WashU RB Kenneth Hamilton had 133 yards in the Bears’ 63-13 win over Millikin last week. (Photo: Thomas Grove)
WashU Football – Gameday Info
Game No. 3 – Carthage Firebirds (0-2) at WashU Bears (2-0)
Date/Time – September 23, 2023 – 1 pm
Location – Francis Olympic Field — Clayton, MO
Broadcast – WashU Sports Network
Live Stats – WashU Live Stats
Steven Millbrook
Staff Writer
CLAYTON, MO — After beginning the season with two road games, the Washington University football team will play its highly anticipated 2023 home opener, Saturday afternoon at Francis Olympic Field.
The Bears will be hosting Carthage College in a CCIW conference matchup. Last year, WashU walloped Carthage 45-16, in a game played at Carthage’s Art Keller Field.
That win earned the Bears a spot in the NCAA Division III Top 25 national poll. A similar performance this Saturday might do the same this year, as WashU is currently not ranked, but is among the teams listed as “those receiving votes”.
In WashU’s two wins, the Bears (2-0) have outscored their opponents 107-40 and haven’t trailed in either game. Carthage (0-2), on the other hand, has gotten off to a rough start. The Firebirds lost their opener, 41-20, to Albion, then lost last week to No. 1-ranked and defending national champion North Central, 70-0.
Players to Watch: WashU’s high-powered offense has featured a number of top players this season.
Quarterback Matt Rush has passed for 410 yards and six touchdowns, with no interceptions in the Bears’ two wins. Running backs Kenneth Hamilton and Kenvorris Campbell both have had big games.
Hamilton leads the squad with 198 rushing yards, with Campbell right behind with 144 yards.
Receiver Collin Goldberg has been the top pass catcher (8 receptions, 142 yards, three TDs), while teammates Gabriel Sirek and Makael Carter both have two TD catches.
The defense has been led by linebackers Andrew Dotson (13 tackles, 11 solo) and Salomon Dessalines (11 tackles, six solo, 1.5 tackle for loss, one interception).
Carthage is led by junior QB Bryce Lowe, who has 410 pass yards, three touchdown passes, and two interceptions. His primary target has been senior Jordan Wiles, who has 13 catches for 185 yards and a touchdown.
Up Next: The Bears will be home again next Saturday, September 30, for a matchup against North Park. That contest is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m.
Carthage will also be at home next week. The Firebirds will play Elmhurst.
2023 WashU Bears Football Schedule
| Date | Time | At | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 23, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Home | Carthage College | Francis Olympic Field |
| September 30, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Home | North Park University | Francis Olympic Field |
| October 7, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Away | Illinois Wesleyan University | Bloomington, Ill. |
| October 14, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Home | Augustana College | Francis Olympic Field |
| October 21, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Away | North Central College | Naperville, Ill. |
| October 28, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Home | Elmhurst University | Francis Olympic Field |
| November 4, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Away | Wheaton College | Wheaton, Ill. |
| November 11, 2023 | 12 p.m. | Home | Carroll University | Francis Olympic Field |