Coming off the heels of a rough 2021 season, where the team went 3-8,  Davenport football had the best season in program history. 

Under the leadership of coach Sparky McEwen, the Panthers achieved a record of 8-3 including a berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs. 

Although Davenport lost 41-7 in the first round to eventual national champion Ferris State, the program has a lot of momentum going into the 2023 season. 

In 2017, McEwen took control of the team a year after the establishment of the football program. 

In the short time the program has been in existence, McEwen has turned the team into a serious contender. 

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If the Panthers want to improve from last season's playoff loss, they will have to rely on their star quarterback Jason Whittaker. 

Whittaker was previously a quarterback and tight end at Northwestern before transferring to Davenport for the 2022 season. 

In his first season with the team, Whittaker shattered expectations by leading the team to their most successful season ever. 

Last season, Whittaker broke school records by throwing for  2,309 yards and 26 touchdowns, along with leading the GLIAC in yards per game with 209.9. 

His efforts earned him Second Team All-GLIAC honors.

Davenport had two other offensive players earn Second Team All-GLIAC honors. 

Running Back Caleef Jenkins earned the honors after rushing for 575 yards and eight touchdowns in 137 carries.

Wide receiver Preston Smith was also named to Second Team All-GLIAC after a season that saw him have 43 catches for 567 yards and six touchdowns.

Davenport Football To Open The Season With Three Game Non-Conference Home Stretch 

The Panthers will start the season with a three game home stretch against non-conference opponents. 

Davenport will host Thomas More in the season opener before going on to face Bowie State and William Jewell. 

The hardest game of the season is likely to come in Week 9 when Davenport faces two-time defending NCAA Division II National Champions Ferris State.

The Panthers will get a chance to rid themselves of the sour taste left in their mouths from getting trampled in the first round of the playoffs. 

Davenport Football Schedule 2023

• Sept. 2: Thomas More, 12 p.m. ET
• Sept. 9: Bowie State, 12 p.m. ET
• Sept. 23: William Jewell, 12 p.m. ET
• Sept. 30: at Michigan Tech, 1 p.m. ET
• Oct. 7: Northern Michigan, 2 p.m. ET
• Oct. 14: at Wayne State, 6 p.m. ET
• Oct. 21: at University of Mary, 1 p.m. ET
• Oct. 28: Saginaw Valley State, 12 p.m. ET
• Nov. 4: Ferris State, 12 p.m. ET
• Nov. 11: at Grand Valley State, 1 p.m. ET

How To Watch Davenport Football In 2023? 

All GLIAC football games will stream on FloFootball and the FloSports app this fall. Some non-conference games may not be available on FloSports.