SCOUTING THE VIKINGS: Lawrence is coming off an 0-9 season in 2025 and is currently riding a 14-game overall losing streak which dates back to the 2024 season. The team's last victory came at Beloit College (W, 24-10) on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. Since that last win, the Vikings have been shutout seven times. An extremely young squad makes up the roster for first-year head Dan Galante, who is a Viking alumnus and a member of the Lawrence Athletics Hall of Fame.
Last season saw the Vikings held to an average of under 4.0 points per game. It averaged over 49.0 rushing yards per contest while adding another 60.0 yards per game through the air. There are several new faces this year at many of the high-profile positions, including under center and in the backfield. Defensively, the Vikings were led last week against the Norse by sophomore linebacker Dyson Sharpton who registered a career-high 10 total tackles. As a freshman a year ago, Sharpton played in only four games and ended the year with just four tackles.
ABOUT BUENA VISTA: The Beavers under fourth-year head coach Austin Dickinson look to bounce back following their tough 41-14 home loss against Benedictine University (IL) last Saturday. With five starters back on both sides of the ball here in 2026, the team brought high hopes into the year. Offensively, there were flashes of success against the Eagles, led by junior Brett Garcia, who was an efficient 22-of-31 passing for 215 yards and one interception. He also carried the ball five times for 13 more yards and scored one touchdown. Senior tailback Adriel Fussell, who rushed for over 800 yards last season, was held to only 41 yards on 14 rushes by the Benedictine defense. Garcia moved the ball around as seven different receivers hauled in at least one catch. Leading the way was sophomore Sebastian Dennis with nine grabs and 68 yards. Senior tight end Gavin Honkomp caught four passes while sophomore Trayton Cink had three catches out of the backfield.
BVU has struggled stopping the run in recent years, and despite a couple lengthy runs by the Eagles last week, the unit showed signs of improvement in that facet of the game. Junior linebacker Drew Volkmann, who is the team's top returning tackler coming into the year, brought down 10 carriers. The team looks to get more consistent pressure into the opponent's backfield after only one tackle for a loss in the opener. The Beavers are set up to be stronger and deeper in the kicking game this season with the addition of a pair of newcomers. Freshman punter Owen Fedje punted the ball three times last week for an average of 39.0 yards, including one of more than 50 yards. Fellow freshman place kicker, Aaron Christian, averaged nearly 55 yards per kickoff in his collegiate debut and also made both PAT's. The only blemish was a 49-yard field goal attempt in the first half which was blocked.
