Throughout the football season, Eastern has faced multiple challenges on the field.
Anywhere from injuries and making sure the next man up is ready to step out on the field, here are four takeaways from the 2024 season thus far:
1. Injuries across the board
On Eastern’s homecoming game against Southeast Missouri State University, the Panthers lost three starting pass catchers. Redshirt senior tight end Anthony Manaves was lifted off the field, unable to walk on his own, senior wide receiver Eli Mirza was walked into the locker room and senior wide receiver Terrance Gipson was taken out of the game after getting hit on a kick return.
Earlier in the year, senior wide receiver DeAirious Smith went down with an injury. He was taken out of Eastern’s home opener against Indiana State in the first quarter.
It’s safe to say the Panthers are banged up, and it’s not much better defensively.
Senior defensive lineman Colby Smith suffered from injuries during summer camp, according to head coach Chris Wilkerson. Smith hasn’t played a snap this season.
Redshirt senior defensive lineman Joel Barrows was second Team All-Big South/Ohio Valley Conference last year; he has been limited this season. Junior defensive lineman Drake Van Hyfte has also missed time.
Redshirt sophomore Peyton Wilkerson suffered a season ending injury this year, while defensive lineman Alton Jefferson is out for season with injuries as well.
“But it is just part of the game,” Chris Wilkerson said. “Some years are pretty good, last year we were fortunate to maintain our health. This year has been one of those years. Again, I think it’s an opportunity for other guys to step up, it’s an opportunity for other guys to develop.”
2. “Next man up” mentality
Eastern’s “Next man up” mindset has been a key factor in their season. With many starters down, the next man up has to go out and be the help to the team.
“Injuries are gonna happen,” redshirt senior offensive lineman Sebastian Pares said. “That’s one thing that coach [Wilkerson] will do a really good job of is getting everybody ready to play on Saturday. So it doesn’t really matter who’s out there. Everybody who steps on the field has coach Wilkerson’s 100% confidence that they can go out there and do their job.”
With the 1-6 overall record and a 0-3 record in the Big South OVC, some could look at the “next man up” situation as a tactic that is not working in the Panthers favor.
“It’s been rough for those guys who aren’t able to play because of the injuries,” Senior defensive lineman Nicholas Oliveira-Chace said. “But also, we’ve had guys stepping up, but I prefer not to speculate too much on how that has affected our season. I just try to stay focused on the factors that we can control.”
Chris Wilkerson said the “next man up” is a complicated mix of things when you look at the end results, but injuries are the main problem.
“We have a lot of talent, and we have a lot of young talent,” Pares said. “I mean, the only downfall of having a next man up and being a younger guy is just game experience. For somebody to have game experience, they have to start somewhere.”
With a handful of wide receivers down, redshirt freshman Quenton Rogers has stepped up.
“It sucks when guys go down but it’s a next man mentality,” Rogers said. “We are gifted with all the talent that we have in the room to where anyone could play at any given time.”
3. Morale
The team’s onslaught of injuries has impacted the general morale of the team, according to Wilkerson. He said it can be tough for healthy players that rely on players who end up getting injured.
“The reality of it is that they’re disappointed,” Wilkerson said.
A lackluster record adds to the rough morale.
“Obviously, it has been frustrating that we haven’t been able to finish our games, and our record isn’t very good,” Oliveira-Chase said.
4. “We Not Me” mindset
The Panthers mantra is “We Not Me” meaning think about what it takes to succeed in everyone, not just ourselves and to help the team get to the next level. This includes prioritizing the team’s success over personal goals and being willing to adapt to any role.
Team morale might be down right now, but junior defensive back NiJhay Burt said the team is taking it week by week and preparing for it all.
“We not me is really just doing everything that I can to win,” Oliveria-Chace said. “I think it’s focusing on the win and doing whatever is asked of you really.”
Oliveria-Chace said it means to be willing to play whatever position or play however many snaps to let the team best succeed.
“We not me has been something the players have been hearing since recruitment,” sophomore offensive lineman Nic DiSanto said. “Having the we not me mentality, you have to put everyone else before yourself. I’ve done that my whole life so it’s not something new to me. I love this team and will do anything for the boys.”
The Panthers are traveling to Martin, Tennessee, to play University of Tennessee Martin hoping to get their first conference win at Graham Stadium on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Aidan Cusack and Payton Liggins can be reached at 581-2812 or at densportsdesk@gmail.com.
