Tech Football Home Schedule Filled With Big Games

ABOVE VIDEO: Recently, Florida Tech played their annual spring game as they look forward to their 2014 season.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – After posting a 4-2 home record in its inaugural season, Florida Tech will host five games at Palm Bay High School’s Pirate Stadium this fall against teams that combined for an overall record of 35-18 in 2013.

All but one of the home games will begin at 6 p.m., or later.

The only game at Pirate Stadium scheduled for an afternoon kickoff is the Panthers’ Homecoming Game on Oct. 25 against future Gulf South Conference member Mississippi College.

The start time for that game is 1 p.m.

“Year two of our program certainly doesn’t get any easier, but it’s never easy playing in the GSC,” head coach Steve Englehart said.

“Last year, we earned a 4-2 record at home, which is a good start. Our team is looking forward to the opportunity to improve on that home record. Our guys love playing at home, love the big crowds and take pride in performing in front of our fans.”

The Panthers open their home schedule Saturday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. against Ave Maria. An NAIA member, the Gyrenes went 8-2 in 2013. One of their victories came in the last second at home against Florida Tech, 45-41.

“Ave Maria is coming off a great year,” Englehart said. “The coaching staff has done a great job with their program, and we are looking forward to the challenge of playing them at home this year.”

Less than three weeks after the home opener, FIT opens its GSC schedule versus Delta State on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. At Delta State last fall, the Panthers cut a 21-point deficit with 10:18 to play in the third quarter down to just a touchdown heading into the fourth quarter.

Defending GSC co-champion and NCAA Division II quarterfinalist North Alabama will travel to Melbourne for the second time in as many seasons on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. The Panthers’ offense totaled a season-high 471 total yards on the Lions in the first meeting. That amount was the second-most North Alabama gave up all season.

MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE COMING BACK TO DIVISION II

Mississippi College is transitioning back to Division II and the GSC after last being a conference member from 1972-96. Nicknamed the Choctaws, they embark on their second year of Division II candidacy this fall and will be a provisional member starting in fall 2015. They are the only team among the Panthers’ home opponents to suffer a losing record last season at 4-6.

“This year’s home GSC schedule is going to be a huge challenge,” Englehart said.

“We play three out of the top four teams in last year’s standings at home. Although this fall’s home schedule will be a challenge, we’re excited for the opportunity to prove we belong.”

Premium season ticket holders from FIT’s first season can renew their tickets through May 16 by calling 321-674-6228. Pending availability, new premium season tickets will go on sale on Monday, June 2.

The season ticket prices for the 2014 season remain $65 for adults and $40 for FIT employees with ID, seniors ages 65 and above, and children ages 5-16. For FIT employees, there is a maximum of two adult season tickets per order at the discounted rate of $40.