University of Pikeville will host Keiser University at 7 p.m. Thursday under the lights at the W.C. Hambley Athletic Complex.
“We’re excited about getting the season started,” UPIKE head coach Al Holland Jr. said. “We return a number of starters on both sides of the football.”
Keiser, located in West Palm Beach, Fla., will be playing in its first-ever NAIA game when the Seahawks journey north.
The Bears, who finished 5-6 and 3-3 in conference play this past year, are picked to finished third in the Appalachian Division.
UPIKE returns top running backs Xondre Willis and Willie McCloud, who combined for nearly 1,800 on the ground. The Bears, however, must replace quarterback Sani Warren who finished with 1,841 yards and 16 touchdown passes in his final season.
Junior Bowen Smith will step in as the starter.
“He’s a guy that’s been in the system for a long time and he understands the game and will be a fine quarterback for us,” Co-Offensive Coordinator Justin Lamb said.
UPIKE opens will three straight Thursday night home games. After tomorrow, the Bears will host Livingstone (Aug. 30) and Bethel (Sept. 6).