LCU Redshirt Freshman QB Matthew Cates Jr. gets ready for 1st career start

PINEVILLE, La. (KALB) - The LCU Wildcats will have a change at quarterback for Saturday’s road game against Texas College.

Starting QB Bryce Perkins was ejected in the 4th quarter of Saturday’s win against Nelson after receiving his second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty of the game.

Perkins was given the penalty after a play when, following a tackle, he appeared to step on the chest of a Nelson player while standing back up.

According to NAIA rules, once a player is ejected from a game, they are also suspended for the next contest.

“I just go into practice and tell myself that I am the one,” Matthew Cates Jr. said about taking advantage of his opportunity.

Before last Saturday’s game, Cates’ time on the field was mostly limited, but the freshman demonstrated his potential with a successful drive for a touchdown —also punctuating the Wildcats’ win.

“It felt amazing, like once I scored, I couldn’t really control myself,” Cates said on his rushing touchdown. “I Gronk-spiked the football.”

For LCU’s coaching staff, the game plan doesn’t change much with a new signal caller leading the way.

“He’s able to really push the ball vertically better than just about anybody that’s going to play in our conference and in the nation,” LCU Football head coach Ben McLaughlin said. “He’s got one of the strongest arms around, very athletic.”

Saturday’s game against the Steers will also be a Homecoming for Cates, who grew up just about 40 miles from their campus.

“Everybody will be there,” Cates said. “Just to show my family, they did good with me. They put all the time and effort to get me here that it’s paying off.”

Kickoff is Saturday at 5 p.m.

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