Morgan State Football returns to Earl C. Banks Field for the first time in the 2024 season.
The Bears are 1-2 and on a two-game losing streak — losing to the Towson Tigers and then to Ohio University Bobcats.
Head coach Damon Wilson said he wants the Bears to play as a team against 0-2 Virginia University of Lynchburg.
Wilson said, “It’s really one of those games we have to focus on ourselves more than anything else.
Morgan leads the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) with a turnover margin of 2.33 — meaning they force more turnovers than they experience from other teams.
“It’s really a testament to our coaching staff. They do a good job of dissecting the film and the opponent we play,” Senior defensive back Josh Graham said. “They give us the keys to come out on Saturday and just do our job and play how we play.
Junior offensive lineman Daniel Casillas echoed a similar sentiment.
“I attribute that to coach. He’s hard on us, he expects nothing but greatness out of us,” said Casillas. “At times it makes you want to regret having him as a coach … because of how tough he is on us.”
Morgan’s roster has faced challenges as multiple starting players have been injured in the past three weeks: senior linebacker Erick Hunter, senior defensive lineman Melteon Davis, junior running back Keith Jenkins Jr. and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Mosula Tapusoa are just a few of the Bears injured this season.
Casillas has been a mainstay on the offensive line as some of his teammates are out due to their injuries.
“Since the first week we haven’t had a solid five,” said Casillas. “After that first game, you’re never at 100 but we got to make sure we are as close to 100 as possible.”
This is also the first game following the Bears loss of former teammate Gavin “Loc” Yarborough last Monday. The players are dedicating this game to him.
“I just want to give condolences to Gavin’s family. It’s tragic losing a brother, losing a family member. So this weekend is definitely dedicated to Gavin and his family,” said Graham.
The Bears will have their home opener, today at 7:00 p.m. at Earl C. Banks Field, during Morgan’s Family Day festivities.
