track down and make plays on the ball. He currently leads the team with 34 total tackles. Sophomore linebacker Dezmond Jones sits in second for most tackles with 29, but leads the LC with 6.5 tackles for a loss. Over the past two games, the Panthers defense has found success forcing turnovers, ending their opponent's possessions prematurely six times. Jaden Sanders leads the team with two interceptions, while five other defenders trail behind him with one forced fumble each.

In last week's loss, Landon Eaker played outstanding. The junior kicker finished a perfect 1/1 on extra points and 2/2 on field goals with one traveling 50-yards. 

The Battling Bishops improved to 1-4 (1-2 USA South) after they held on to win 19-17 over Methodist University in front of a Rocky Mount crowd (Oct. 5). While this is their first victory, NCWU has come close to securing wins against two Old Dominion Athletic Conference Teams, falling 41-29 to Averett University (Sept. 7) and just 28-24 to Ferrum College (Sept. 14) to kickoff the season. 

Starting at quarterback is graduate student Chaz Hirschman. Despite not starting last season, Hirschman has seen the field 15 times in a three-year period. So far this year, the Jacksonville, Florida native has shown huge improvement, connecting on a career-high 56 percent of his passes for 994 yards, nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. Looking at his statistics, Hirschman has demonstrated throughout his career he is not afraid to take risks, posting a 9:1 interception to touchdown ratio. In 2024, he finally found his rhythm. The quarterback's go-to target is the talented sophomore from Diwiddie, Virginia, Christian Drumgoole. Through five games, Drumgoole has grabbed 40 receptions for a career-high 628 yards and six touchdowns. This comes as no surprise, as the proven playmaker earned Second Team All-Conference honors in 2023 following a fantastic rookie season. At running back, is another 2023 Second Team All-Conference selection, fifth-year student Anthony Byrd. In five games. Byrd has soared for 721 yards and five touchdowns on 103 carries. This averages out to a stellar seven yards per carry. 

Junior linebacker Eric Cooper leads the Battling Bishops with 45 tackles. Through five games, sophomore outside linebacker Aiden Seagroves has posted a team-high 5.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks in addition to his 23 tackles.

Keys to the Game
One offensive key to the game is to string together back-to-back good plays. An eight-yard gain on first down cannot be followed up with a tackle for a loss or senseless false start. The Panthers must settle in and take control one play at a time. 

A defensive key to the game is to pressure the quarterback. While Hirschman has been solid this season, he can be prone to turning the ball over. If the defense can make him feel their presence, mistakes may follow. 
Where to Watch 
Like Anderson University, NCWU home games are streamed live using FloSports, which uses a subscription based paywall to sign up. Click here to sign up for live video or here to view free live stats.