RALEIGH, N.C. – Enthusiasm and anticipation abound as Shaw University football prepares to open its 2016 season on Saturday afternoon at home. The Bears host the Saints of Limestone College at 1 p.m. at Durham County Memorial Stadium located on 750 Stadium Drive, Durham, N.C.
Saturday's game is themed as "Bring a Kid to the Game" Day where all youth 17 and under is $1.00 with a paid adult. City employee's and Shaw University faculty/staff with proper identification is $10.00, and all Shaw students with valid identification are free.
The contest will have live updates on Twitter @ShawBears and live stats on www.shawbears.com.
Shaw looks to rebuild after last year's 1-9 overall record, the program's worst since 1978. The Bears look for the first season-opening victory since 2013 – a 44-14 win over Charleston (West Virginia).
With new leadership, under first year head coach Adrian Jones, the Bears look to play with poise, precision and pace while establishing themselves as the premiere unit against its opponents. Shaw returns 46 letterman in addition to 40 freshman.
With a freshman quarterback in Timothy Abbott (Washington, DC) controlling the offense, the Bears will rely heavy on junior wide receiver Trevante Long (Greenbelt, MD) to anchor the receiving core and use his bullish demeanor to impose on the opposing teams secondary. Long led the receivers with a total of 601 yards on 51 receptions.
Defensively, seniors Dwight Campbell (Durham, NC) and Domonique Hannibal (Chesapeake, VA) will form the core for the Bears. Together, the duo combined for 89 tackles and 23 tackles for loss last season.
Limestone went 2-8 in 2015. First-year head coach Mike Furrey will have a wealth of veteran players on both sides of the ball from last year's squad.
Saturday's contest will be the first-ever meeting the two schools in program history.
For the most up-to-date information on Shaw football and its 11 varsity sports teams, visit www.shawbears.com.
