Coming off a season that everyone would soon forget, the 2022 version of the Knoxville Football Squad, on the surface, is not all that different. However, with a new coach, a somewhat different offense, and a four/three defense, there is a feeling that the Panthers can start a program turnaround this year. Knoxville will have a tough opener tonight when the Panthers travel north on Highway 14 to H.A. Lynn Stadium in Newton the 20th all-time meeting with the Cardinals. First year coach Matt Dunkin tells KNIA/KRLS Sports regardless of what the outcome is tonight, he wants his guys to first compete, and control what they can control.

Dunkin: “Biggest thing is to compete, and play the whole four quarters and playing to the best of their ability and do their job, not worrying about anything else, and if we do that then I’ll like where we’re at.”

The Cardinals hold a series advantage of 12-5-2, and have won five of the nine meetings since the series started back up in 2010 after being dormant for many years. You can hear the action on 95.3 KNIA starting with the pregame show at 6:30, kick off is scheduled for 7:30.