KINGSVILLE, Texas – The Texas A&M-Kingsville football team returns to Javelina Stadium for their final home game of the season against the Wildcats of Central Washington, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. CT.

The game will be Senior Night as well as Richard Ritchie Night, honoring both the seniors in the program and the Javelina legend who passed away this past spring.

The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a free t-shirt honoring Richard Ritchie.

The Javelinas (5-2, LSC 3-2) will be looking to keep their playoff hopes alive after a convincing 35-14 win over Eastern New Mexico in Portales last Saturday. Meanwhile, the Wildcats (6-2, LSC 6-0) look to move one step closer to a Lone Star Conference championship, riding an undefeated conference record into Kingsville.

Both teams found themselves listed in the provisional regional rankings for Super Region Four this past Monday.

The Wildcats' last time out ended in a 30-14 homecoming victory over West Texas A&M.

The Javelina defense is the second-best rushing defense in the Lone Star Conference, allowing only 115.9 yards on the ground per game. The unit also boasts the best team passing efficiency defense rating in the LSC at 98.3.

The defense has gained 15 turnovers this season, at least one each game in 2023, including 10 interceptions – the second-best in the conference. The "Junkyard Hogs" are also tied with Angelo State for most sacks in the conference at 18.

Punter Luke Shaffer continues to lead the LSC in punting averaging 43.4 yards per punt, eighth best in Division II.

Quarterback Wade Freeman III is set to make his third start of the season after freshman Teague Sedtal took the reins last week when Freeman was ruled out for medical reasons before the game.

TAMUK currently leads the series against CWU, 3-2, though the Wildcats have taken the last two meetings.

Scouting the Wildcats:

The Javelina defense will have its work cut out for them, as the Wildcat offense is the second-best in the conference in first downs, averaging 19.4 per game.

Running Back Tyler Flanagan leads the LSC in rushing with 102.4 yards per game and 10 touchdowns.

Overall, the CWU offense is third-best in the LSC, averaging 354.1 yards per game.

The Wildcat defense is right behind the Javelinas in overall defense in the LSC in fourth, allowing 311.4 yards per game.

CWU has entered the D2Football.com national rankings at #25 and received votes in the AFCA Coaches Poll.

Last Meeting:

The Wildcats snagged a victory over the Javelinas in the closing moments of the game on a 12-yard touchdown pass with 29 seconds remaining.

Both teams tallied up more than 100 yards of rushing with 111 yards for the Javelinas, 165 yards for the Wildcats, and a touchdown apiece.

Ezrah Thibodeaux led the Javelina defense with six tackles, including a TFL, a QB hurry, and a pass breakup.

Gilbert Garza went 2-for-3 on field goal attempts, including a make from 51 yards right before the half.