TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — After winning their first Lone Star Conference contest in over a year last Saturday against East Central, the Northeastern State football team comes into this week’s game at Texas A&M-Commerce; with a little more confidence.

“This is probably the toughest game left on our schedule,” said Riverhawks coach Kenny Evans. “Commerce is a well-coached team.”

The game is also significant because the RiverHawks currently sit in a tie for first in the LSC-North Division at 1-0 and with a road victory, they would put themselves in good position going forward.

“The guys are excited about the opportunity and where we’re at,” said Evans.

One thing that could work against Northeastern State is injuries as there are several players on the offense that will miss Saturday’s game. The biggest name is at quarterback where junior Woody Wilson will miss with a shoulder injury.

In his place, the coaching staff has elected to pull the redshirt off sophomore Kenny Davis and Davis will start in his place. Davis saw action as a true freshman for the RiverHawks last season and threw for 757 yards and five touchdowns.

“I think it’s time for him to get a shot,” said RiverHawks offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen. “He’s been practicing real well and has got a good grasp of the offense.”

Junior Pat Cook is also likely to see some time at quarterback this week. He has played in three games and has passed for 72 yards.

“We’re thinking both guys will play a little bit,” said Cornelsen. “Him [Davis] and Pat were basically even all through the spring.”

Another spot where injuries could be a problem is at running back where La’Ron Elmer, who rushed for two touchdowns last week, and Prince McKinney will both miss with slight knee sprains.

Senior Josh Lewis figures to pick up most of the slack in their absence. Chris Davis, who has also been pulled off his redshirt, will also see some playing time. Davis is a transfer from Tyler Junior College where he rushed for 524 yards and 10 touchdowns in two seasons.

Receiver Tray McVay is doubtful for Saturday’s game with an ankle injury.

For Commerce, the Lions and first-year coach Guy Morriss come into Saturday’s game like NSU with a 1-4 record. They picked up their first win last week against Central Oklahoma. Morriss is a former head coach at Baylor and Kentucky University at the Division 1 level.

“With a new head coach they’re looking to take the program to the next level,” said Evans. “He’s [Morriss] doing a lot of the same stuff, especially on offense.”

The Lions offense is led by junior quarterback Adam Farkes, who has passed for 998 yards and seven touchdowns this year.

“He’s probably the most dangerous when he’s scrambling,” said Evans. “He’ll scramble and get outside and is able to find open receivers when he’s doing that. We have to contain him and keep him in the pocket.”

For NSU, the RiverHawks defense is coming off its best effort of the season after holding East Central to 238 yards of total offense and just seven points last week.

Senior linebacker Terrance Gaston leads the team with 43 tackles, including three for loss. Safety Nick Dobler has 34 tackles and seven pass break-ups.

“Defensively, we’re pretty healthy and coming off the best game we’ve played in two years,” said Evans.

One area where the RiverHawks should have an advantage is in the kicking game where punter Joe Kok and kicker Jared Homer have been among the best in the conference. Kok is averaging an LSC-best 42.5 yards a punt and Homer is a perfect 3-3 in field goal attempts.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

“The fact that’s its on the road makes this game even tougher,” said Evans.