Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET
Venue: Central Christian Athletic Field, Cayce, South Carolina
Broadcast: NAIA.TV
Game Overview
Week 1 of the 2025 NAIA football season opens with an interconference battle as the South Carolina Central Christian Gladiators host the Kentucky Christian Knights. Both programs are eager to grab an early win and set the tone for their respective conference races.
South Carolina Central Christian Gladiators
2024 Record: 2–8 overall
Head Coach: Demond Logan (2nd season)
Offensive Scheme: Run-heavy RPO paired with quick-release passing
Defensive Scheme: 4–2–5 nickel alignment emphasizing speed in the secondary
Key Returners
QB Cade Thompson (Sr.): Accounted for 1,450 total yards (1,050 pass, 400 rush) and 12 scores in 2024. His mobility fuels the Gladiators’ RPO attack.
RB Jordan Matthews (Jr.): Rushed for 625 yards and 7 TDs; excels on cutback runs and third-down conversions.
LB Isaiah Parker (Sr.): Led the team with 82 tackles and 4.0 sacks, anchoring a defense that must force turnovers to stay competitive.
Season Outlook
After a rebuilding year, SCC Christian returns key starters on both sides of the ball. Coach Logan has emphasized reducing big-play allowances—vital against a dynamic Knights offense. Early-season cohesion along the offensive line will determine whether the Gladiators can control the clock.
Kentucky Christian Knights
2024 Record: 3–7 overall
Head Coach: Kyle Ledford (4th season)
Offensive Scheme: Up-tempo Spread attack with emphasis on perimeter passing
Defensive Scheme: 3–4 hybrid front designed to generate pressure and coverage flexibility
Key Returners
QB Tyler Davis (Sr.): Completed 62% of passes for 2,100 yards and 16 TDs; threat to hurt defenses on the ground.
WR Marcus Caldwell (Sr.): Team-leading 55 receptions for 780 yards and 8 TDs; primary deep threat.
DB Nathan Holmes (Jr.): Recorded 5 interceptions and 10 pass breakups, tasked with neutralizing SCC Christian’s RPO outlets.
Season Outlook
The Knights return a veteran passing game but lost depth on the defensive line. Coach Ledford’s squad must start fast offensively to keep pace. Special-teams execution—particularly kickoff coverage—could swing field position in this one.
Key Matchups & Storylines
RPO vs. Spread Tempo: Can Thompson’s read-option plays outmaneuver Davis’s quick-strike timing routes?
Trenches Battle: SCC Christian’s ground-and-pound style against KCU’s front-seven blitz packages will dictate play-calling.
Turnover Margin: The side that protects the football and forces takeaways should control possession in the second half.
South Carolina Central Christian’s commitment to the ground game and home-field advantage should prove decisive. While Kentucky Christian’s aerial attack will produce splash plays, turnovers and time-of-possession edge favor the Gladiators in the fourth quarter.
Game Odds
South Carolina Central Christian Gladiators – 7.5
Kentucky Christian Knights 50.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, August 29, 2025
