For the second consecutive season, the West Florida Argonauts have defeated the McKendree Bearcats, this time by a score of 38-6 at PenAir Field in Pensacola, Florida, in what was the season-opening game for both teams.

Statistically, the contest was a lot closer than the final score, and that was due in part to a dominant first half for West Florida, particularly on special teams.

The Argonauts also rolled up nearly 200 yards in the first half on the way to a 21-0 advantage, while holding the Bearcats to 38 total yards, including negative yardage on the ground. 

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McKendree was forced to punt five times in the opening half, and senior defensive back Virgil Lemons made the Bearcats pay, making two returns for 147 yards. Both led to UWF touchdowns by redshirt senior Jamontez Woods.

Woods finished the contest with 38 yards on 13 carries, and redshirt freshman Marcus Stokes, announced as the starting quarterback just before the game, got the job done through the air. He completed 20 of 27 passes for 231 yards.

McKendree found some momentum in the second half, and the Bearcats' lone score came on a 15-play drive that ended early in the fourth quarter, but the self-inflicted damage was done.

Along with the special teams effort from West Florida, McKendree was plagued by its own mistakes. Two lost fumbles and two interceptions ultimately were costly, too.

The McKendree Bearcats and West Florida Argonauts met for the first time last season, and the result was a blowout road win (35-3) for West Florida. 

This time, McKendree headed south to Pensacola with a new coach and a plan for redemption, but that first win against UWF will have to wait.

The hosts are coming off an 8-4 season that ended in the opening round of the Division II playoffs, while McKendree is looking to improve on a 5-6 campaign that started with five consecutive losses.

Up next for McKendree is a visit to Lincoln University of Missouri on Sept. 14. West Florida won't play again until Sept. 21, when the Argonauts welcome West Alabama to PenAir Field. Both are conference games.

If you missed any of the action from the McKendree-West Florida game, look below for additional info about the teams and how things unfolded.

Finals Stats For McKendree Football Vs. West Florida Football

Watch The McKendree-West Florida Highlights

Watch the D2 football highlights from McKendree vs. West Florida Football on FloFootball.

Game Ends Uneventfully - West Florida 38, McKendree 6

As the clock winds down, it's West Florida defeating McKendree for the second consecutive year, this time at home by a score of 38-6.

West Florida Defense Stops McKendree, Scores Defensive Touchdown

On fourth and 3 on the McKendree 27, Michael is picked off by West Florida linebacker Ralph Ortiz, who runs it in for a touchdown, extending the West Florida lead to 37-6. Lombardo adds the extra point to make it 38-6.

Argonauts Defense Stops McKendree On Fourth-Down Attempt, Pushes For Points

The West Florida defense is solid, stopping a driving McKendree squad on fourth and 2 with just over seven minutes left in the game. West Florida takes over on its own 22-yard line.

The Argonauts go 56 yards on eight plays, including a 33-yard pass from Stokes to Da'Mani Brown, who was knocked out of bounds at the 1-yard line, but the drive ended without a touchdown.

Actually, the drive ends with a missed field goal by Lombardo from 28 yards. The attempt hit the the left upright. West Florida 31, McKendree 6.

West Florida Answers, Argonauts Lead McKendree 31-6

West Florida makes its own downfield march in the fourth quarter against McKendree, taking the ball 60 yards on seven plays. The finishing touch is a 4-yard rush from quarterback Michael Rich Jr.

Lombardo adds the extra point to extend the lead to 31-6 with 10:19 left in the contest.

Watch The First Touchdown Of McKendree's 2024 Football Season

Eddie Clark got the job done, notching the first McKendree points of the 2024 season.

Touchdown Bearcats!

Eddie Clark finds the end zone

13:43 left 4th QTR
West Florida 24
Bearcats 6 pic.twitter.com/Ah1t7baetI

— McKendree Football (@Mckendree_FB) September 6, 2024

15-Play Drive Ends With McKendree Touchdown To Start Fourth Quarter Against UWF

McKendree finds some momentum late in the third quarter with help from a pair of UWF penalties. The drive extends into the fourth quarter, going 75 yards over 15 plays.

Redshirt sophomore Eddie Clark caps the effort with a 3-yard touchdown scamper up the middle. 

The Bearcats' two-point attempt is intercepted in the end zone by Zach Johnson. He runs it out and is knocked out of bounds. West Florida 24, McKendree 6.

Kickoff coming. There's 13:43 left in the fourth quarter. 

West Florida Settles For Field Goal After Terrific Field Position, UWF Leads 24-0

The Argonauts are able to capitalize on great field position after a shanked McKendree punt - the sixth punt of the game for the Bearcats. 

The UWF drive starts on the McKendree 23-yard line. 

Six plays later, the drive ends with a 23-yard field goal from redshirt freshman Tyler Patterson. West Florida leads 24-0 with 5:19 left in the third quarter.

Argonauts Punt For Second Consecutive Time

Three and out for West Florida. Argonauts punt again. Gregory boots it 51 yards, and UWF knocks it down at the McKendree 6-yard line. There's just over eight minutes left in the third quarter.

Bearcats Go For It On Fourth Down

Down 21-0, the Bearcats aren't willing to punt again. They go for it on fourth and 3 from the UWF 37-yard line and cannot convert. 

West Florida takes the ball on its own 37.

West Florida Punts For First Time In 2024 Football Season

With fourth and 1 at their own 11-yard line, the Argonauts choose not to risk it and punt. Logan Gregory boots is 38 yards, and McKendree is back in control at the UWF 49.

McKendree Makes Positive Movement, Opening Drive Ends With Fumble Inside 5-Yard Line

The Bearcats open the half with a 32-yard pass from Michael to Flager but nearly end up punting again. 

A 15-yard pass interference penalty against West Florida turns that around, and the Bearcats end up with a first down in UWF territory.

Michael connects with Flager for another 35 yards, but he fumbles the ball inside the West Florida 5-yard line. 

After an unsportsmanlike penalty, the Argonauts take over on their own 2-yard line.

Second Half Underway In McKendree-West Florida Football Game

The second half gets underway with West Florida kicking off to McKendree.

McKendree quarterback Ty Michael is 7 for 12 for 57 yards. The top receiver for the Bearcats is Kendall Abdur-Rahman, who has one reception for 30 yards.

The Bearcats start on their own 25-yard line.

First-Half Stats From McKendree Football Vs. West Florida Football

McKendree Punts For Fifth Time, Clock Runs Out On First Half

McKendree can't take advantage of the opportunity and is forced to punt after three failed pass attempts.

UWF kneels on it, and the teams head to the locker rooms for halftime. West Florida 21, McKendree 0.

West Florida Unable To Convert On Fourth Down

The Argonauts have the opportunity to attempt a field goal, as they are on the McKendree 32, but they choose to go for it on fourth and 5. 

Stokes throws an incomplete pass, and McKendree gets the ball back with 1:32 left in the first half.

Bearcats Punt Again, West Florida Leading 21-0 In Second Quarter

McKendree has had the ball five times against West Florida. The result has been four punts and a lost fumble.

UWF takes the ball at midfield.

West Florida Continues Versatile Attack, Stokes Intercepted Again

West Florida's versatile attack gets the Argonauts inside the McKendree 5-yard line, before Stokes is intercepted for the second time in the game. His pass was tipped and caught by defensive lineman Tyus Jackson.

The Bearcats get the ball on their own 13-yard line. 

In the game, Stokes is 11 for 14 for 112, plus the two interceptions. Ja'Corey Scott has eight catches for 99 yards.

McKendree Fumbles, West Florida Recovers

Redshirt senior Yogi Flager Jr. takes a short pass on the sideline from redshirt sophomore quarter Ty Michael and immediately fumbles. West Florida recovers and is penalized 15 yards for a personal foul.

The Argonauts take over on the McKendree 25.

Argonauts Drive 93 Yards For Third Score Against McKendree Bearcats, UWF leads 21-0

With the help of 20 penalty yards from McKendree, West Florida is able to drive 93 yards on 13 plays. McKendree has five penalties in the game.

Redshirt junior running back Jay Sharp punches it in from one yard out to make the score 20-0.

Lombardo adds the extra point. West Florida 21, McKendree 0.

McKendree Punts For Third Time, First Quarter Ends

West Florida gets the ball back on its own 7-yard line. The Argonauts run one play and let the clock run out. They'll start the second quarter on their own 18-yard like after an 11-yard pass from Stokes to redshirt freshman Ja'Corey Scott.

Watch West Florida's Virgil Lemons With The Moves Against McKendree

Make 'em miss! Lemons punt-return prowess led to the first two West Florida touchdowns against McKendree.

Make 'em miss 😤

Virgil Lemons making plays for the Argos.#GSCFB | @GulfSouth | @UWFFootball pic.twitter.com/WFaWyJEveK

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) September 5, 2024

Argonauts Score Again, West Florida Leads 14-0

Virgil Lemons returns the punt from the UWF 13-yard line to the McKendree 25, before coughing it up. A fortunate forward bounce/roll allows McGrew Fortune to recover the fumble and take it to the 1-yard line.

Woods takes it the rest of the way on the first play of the West Florida drive for his second score of the game. He has rushing touchdowns of four yards and one yard. 

Lombardo adds the extra point for a 14-0 West Florida lead.

West Florida Defense Stifling In Opening Quarter Against McKendree

Despite a 15-yard penalty and free first down, McKendree is unable to make much forward progress. Penalties for two false starts don't help, and the Bearcats punt again.

Watch West Florida's First Touchdown Of 2024, Courtesy Of Jamontez Woods

Jamontez Woods gets it done for the Argonauts.

Argos strike first!

Jamontez Woods walks it in for West Florida's first score of the season.#GSCFB | @GulfSouth | @UWFFootball pic.twitter.com/ohI0rMrJTX

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) September 5, 2024

West Florida Opens Scoring Against McKendree, Argonauts lead 7-0

Redshirt senior Jamontez Woods rushes for the a 4-yard touchdown on West Florida's first play. Redshirt freshman Cade Lombardo adds the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

McKendree Goes Three And Out On First Drive

After three quick plays, McKendree was forced into the first punt of the game.

West Florida senior Virgil Lemons returns the 37-yard kick 61 yards to the McKendree 4-yard line, giving the Argonauts a shot at redemption.

Argonauts March Down The Field On Opening Drive, Which Ends With INT

A mix of runs and passes showed West Florida's versatility early and saw the Argonauts take the ball from their own 27 to inside the McKendree 30, before Stokes was intercepted by redshirt senior defensive back Andrew Sherry.

The Bearcats start their first drive on their own 25.

West Florida Wins Coin Toss And Chooses To Receive

McKendree kicks off to West Florida to start the game and the 2024 season for both teams.

West Florida Announces New Starting Quarterback

Was it the best-kept secret in college football? Who knows. But the word finally is out that redshirt freshman Marcus Stokes will be the starting quarterback for the Argonauts.

When Is The McKendree Vs. West Florida Football Game?

McKendree will take on the University of West Florida at PenAir Field in Pensacola, Florida, on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. Eastern/6 p.m. Central.

How To Watch The McKendree Vs. West Florida Football Game

Football action is streaming live on FloFootball and the FloSports app, including the McKendree vs. West Florida football game during Week 2. 

Replays and postgame highlights also will be available on both platforms. 

The Calm Before The Storm - McKendree Vs. West Florida

Take a look at the silent PenAir Field in Pensacola, Florida, two hours before the McKendree Bearcats take on the host West Florida Argonauts. It's the season-opening game for both teams.

📍 PenAir Field

Game time 6:00 PM pic.twitter.com/BtKpbE3Aiz

— McKendree Football (@Mckendree_FB) September 5, 2024

About McKendree Football

Despite the slow start to their 2023 campaign, the McKendree Bearcats followed their losing streak with five straight wins, landed in a tie for second place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and earned their first postseason bid, a meeting with Ashland University in the America’s Crossroads Bowl. 

Though Ashland won 23-20, it was a motivating opportunity upon which McKendree could build, and the architect now will be alum Jason Rejfek, who was named the interim coach for the Bearcats in August after five seasons as the defensive coordinator. 

On the field, the McKendree offense will be led by graduate quarterback Caleb Fisher, who played in 11 games during he 2023 season. He completed 171 of 279 passes for 1,650 yards and 19 touchdowns, but his efforts also included 13 interceptions. 

Fisher’s top target should be All-GLVC receiver Yogi Flager Jr., who is back after an injury limited him to just five appearances in 2023. His return got national attention, as he was named as a special teams second-teamer on the D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List.

Even better for McKendree, Fisher and Flager are just two of the 20 returning starters for the experienced Bearcats, and the team is led by 12th-year head coach Mike Babcock.

About West Florida Football

The Argonauts, the 2019 NCAA Division II national champions, are entering the 2024 season ranked among the top 15 in the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll and second in the 2024 Gulf South Conference Preseason Coaches Poll behind reigning GSC co-champion Valdosta State.

West Florida is guided by Kaleb Nobles, who is in his second season after replacing longtime coach Pete Shinnick. Shinnick helped build the program, led the team into action for the first time in 2016 and coached the team every year through 2022.

Nobles, a former quarterback at West Florida, will be depending on an experienced offensive line, a new signal caller and learning from the things that brought their 2023 season to a quicker end than they’d hoped.

Along with a nod to give Valdosta State a run for the conference title this year, West Florida also landed a conference-leading 10 players on the 2024 Preseason All-GSC team – six on defense, three on offense and one on special teams. 

One question mark is who will be the starting quarterback in 2024, a revelation Nobles doesn’t intend to share until the Argonauts are ready to take the field against McKendree. 

Last year, Peewee Jarrett was second in the conference in attempts (334), completions (197), yards (2,989), yards per game (249.1) and efficiency (161.6), so there will be a tough act to follow. 

Michael Rich Jr. was the No. 2 guy in 2023, while Marcus Stokes also had a few opportunities to sling the ball.

Stokes is a redshirt freshman, Rich is a redshirt junior and the have been joined by junior Tony Bartalo, who transferred in after three seasons at Charleston Southern. 

Really, it could be any one of the three taking the first snap against the Bearcats at PenAir Field.

Stellar Start For West Florida Football

The West Florida football team has only been in existence since 2016, but the Argonauts have wasted no time building a legacy.

In seven full seasons, under two head coaches, West Florida has made five playoff appearances, won a share of the GSC title twice and played for a national title twice, winning in 2019 after a runner-up finish in 2017.

How To Watch West Florida Football Games In 2024

Gulf South Conference and West Florida football home games will stream live on FloFootball and the FloSports app.

Game replays, highlights and breaking news will be posted on both platforms.

Dreaming of TDs😴

2 MORE DAYS#GoArgos #Arete pic.twitter.com/hWjlHSxZCA

— UWF Football (@UWFFootball) September 3, 2024

Who Plays In The Great Lakes Valley Conference?

The teams that are part of the GLVC for football this season are: William Jewell, Indianapolis, Lincoln, McKendree, Missouri S&T, Quincy, Southwest Baptist, Truman and Upper Iowa.

McKendree And The Great Lakes Valley Conference

McKendree finished tied for second place in the GLVC last season with a 5-2 record, despite being 5-6 overall. The Bearcats tied with Truman, while Indianapolis won the title at 6-1.

In the 2024 GLVC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, UIndy was selected to win it all again, with Truman and McKendree finishing second and third, respectively. The conference includes nine teams. 

Congrats Yogi !! 0️⃣🟣⚪️ https://t.co/7K39y434eV

— McKendree Football (@Mckendree_FB) August 27, 2024

Division II College Football 2024 Conference Preseason Polls

Curious how things are expected to shake out in each Division II conference? We’ve got you covered.

See the preseason polls for the 16 football-playing Division II conferences here.

Hear What The West Florida Argonauts Had To Say At The 2024 GSC Media Day

Check in with West Florida Football as the team prepares to kick off the new season. The 2024 Gulf South Conference Football Media Day was held in Birmingham, Alabama, in July.

Who Else Plays In The Gulf South Conference?

The teams that are part of the GSC for football this season are: Delta State, Erskine, Valdosta State, West Alabama, Chowan, North Greenville, West Florida and Mississippi College.

McKendree Football Schedule 2024

All times Central

• Sept. 5: at West Florida, 6 p.m. (FloSports)
• Sept. 14: at Lincoln University of Missouri, 7 p.m.
• Sept. 21: vs. Minnesota State University Moorhead, Noon
• Sept. 28: at Western Illinois, 6 p.m.
• Oct. 5: vs. Quincy, 3 p.m.
• Oct. 12: vs. Southern Baptist, 1 p.m. (homecoming)
• Oct. 19: vs. Indianapolis, 1 p.m.
• Oct. 26: at Truman State University, 2 p.m.
• Nov. 2: at Missouri S&T, 1 p.m.
• Nov. 9: vs. Upper Iowa, 1 p.m.
• Nov. 16: at William Jewell College (Mo.), 1 p.m.

West Florida Football Schedule 2024

All times Central

• Sept. 5: vs. McKendree, 6 p.m. (FloSports)
• Sept.21: vs. West Alabama, 6 p.m. (FloSports)
• Sept.28: at Grand Valley State, 2 p.m. (FloSports)
• Oct.5: vs. Mississippi College, 4 p.m. (FloSports)
• Oct.12: vs. Delta State, 4 p.m. (FloSports)
• Oct.19: at Chowan, Noon (FloSports)
• Oct.26: vs. Shorter, 4 p.m. (FloSports)
• Nov.2: at Erskine, Noon (FloSports)
• Nov. 9: vs. North Greenville, 2 p.m. (FloSports)
• Nov.16: at Valdosta State, 6 p.m. (FloSports)

McKendree Football Roster For 2024

Here is where fans can find the McKendree football roster.

West Florida Football Roster For 2024

Here is where fans can find the West Florida football roster.

When Do The NCAA Division II Football Playoffs Start?

The playoffs begin on Nov. 23 and end on Dec. 21 at District Stadium in McKinney, Texas. 

NCAA Division II Football 2023 Final Rankings

1. Harding (Ark.) 15-0
2. Colorado School of Mines 14-1
3. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 11-2
4. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) 13-2
5. Pittsburg St. (Kan.) 11-2
6. Central Missouri 11-2
7. Kutztown (Pa.) 12-3
8. Valdosta St. (Ga.) 12-2
9. Ferris St. (Mich.) 8-3
10. Slippery Rock (Pa.) 12-2
11. Delta St. (Miss.) 10-2
12. Benedict (S.C.) 11-1
13. Augustana (S.D.) 11-2
14. Tiffin (Ohio) 11-1
15. Western Colorado 10-2
16. Bemidji St. (Minn.) 9-3
17. Central Washington 9-4
18. Texas-Permian Basin 10-2
19. Charleston (W.Va.) 10-2
20. Virginia Union 10-2
21. Minnesota St. 9-3
22. Indianapolis (Ind.) 9-2
23. West Florida 8-4
24. Henderson St. (Ark.) 9-3
25. Minnesota-Duluth 9-2

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Watch The 2024 College Football Season On FloFootball 

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Don't miss the latest college football action by bookmarking the FloFootball schedule page for the latest games. 

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