CCU Football Offers Another Reason to Visit the Grand Strand in the Fall

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We’ve got spirit, yes we do — it’s football season at CCU! That’s right, Coastal Carolina University is warming up for another season on the field, and if you’re going to be at North Beach Plantation over the weekend this fall, you might want to take in a game.

It’s a big season for the Chanticleers, as 2016 marks the football team’s last year as a member of the FCS before its greatly anticipated move to the Sun Belt Conference beginning in the 2017 season. The whole university is excited about the move, but as fifth-year head coach Joe Moglia pointed out, the Chanticleers still have a great 2016 season ahead in the FCS. There are 22 returning seniors determined to make it their best year ever, and Moglia believes the 2016 squad has the potential to make that happen.

The Chanticleers have many returning players on their offense, including two preseason All-American players: De’Angelo Henderson as running back and Sam Ekwonike as guard. Also returning are all-conference players Chase Tidwell (right tackle), Voghens Larrieux (left tackle), Bruce Mapp (receiver) and Chris Jones (receiver), and the veteran lineup is rounded out with centers Dom DiGalbo and Jamarion McBride, as well as tight end A.J. Sattinger.

The offense has a lot of experience going for it, but a big hole has been left by the graduation of former quarterback Alex Ross, whose performance during his time at Coastal Carolina University has been hailed as the most productive of any player in FCS history. Stepping up to fill these big shoes are sophomore Josh Stilley and freshman Chance Thrasher. It will be exciting to see how these young men respond to the challenge of leading this great offense on the field!

The defense 2016 is a mixed group of experienced players and newcomers — while it boasts a smaller returning force than the offense, six of the top 10 tacklers from last year will be back. CCU has also brought in new defensive coordinator Mickey Matthews, who plans to run a 4-3 defensive scheme this season. Overall, the group is enthusiastic about its prospects.

The Chanticleers also have the complete special teams from last year returning for the 2016 season, including All-American kick returner Devin Brown, to provide solid support.

The team emerged from preseason camp looking sharp in its scrimmages, and the players are ready to take the field for the beginning of the season!

Tickets for CCU football games can be purchased individually or for the season by going online at www.GoCCUsports.com/tickets. Chanticleer supporters might also be interested in the Family Zone package, which includes season tickets for two adults and two youths (for kids 18 and under) covering all eight home games in 2016 for a bargain price!

CCU kicks off its home season on Saturday, September 10, against Florida A&M. The campus is an easy 21-mile drive from North Beach Plantation, making it a great home base during football season!