RICHMOND, Ky. - Just like the 1998 season, coach Roy Kidd's Eastern Kentucky University Colonel football team will open the '99 year Thursday night by hosting Kentucky State University in a 7:00 p.m. contest at Roy Kidd Stadium in Richmond.
While Eastern is unveiling its season Thursday, a new state-of-the-art video display scoreboard will be also be put into use for the first time with a ceremonial pulling of the power switch just before kickoff of the EKU-KSU game.
Kentucky State got its 1999 season off to a rousing start last Saturday by defeating Miles College in Frankfort, 33-12.
Sophomore runningback Alvon Brown led the 'Breds in rushing against Miles with 95 yards and a seven-yard TD run, while Arkansas State transfer Alastair Couch added 73 yards on six carries, including running 68 yards for a TD the first time he touched the ball against Miles. Other KSU scores came on big plays, including a 76-yard pass from quarterback Jimmy Edmonds to wideout Anthony Arnett; a 61-yard punt return by Chris Pointer; and a 34-yard interception return by Lakunta Farmer.
"They have some speed and are big," said Kidd, speaking of his team's opening opponent, Kentucky State. "They also have a lot of (17) starters back this year and have played a game which is an advantage. We're tired of going against ourselves and need to play, so we're looking forward to opening up Thursday night."
Junior quarterback Waylon Chapman will handle the majority of the signal-calling duties for the Colonels in the opener. His backups will be sophomore Gary Gumm, a transfer from the University of Louisville who joined the team last Wednesday, and junior Chad Collins, who has missed more than a week of fall practice with a sprained right ankle.
Junior Corey Crume will start at tailback, with redshirt sophomore Chad Culver at fullback. Senior tailback Derek Logan pulled his hamstring in a scrimmage, Aug. 21, and is listed as questionable for the KSU game. He was slated to return to the practice field Monday.
EKU will have the services of five quality receivers this year, paced by leading returning receiver Alex Bannister (23 catches, 320 yards, two TD's in 1998). Other wideouts available for duty include junior Anthony Boggs; junior Tyrone Browning, a transfer from Indiana University; junior Matt Sharp; and sophomore Nick Towns.
Senior guard Josh Hunter and senior tackle Charlie Watkins are the returning veterans on the offensive line, while senior Anthony Watson and junior Tom Mabey will handle the tight end position for the Colonels.
Defensively, two pre-season All-OVC players - senior tackle Jason Muchow and senior safety Shawn Gallant - will be looked upon for leadership this season. Other players who could be prominent this season on this unit include senior tackle Terry Thomas, junior end Shorty Combs, senior linebacker Brad Folke and senior strong safety Scooter Asel.