GRAYSON, Ky. -- Kentucky Christian University begins its second season of varsity football competition Thursday.

The Knights face Lambuth University from Jackson, Tenn., in a 7 p.m. game at the South Point High School stadium. The Lambuth Eagles are No. 15 in the NAIA preseason coaches' poll.

"Lambuth University is going to be better than us from top to bottom," KCU head coach Zack Moore said. "I'll not mince words about that, but I believe that our staff will have our players in great position and I know for a fact Lambuth will not play harder than we will.

"This is simply the next step in the progression and growth of our football program and we are preparing for this game as we do each game, to win."

Kentucky Christian has several Tri-State players including junior running back Ronnie Smith from Huntington High, freshman receiver Joey McComas from Spring Valley High School and Marshall University transfer B.J. Evans, a sophomore linebacker from Tolsia High School.

Heath Hauldren from Hurricane High School is a junior defensive back.

Freshman quarterback Derek Robertson, sophomore lineman Jordan Moore and freshman receiver Tyler Parson all played at Tolsia.

Ironton High School players on the roster are freshman running back Hearold Johnson and freshman defensive lineman Geoff White.

Junior receiver Austin Hunter and senior running back Jake Hughes are from Boyd County High School while freshman running back Drew Abrams and junior lineman Ethan Gullett are from Russell High School.

Matthew Beaver is a freshman lineman from Gallipolis High School.

Junior defensive lineman Clint Thompson played at Raceland High School and sophomore lineman Tyler Hinton is from Lawrence County High School.

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