West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois University football team is set to face Tennessee Tech at Hansen Field in Macomb, Illinois. Both teams are looking to bounce back from recent losses within the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association. The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 19.

Tennessee Tech enters the matchup with a record of 2-4 overall and 2-1 in conference play, while Western Illinois holds a similar overall record of 2-4 but is 1-1 in conference games. The Leathernecks recently lost their Homecoming game against UT Martin after leading briefly in the first quarter. Tennessee Tech fell to Southeast Missouri (SEMO) with a final score of 34-3.

Western Illinois will rely on Cameren Smith, who leads the team with 473 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season. Quarterback Nathan Lamb has also contributed significantly with both his arm and legs, completing passes for over 1100 yards and five touchdowns while adding four rushing scores. Eli Aragon tops the receiving charts for WIU with three touchdowns.

For Tennessee Tech, Jalen Mitchell spearheads the ground attack alongside Obie Sanni and Aiden Littles. Jordyn Potts handles quarterback duties, having thrown for nearly 1000 yards this season. D.J. Linkins is their leading receiver with Ashton Maples catching three touchdown passes so far.

This weekend's game coincides with Hall of Fame Weekend at Western Illinois University Athletics, where several former athletes will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Friday night before being honored at Saturday's game.

In other league news, SEMO maintains its lead in the conference standings following their victory over Tennessee Tech last week. They remain unbeaten in league play at 3-0.

"Paxton DeLaurent was named Offensive Player of the Week," highlighted for his outstanding performance as Southeast Missouri defeated Tennessee Tech by passing for over 400 yards and achieving multiple career records.

"Bryce Norman recorded 15 tackles," earning him Defensive Player of the Week honors as he helped SEMO secure their position atop the conference standings.

Lindenwood kicker Logan Seibert set a program record by making five field goals against Charleston Southern, earning him Special Teams Player of the Week recognition.

Quenton Rogers from Eastern Illinois was named Freshman of the Week after an impressive debut performance against Tennessee State.

Western Illinois looks ahead to road games against Lindenwood and Eastern Illinois before returning home to face Tennessee State on November 9.