WATCH: Florida Tech QB Trent Chmelik, RB Damien McGhee Set for 2019 Campaign

home opener set for Sept. 28 vs. West Georgia

SPACE COAST DAILY TV: Florida Tech football will be looking for production out of its passing game in 2019 as the Panthers try to earn their third postseason berth in four tries. Two of the players most responsible for the team’s success through the air are quarterback Trent Chmelik and wide receiver Damien McGhee, who spoke to Space Coast Daily’s Chris Bonanno about the upcoming season.

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BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Florida Tech Football head coach Steve Englehart announced the 11-game schedule for the 2019 campaign, the seventh season in program history.

The Crimson & Gray are set to play five home games at the friendly confines of Florida Tech Panther Stadium. Overall, the Panthers have compiled a record of 21-9 on their home field, including a 13-7 mark against GSC opponents.

Tech is on the road the first three weeks of the season. The Panthers open on the road against Savannah State on Sept. 7 in Savannah, Ga. This will be the first-ever meeting between the Panthers and Tigers.

The following week, Florida Tech will matchup with a familiar non-conference opponent in Newberry College in Newberry, S.C. on Sept. 14. Tech and Newberry have faced off four times over the past six seasons, with each team winning a home and away contest. The Panthers then kick off their GSC slate on Sept. 21 against Delta State in Cleveland, Ms.

After getting through the early road stint, Tech will finally take the field at Panther Stadium on Sept. 28 against GSC foe West Georgia.

The Panthers then remain at home for a contest with SIAC conference member, Fort Valley State, on Oct. 5. FVSU and Florida Tech have met twice before with the Panthers winning the 2015 game, 34-7, on the road and 48-14 at home in 2016.

Resuming its GSC slate, Tech travels to Clinton, Miss. for a battle with Mississippi College on Oct. 12 before squaring off with the defending NCAA National Champions, Valdosta State, on Oct. 19 on the Blazers’ home field.

The annual Coastal Classic rivalry game against West Florida is tabbed as the Panthers’ Homecoming Game on Oct. 26. Florida Tech won its first game in the series last season in thrilling fashion, scoring 27 unanswered points to knock off the No. 19 Argonauts at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

The Panthers host West Alabama on Nov. 2 before taking a trip up to Tigerville for their final regular season road game against North Greenville on Nov. 9. Florida Tech’s Senior Day game is set for Nov. 16 versus Shorter.

“This may be the most challenging schedule we have faced since we started football,” said Englehart.

“We open with a program that is transitioning from Division I, then we play an out of conference opponent in Newberry and then start conference play versus Delta State, and all three of those games are on the road.

“We also have the defending NCAA National Champions on the road and rival West Florida at home for Homecoming. I’m not sure how it can get tougher than that.”

For the latest news, updates and information on the Florida Tech football team, visit FloridaTechSports.com

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