By: Howard Woodard
It was a bittersweet home opening victory for Saluki football (2-1) over Incarnate Word last Saturday. The Dawgs looked explosive on offense and the unit had its best game yet this season as QB DJ Williams went 19-27 for 301 yards, 2 TDs, and an interception. He also ran for 92 yards on 12 attempts including a 28-yard touchdown run. WRs Keontez Lewis and Nah’shawn Hezekiah both eclipsed the century mark in receiving, bringing in 148 and 115 yards, respectively. Lewis also had 57 yards on the ground, which he picked up on a reverse sweep that he took to the house. But SIU will be without their starting QB for the foreseeable future after Williams sustained a finger injury in the fourth quarter that the Salukis announced will require surgery. He didn’t return to the game and Hunter Simmons finished it under center and will continue to be going forward. Simmons went 3-5 for 35 yards as the Salukis leaned on the run game to seal the deal against the Cardinals. The Dawgs didn’t score in the second half, as they muffed a FG attempt and had a turnover on downs in Incarnate Word territory when attempting to close the game. SIU was picked on through the air, as Cardinals QB Zach Calzada did a great job of evading pressure and extending plays. He completed 35 of his 54 pass attempts for 366 yards, 3 TDs, and a pick. They will need to bear down against the Redhawks who aired it out over the weekend against UT Martin in an overtime victory, as QB Paxton DeLaurent threw for 376 yards with 6 TDs as he was 34-63 on his attempts. Saluki Head Coach Nick Hill says he has faith in Simmons’ ability to run the offense and that he and Williams share the skillset of being able to use their legs. They will need him to step up, especially to retain the wheel in their rivalry match against SEMO this Saturday, September 21, in Saluki Stadium at 6 pm.
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