DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University football team is gearing up for the 2017 campaign after coming off its best season in recent years with a 5-5 overall record and a 4-3 mark in the tough USA South Conference. The Cougars return a number of key players from last season, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

The Cougars kick off their season on the road at Hampden-Sydney College on Sept. 2 at 1 p.m. The first home game of the season is Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. against Randolph-Macon College.


FIVE KEYS TO THE 2017 SEASON
FIRST-CLASS LEADERSHIP
The 2017 senior class is the first recruiting class to go come through all four years under fourth-year head coach Cleive Adams. The group has set the tone for Adams and his program during the early years of his tenure. As Adams and his staff have developed them into good football players, they've also developed them into good students and citizens off the field. That double-digit group of seniors have been a huge boost to the change of culture within the program, setting it up for a bright future on and off the gridiron.

IN THEIR DEFENSE
Averett's defense returns most of its starting lineup and key reserves from a season ago. It should be one of the team's strengths during the 2017 season. The Cougars have six seniors on the defensive line alone, and seven linebackers with starting experience. The secondary is also strong as the Cougars return four veteran cornerbacks and five key safeties. With that amount of talent, Adams believes his team has the potential to be one of the best defenses he has seen during his decades of coaching.

THE RUN AROUND
Averett's ground game should be even better this year. The Cougars return junior Sean Bowman, who ran for more than 1,000 yards and set the program's single-season record with 17 rushing touchdowns. While Bowman brings the power, freshman Delquan Bigelow — who joined the program in the spring — provides the Cougars with a shifty, speedy threat out of the backfield. In addition, junior Paul Wiles offers experienced depth, and freshman Denarius Hilton has shown upside through camp.

RECORD-BREAKING ATMOSPHERE
The noise surrounding Averett's football program has grown in recent years with the addition of the state-of-the-art turf on Daly Field and last year with the completion of Frank R. Campbell Stadium. Cougar Nation, as well as the local community, has made game day an amazing atmosphere. This season, Averett sold all of its season tickets for home games (general admission still available) and has sold a record number of reserved spots on tailgate alley. When you come to a home game, be sure to get there early to join in the festivities as you await kickoff.

GOLD RUSH
The football team will debut its new gold uniforms during its home-opener against Randolph-Macon as part of its "Gold Rush" game. The football program hasn't worn gold uniforms since Averett's Department of Athletics signed with Nike before the 2014 season.