In a matchup that two years ago would have been an exciting Mid-South Conference opener, Davenport will take on Arkansas State in Jonesboro, Ark.

With ASU having decided to play in the Varsity Cup and not in conference play, this is now just another non-conference game, but it's still a non-conference game between a Panthers team that GRR has ranked #12 and a Red Wolves team that GRR has at #9.

Davenport has enjoyed some nice victories this past fall, but struggled at times, including a 45-7 loss to ASU November 7.

"We had our fair share of off moments, but that's what the fall is for in our minds," Davenport Head Coach James Wood told Davenport reporter Cassie Clark. "It's the time to move people around, and try some things with the bench that, if [the game] counted, you might not normally do."

This is a young and developing Arkansas State team that has been through a string of coaches. But somehow they remain a tough, stable outfit. Leading the way is flyhalf Robert "Zinzan" Elan-Puttick. Back from injury and in his final season with the Red Wolves, Elan-Puttick is an important leader in a backline that includes Gavin Brown, Dylan Boast, and Nick Abreus.

The ASU back row, which could include Alex Goff (no relation) and Connor Cook will have a nice contest with the Panthers loosies, and Conor Schilling, who, as a hooker, plays like a fourth loose forward, and the powerful Thomas Cheslek at lock. The backs have had to adjust to not having JP Eloff run things, but Nathan Zomberg has been doing a good job working with the young backline.