Football | 9/17/2015 4:09:00 PM

ELLENSBURG, Wash. (Sept. 17) – After a long two-week road trip, the Central Washington University football team will be back in the friendly confines of Tomlinson Stadium this weekend as they play its home opener against Western Oregon University on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m.
 
The game will be broadcast live on SWX with audio coverage by the Wildcat Sports Radio Network on 88.1 FM The Burg.  SWX can be viewed over the air through cable services in the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene, Tri Cities and Yakima viewership areas.  Click here for a channel guide.
 
This will be the 54th meeting between Central Washington and Western Oregon, with the Wildcats holding a 34-19 advantage.  The Wildcats won the last contest on Oct. 18 by a score of 24-20.  Central Washington is 5-3 in the last eight games against the Wolves and has not lost at home to WOU since 1998.
 
The Wildcats have started the season 0-2 for just the first time since 2011 and will look to notch a win against the 1-1 Wolves.   Western Oregon lost its opener 20-29 to Humboldt State in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference counter, and followed that by defeating Simon Fraser 31-14 last week.  Although this Saturday's game against WOU is not a GNAC counting game, CWU Head Coach Ian Shoemaker knows this contest is as important as any.
 
"We need a win, plain and simple," Shoemaker said.  "Momentum is huge and plays a big role for a football team.  We need to right the ship this week and gain some positive momentum heading into our next game and conference play."
 
Justin Lane will get his third collegiate start at quarterback for the Wildcats this game in place of Jake Nelson who is sidelined with a concussion suffered last week against Dixie State.
 
The Wildcats welcome back running back Jordan Todd who carried the ball just one time against Dixie and was hampered with an ankle injury.  Quincy Carter and Arthur Burns carried most of the load last week, but Todd will look to get back on track against the Wolves.
 
"Our backfield was a bit beat up last game, so it is great to have a healthy trio of running backs to carry the ball for us," Shoemaker said. "Todd is a dynamic back and Burns is a great compliment with his physical style.  When they are both playing at a high level it allows us to do more offensively."
 
An interesting aspect of this game will be the formidable passing attack of Western Oregon against the staunch secondary of Central Washington.  The Wolves are averaging over 330 yards passing per game while the Wildcats allow just 74.0 passing yards a game which is fifth-best in the nation. 
 
The Wildcat defensive backs will have to keep a keen eye on receivers Paul Revis and Wesley Gray.  Revis is a preseason all-American who has hauled down nine receptions for 155 yards and a score.  Gray leads the team with 13 pass receptions.  Revis is also a dangerous return man who has already scored one touchdown off a punt return so far this season.  
 
"Revis is an outstanding player and we will need to know where he is at all times," Shoemaker added about the WOU wide out. "They use him in many different ways and we need to minimize his impact on the game."
 
Gates open at 11:30 a.m. and fans are encouraged to visit CWU's FanZone located near the South end zone behind Nicholson Pavilion.  There will be multiple vendors in the FanZone including Iron Horse Brewery and Domino's Pizza.  There will also be a bounce house for kids, and 88.1 The Burg will be playing music. 
 
The Cat's Den tent will also open at halftime of the football game for Wildcat Club members and dues paying members of the Alumni Association.  Wing Centrals Road House Grill will cater the Cat's Den.  For more information about joining the Wildcat Club click here.