The Falcons will begin their Southwest Preparatory Conference title defense tonight when they host Gunter at Segal Field.

The pre-conference matchup comes with intrigue, as Gunter handed Kinkaid its only loss last season before the Falcons went on to capture the SPC championship.

Head coach Nathan Larned entered the season having lost major players who were seniors on last year’s championship team; however, he has some key returners and new faces on the 2025 roster.

After a standout sophomore season, junior running back Wayne Shanks Jr. has returned to lead the backfield. In 2024, Shanks won SPC newcomer of the year as well as putting up phenomenal numbers on the ground.

Receivers Peter Liuzzi and Alexander Donnelly return for their senior season and will catch passes from a new quarterback, junior Ross Wynne.

Along with the returners, sophomore receiver Drake Olson will get his shot in the receiver rotation in game one.

 “I’m very excited and confident for the season, although a little nervous as well. The offense looks good and we know it can be a good year,”  Olson said.

On defense, the Falcons bring back some starters, one of which being senior Tanner Nyveen.

“The team feels confident. We know the caliber of team that we are playing against and the challenges they present to us. If everyone does their assignment it will be a fun night,” Nyveen said.

Even with its strong lineup, Kinkaid will not have an easy first game, as they will take on the Gunter Tigers, the only team that bettered them last year.

Gunter enters their 2025 campaign having won three straight championships. Even with a new head coach and the loss of a critical senior class in 2024, Gunter’s new faces have their eyes on a fourth straight title.

Nyveen talked about how good Gunter was last year, but he believes the Falcons have what it takes to get it done.

“They are a super talented and physical team,” he said. “Each play happens very fast from one to another, as long as we can do our assignments and play our game, we feel confident.”

Tonight’s matchup is not just a tough opener for both teams, but also a chance for the winner to make a statement to their respective conference.

Both teams aim to start their title defense on a high note, tonight at 7 p.m. on Segal Field.