By: Jared McMurry
After a blowout 44-14 road loss to Charleston Southern, the Gardner-Webb football team (4-6, 0-3) will play their final home game of the 2014 season as they welcome the Presbyterian Blue Hose (5-5, 2-2) to Spangler Stadium.
It has been nearly four weeks since the Runnin’ Bulldogs last registered a victory, and Coach McCray knows his squad must keep pressing on.
“On we march, together,” he said at his weekly press luncheon on Tuesday. McCray noted that his team has done a good job remaining focused on the task ahead.
Presbyterian comes into the contest also on a small losing streak. The Blue Hose were defeated by Liberty in their last Big South Conference contest, and got shutout at SEC powerhouse Ole Miss last week.
Coach McCray noted Presbyterian has put together several good performances on the season and that they have a strong defense.
Offensively McCray said that his team will need to put a good foot forward and take care of the ball. “We need to be aggressive, but smart,” he said. “We’ve been very sloppy lately.”
Gardner-Webb will be looking to improve their home record to 4-1 on the season and give themselves a chance to finish with a 6-6 record on the season.
Despite three straight losses, Coach McCray feels like his team still feels like they have something to play for.
“The attitude has remained positive, especially with the seniors,” he said. McCray also noted that his team continued to show up for an optional film day and that there was still a purpose left in the eyes of the players.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs will have several key offensive players play in their final game at Spangler Stadium on Saturday. Quarterback Lucas Beatty and standout tight end Seth Cranfill along with J.J. Hubbard will be among them.
Kickoff will be at noon on Saturday in Boiling Springs.