What ETSU football lacks in number and time, it does not lack in determination.
“We have such a thin roster of players now,” said Coach Paul Hamilton.
“Most of our best players are on defense because if we can’t stop teams then there’s no chance for us.”
Hamilton said this because the Bucs’ defense is tough.
They have been only allowing 12.2 points a game.
Unfortunately this past Saturday, the offense gave up a fumble and Elon scored.
Special teams allowed for the Phoenixes to block a punt on a short field, on which they scored.
“I looked at the game tape [and] we were very inconsistent on offense,’ said Hamilton.
“We didn’t seem to be making the plays when we needed to make them.”
The offense was not on its best game Saturday, provoking Hamilton to say that all positions are open.
“Elon had 68 yards of offense at the half, and we were losing,” said Hamilton.
If Elon was tough, the Western Carolina Catamounts are going to be even tougher for the Bucs.
“This, by far, is the best team we have faced offensively and defensively this season,” Hamilton said.
The Catamounts quarterback, Brian Gaither, is a 6-3, 220 pound senior.
Gaither threw for 224 yards and three touchdowns Saturday leading Western Carolina to a 28-21 win over the Citadel.
“They have some outstanding wide receivers and strong tight ends,” said Hamilton.
Gaither, the Southern Conference offensive player of the week, managed to complete 16 of 26 passes against the Citadel.
He set up WCU sophomore wide receiver Xavier Godard on scores from both 62 and five yards out.
Godard leads the SoCon in scoring.
Five of his nine exceptions this season have gone for touchdowns.
“Our defense faces our biggest challenge of the year,” said Hamilton.
The Western Carolina defense is ranked sixth in the SoCon just behind league leaders Wofford.
“We have to watch out for the Catamounts defensive ends. Nick McNeil and Michael Spicer are outstanding players,” Hamilton said. WCU’s offense is no push over either.
The Catamounts are first in the SoCon on scoring offense, averaging 24 points a game. In passing efficiency, WCU is No. 2 behind Furman.
But Hamilton realizes that the Bucs’ offensive line cannot be given orders that they can’t handle.
“We can’t ask our offense to protect the ball 38 times in a game,” he said.
Hamilton may have to rely on some miracles for the Bucs.
“We took 54 players to Elon Saturday, and nine of those were walk-ons.”
WCU will be coming to Johnson City on Saturday looking for their third-straight win with a record of 2-2 overall.
The Bucs may have to rely on history Saturday.
Six years ago, the Bucs defeated WCU 28-18 at home.
At the time, the Bucs had freshman quarterback Todd Wells. He passed for 203 yards that day, statistics reminiscent of the current freshman quarterback Carl Meadows.
“Brock Pittman will be back. That will be a plus,” said Hamilton.
“We are thin on offense, but that’s just the nature of where we are at. Every game, from now on, will be a dog fight.

Author