OWENSBORO, KY — Kentucky Wesleyan opened its 2026 home schedule Saturday night at Steele Stadium, taking a 14-10 halftime lead and carrying a 14-13 advantage into the fourth quarter before William Jewell pulled away for a 35-14 victory.

Before kickoff, the Panthers and Cardinals shared a moment of silence in memory of MicahJo Barnett, the 20-year-old William Jewell junior running back who recently passed away following a medical emergency during the Cardinals’ season opener on Aug. 29. A native of Liberty, Missouri, Barnett was a former Liberty North standout and an important part of the William Jewell football program.

The home opener also brought plenty of Kentucky Wesleyan representation around Steele Stadium. Members of the women’s basketball team were on hand hosting a 50/50 fundraiser, while Wesley N. Panther, Kentucky Wesleyan’s mascot, made an appearance as fans gathered for the first home football game of the season.

Once the game got underway, William Jewell struck first, taking a 7-0 lead in the opening quarter.

Kentucky Wesleyan answered with its best stretch of the night in the second quarter.

After the Cardinals added a 26-yard field goal to make it 10-0, the Panthers found the end zone twice in the final 3:41 of the half.

Tyler Thompson connected with Brant Williams on a 36-yard touchdown pass with 3:41 remaining, cutting the deficit to 10-7.

Just 31 seconds before halftime, Dominick Hollis gave Kentucky Wesleyan the lead with a 2-yard touchdown run.

The Panthers carried that 14-10 advantage into halftime.

Kentucky Wesleyan continued to hold the lead through most of the third quarter before William Jewell trimmed the margin to one with a 15-yard field goal with 1:33 remaining.

That sent the game to the fourth quarter with the Panthers still in front, 14-13.

William Jewell regained the lead early in the fourth when Michael Clark broke loose for a 55-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion.

The Cardinals added two more touchdowns later in the quarter, with Hunter Bailey catching a 25-yard touchdown pass and Carson Forrest adding a 24-yard touchdown reception with 2:52 remaining.

William Jewell’s fourth-quarter surge turned a one-point game entering the final period into a 35-14 final.

Thompson finished with 146 passing yards and one touchdown, while Williams recorded 39 receiving yards and the touchdown reception. Hollis added the Panthers’ other touchdown on the ground.

Kentucky Wesleyan finished with 205 total yards, including 146 through the air and 59 rushing. William Jewell finished with 424 total yards, including 234 rushing.

The Panthers will remain at Steele Stadium next Saturday, Sept. 19, when they open Great Midwest Athletic Conference play against No. 10 Findlay. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

SNAPSHOT

FINAL
Kentucky Wesleyan 14, William Jewell 35

RECORD
Kentucky Wesleyan 0-2

LEADERS
Tyler Thompson — 146 passing yards, 1 TD
Brant Williams — 39 receiving yards, 1 TD
Dominick Hollis — 1 rushing TD

NEXT UP
Kentucky Wesleyan vs. No. 10 Findlay — Sept. 19, noon CT
Steele Stadium