Posted: Sep 03, 2021
LaGrange returns to the gridiron for the first time since 2019, when the Panthers visit Birmingham-Southern for the 2021 season opener. This is the 13th consecutive season the two schools have met.
The two teams did not meet during the 2020-21 season due to the pandemic. The Panthers won 29-14 in the 2019 season opener at Callaway Stadium. LC returns 18 players off that team.
"I am excited about Saturday and having the opportunity to play again," said coach Earl Chambers. "I have a lot of respect for the BSC football program and the job coach Tony Joe White has done since he took over the program.
"I want us to be physical and start fast in all three phases. Unfortunately, only 10% of my guys have playing experience, so I want to see how we handle adversity. We have a lot of young talent with a veteran sophomore class who spent the majority of the 2020 spring semester practicing for this moment.
Junior quarterback Shedrick Lindsey appeared in six games in 2019. He threw for 787 yards and five touchdowns with seven interceptions. He will be backed up by freshman Damione Ward. Junior running back Jame Monroe is the Panthers' leading rusher returning with 205 yards. Freshman Aubrey Carter leads a young group of running backs.
Sophomore tight end De'Queze Fryer heads up the receiving corps. Fryer had 11 catches for 217 yards in 2019. Sophomore Dana Lucas, along with freshmen LJ Flint and Jaden Smith lead the wide receivers.
The offensive line is headed by junior tackle Ryan Bullock (6-3, 320), a transfer from Presbyterian College. Sophomore guard Len Spivey (6-0, 300), freshman center Colby Lee (6-2, 285), sophomore guard Jaxon Harrell (5-11, 290), and freshman tackle Quenton Green (6-3, 230) make up the rest of the line.
On defense, junior nose tackle Joe Thomas had 31 total tackles in 2019. The defensive unit will be young with 19 freshmen and sophomores listed on the depth chart.
Junior kicker Alex Rivera returns from 2019. Rivera was a perfect 23-for-23 in extra points and 8-for-9 in field goals.
Birmingham-Southern went 2-2 in the 2021 spring season. Senior running back Robert Shufford had 328 yards rushing and five touchdowns in the spring. Senior quarterback Trey Patterson had 844 yards passing with six touchdowns against five interceptions.
"We must handle all critical situations with great focus and attention to detail," added Chambers. "The expectation is to win and get off to a good start with a challenging schedule."
The Panthers host nationally-ranked Berry next Saturday in Callaway Stadium at 2 p.m.
