Matchup: LaGrange College (USA South) vs Methodist University (USA South)
Location: Callaway Stadium LaGrange, Georgia
Date and Time: Sept. 28th at 1 p.m. 
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This Saturday (Sept. 28), the Panthers begin conference play with a home opener against the Monarchs of Methodist University at 1 p.m. 

The Scouting Report 
LaGrange College
The LC Panthers sit with an 0-2 record following a week three bye. Through two games against some of the tougher defenses the Panthers will see, sophomore QB Henry Brodnax completed 19 of his 44 passes for 164 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Brodnax's top-target so far is junior wideout Ashton Bryant. In two appearances, Bryant racked up 68 yards and a touchdown on his seven grabs. In those away games, senior running back Goldman Butler VI rushed for 132 yards on 32 carries (4.13 average) but has yet to find the endzone in this young season.

On defense, graduate student Desmond Fogle made a team-high 18 tackles, followed by sophomore Dezmond Jones (15) and senior Nemo Ceasar (14). Ceasar and Jaylan Harris lead the unit in TFL with each accumulating 2.5 of the group's 14. Through two games, sophomore Jahvon Wells tied his personal best .5 TFL and is only four tackles away from breaking his rookie season record (11). One thing that stood out about the defense in the Anderson University game (Sept.14) was their ability to slow the Trojans' heavy rush attack. On 48 carries, AU was able to gain 173 yards for a 3.6 average versus LC. While 173 yards is a lot, the Trojans averaged at least half a yard better per run against their two other opponents. Versus Saint Andrews University (NAIA) they averaged 4.6 yards per carry (181 total) and in their loss to Division II recent powerhouse Limestone University, they averaged 4.2 yards per rush (131 total).

Junior punter Brandon Matson made a huge leap forward this year. Last season, the Apopka, Florida native averaged 33.3 yards per punt, forced two fair catches and landed one inside the 20. So far this season, Matson has averaged 41.2 yards per punt, forced six fair catches, put two punts inside the 20 and had one travel over 50 yards. His week one performance also earned him USA South Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

Methodist University
The Monarchs of Methodist University hold a 1-2 record after they secured a 17-14 win over USA South member Greensboro College (Sept. 21). At quarterback for MU is sophomore Brennan Brucato. Through three games, the Kennesaw, Georgia native completed 53 of his 113 passes for 546 yards, four interceptions and three touchdowns. Senior Mikhail Baldwin has snagged two touchdowns and 111 of those yards with nine receptions. Despite the Monarchs airing it out so far this season, the visitors from North Carolina have a proven play-maker at the running back position, Sajari Love. The 2023 USA South Offensive Rookie of the Year earned this title after he rushed for 228 yards and two touchdowns on 60 attempts. In three games, the back has already gained 176 yards and one touchdown with 53 carries.

Taking a look at the MU defense, junior linebacker Omar Goodwin leads the team with 24 tackles. Through three games, the defense made three interceptions and has taken down the quarterback 10 times this year. Sophomore corner Dacarris Jacobs hawked two of those picks and sophomore defensive end Jeremiah Sansbury leads the team in sacks with two.

Key Factors
One of the key factors in this week's game is to limit the Monarchs' big plays. At any level, broken coverages and missed tackles happen, but how the Panthers choose to respond to these mistakes will affect the outcome of Saturday's game. The team cannot allow one bad play to turn into two.

Where to Watch 
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