Davenport Panthers football, 2016–present American college football season
The Davenport Panthers football programDavenport University ("Davenport") in college football during the earliest years of the school's participation in intercollegiate football from 2016 to the present.
Davenport passed a resolution in November 2013 to plan for the development of an intercollegiate football team. The school hired Lou Esposito as the program's first head coach in May 2014 and built a football stadium on land donated by Farmers Insurance Group . The school fielded its first team in 2016 , competing as an independent in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and compiling a 6–5 record. Esposito left Davenport after the 2016 season. In February 2017, Davenport hired Ferris State assistant coach Sparky McEwen as its new head coach.[ 1] NCAA Division II as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). McEwen led the Panthers to their best seasons in 2023 (8–3) and 2024 (8–2), with the 2023 team receiving the program's first (and as of 2025 only) berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs. McEwen remains Davenport's head coach as of the 2025 season.
Davenport plays its home games at the Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex located on the school's campus in Caledonia Township, Michigan .
Overview
Year
Head coach
Overall record
Conf. record
Conf. rank
Points scored
Points allowed
Delta[ 2]
2016 Lou Esposito 6–5
na
na
246
175
+71
2017 Sparky McEwen 1–10
0–9
10
128
329
-201
2018 Sparky McEwen
6–5
3–5
5 (tie)
244
230
+14
2019 Sparky McEwen
5–5
3–5
5 (tie)
181
233
-52
2021 Sparky McEwen
3–8
2–5
5 (tie)
104
285
-181
2022 Sparky McEwen
8–3
4–2
3
336
322
+14
2023 Sparky McEwen
8–2
4–2
3
276
199
+77
2024 Sparky McEwen
7–4
4–3
3 (tie)
257
233
+24
TOTAL 44–42 20–31
Planning for new program
In November 2013, under the leadership of athletic director Paul Lowden, Davenport passed a resolution to develop a plan for a football program.[ 3]
Farmers Insurance Group donated 45 acres for the construction of a football stadium that would also include a track and would also host Davenport's soccer and rugby teams. The site also included parking, a concourse, and a concession stand and ticket sales building.[ 4] [ 5] [ 6] Lou Esposito was hired as the school's first head football coach in May 2014, more than two years before the first game was played. Esposito had been a defensive coordinator at Ferris State and prior to that the defensive line coach at Western Michigan.[ 7] Michigan .)Steve Casula was added as the offensive coordinator in August 2014.[ 8] A group of 95 freshmen began practice and scrimmages beginning in August 2015 and continuing through the fall.[ 5] [ 9]
2016
The 2016 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as an independent during the 2016 NAIA football season . In their first year of intercollegiate football, and their first and only under head coach Lou Esposito , the Panthers compiled a 6–5 record and outscored opponents by a total of 278 to 175.[ 10] [ 11]
The team did not have a senior and was made up mostly of freshmen or redshirt freshmen. True freshman Hunter Krause of Fairfield, Ohio, was the team's starting quarterback.[ 12] [ 13]
On October 23, a non-student shooter opened fire on football players in a university dormitory. One football player, Braden Schrotenboer, was shot in his hand.[ 14]
Schedule
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source August 27 Taylor L 28–411,600 [ 15] September 3 at Kentucky Christian Knights Stadium Grayson, KY W 59–0950 [ 16] September 10 at Tiffin L 17–203,125 [ 17] September 17 Kentucky Wesleyan Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 41–71,432
September 24 Arizona Christian Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 20–71,604 [ 18] October 1 at Saint Xavier Chicago, IL W 20–71,500 [ 19] October 8 University of Faith Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 32–0773 [ 20] October 15 at St. Francis (IL) Joliet, IL L 21–241,025 [ 21] October 22 Quincy Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 14–101,311
October 29 St. Joseph's (IN) Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 20–241,694
November 5 No. 4 St. Francis (IN) Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 6–351,213
[ 11]
2017
The 2017 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2017 NCAA Division II football season . In their second year of intercollegiate football, and the first year under head coach Sparky McEwen , the Panthers compiled a 1–10 record (0–9 in conference games), finished in last place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 329 to 128.[ 22] [ 23]
On offense, the Panthers gained 1,684 rushing yards and 1,269 passing yards. On defenese, they allowed opponents 2,259 rushing yards and 1,565 passing yards.[ 22] [ 22]
Schedule
Date Time Opponent Site Result Attendance Source August 31 7:00 p.m. Concordia (MI) * L 6–251,637
September 9 7:00 p.m. at No. 14 Grand Valley State L 0–4816,734
September 16 12:00 p.m. Tiffin Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 14–271,135
September 23 1:30 p.m. at Northern Michigan L 14–243,971
September 30 12:05 p.m. No. 20 Ashland Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 0–38894
October 7 3:00 p.m. at Saginaw Valley State L 0–332,485
October 14 1:05 p.m. McKendree Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 27–24 2OT 694
October 21 1:00 p.m. at Northwood L 30–33 2OT 1,827
October 28 1:00 p.m. at Michigan Tech L 10–17788
November 4 12:05 p.m. No. 12 Ferris State Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 0–26802
November 11 12:00 p.m. Wayne State (MI) Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 27–34 OT 1,044
*Non-conference game Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time
[ 23]
2018
The 2018 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2018 NCAA Division II football season . In their second year under head coach Sparky McEwen , the Panthers compiled a 6–5 record (3–5 in conference games), tied for fifth place in the GLIAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 244 to 230.[ 24] [ 25]
Schedule
Date Time Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 1 4:05 p.m. at Robert Morris (IL)* W 44–7750
September 8 12:00 p.m. No. 4 D-III Wisconsin-Oshkosh* W 7–3890
September 15 1:00 p.m. at Michigan Tech W 23–211,808
September 22 1:00 p.m. at Quincy* W 26–101,000
September 29 12:05 p.m. Northern Michigan Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 31–30 OT 1,844
October 6 6:07 p.m. at Wayne State (MI) W 37–141,524
October 13 1:00 p.m. at Northwood L 22–301,815
October 20 12:55 p.m. No. 8 Grand Valley State Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 14–192,400
October 27 12:05 p.m. Ashland Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 6–31592
November 3 1:00 p.m. at No. 2 Ferris State L 17–413,014
November 10 12:20 p.m. Saginaw Valley State Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 17–24 OT 651
*Non-conference game Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time
[ 25]
2019
The 2019 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2019 NCAA Division II football season . In their third year under head coach Sparky McEwen , the Panthers compiled a 5–5 record (3–5 in conference games), tied for fifth place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 233 to 181.[ 26] [ 27]
Schedule
Date Time Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 14 2:00 p.m. at Lake Erie * W 13–9717
September 21 1:00 p.m. at Northern Michigan W 21–73,611
September 28 12:00 p.m. Lindenwood* W 35–241,562
October 5 12:05 p.m. No. 2 Ferris State Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 7–351,612
October 12 1:00 p.m. at Ashland L 27–303,207
October 19 12:05 p.m. Michigan Tech Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 17–301,242
October 26 7:05 p.m. at No. 16 Grand Valley State L 7–275,262
November 2 12:05 p.m. Wayne State (MI) Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 0–341,029
November 9 12:05 p.m. Northwood Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 21–141,344 [ 28] November 16 1:00 p.m. at Saginaw Valley State W 33–231,750
*Non-conference game Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time
[ 27]
2020
The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
2021
The 2021 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2021 NCAA Division II football season . In their fourth year under head coach Sparky McEwen , the Panthers compiled a 3–8 record (2–5 in conference games), finished a three-way tie for fifth place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 285 to 104.[ 29] [ 30]
The team's statistical leaders included Deondre Ford (577 passing yards), Jaier Harden (348 rushing yards), Amonte Phillips (28 receptions for 334 yards), and Bryan Plegue (Bryan Plegue (30 points scored on 12 extra points and six field goals).[ 29] Michigan Wolverines football program in late 2017.[ 31] [ 32]
Schedule
Date Time Opponent Site Result Attendance Source 12:05 p.m. Truman State* L 14–311,266
September 11 12:00 p.m. at Walsh* W 10–6754
September 18 1:00 p.m. at Northern Michigan L 14–201,536
September 25 3:00 p.m. at No. 3 Ferris State L 0–386,636
October 2 1:00 p.m. at Michigan Tech L 7–311,700
October 9 12:05 p.m. Northern Michigan Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 18–131,202
October 16 12:05 p.m. Wayne State Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 3–16688
October 23 1:00 p.m. at Northwood W 21–141,115
October 30 12:00 p.m. Saginaw Valley State Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 3–241,050
November 6 12:00 p.m. No. 1 Ferris State Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 14–501,266
November 13 1:00 p.m. at No. 5 Grand Valley State L 0–428,483
*Non-conference game Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time
[ 30]
2022
The 2022 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2022 NCAA Division II football season . In their fifth year under head coach Sparky McEwen , the Panthers compiled an 8–3 record (4–2 in conference games), finished in third place in the GLIAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 336 to 322.[ 33] [ 34]
The team was led on offense by quarterback Jason Whitaker, a Rockford, Michigan , native who transferred from Northwestern .[ 32] [ 35] passer rating .[ 33]
The team's other statistical leaders included Sy Barnett (694 receiving yards), Caleef Jenkins (575 rushing yards), and Brandon Gielow (65 points scored on 38 extra points and nine field goals).[ 33]
Schedule
Date Time Opponent Site TV Result Attendance Source September 3 12:00 p.m. at Truman State * W 20–192,800 [ 36] [ 37] September 17 12:00 p.m. Northern Michigan W 31–211,366
September 24 2:00 p.m. Northwood * Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 51–171,822
October 1 1:00 p.m. Michigan Tech Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI FloSports W 52–381,622
October 8 1:00 p.m. at Northern Michigan W 27–24 OT 1,143
October 15 12:00 p.m. Wayne State (MI) Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 47–431,277
October 22 12:00 p.m. Lincoln (CA) * Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 58–141,300
October 29 1:00 p.m. at No. 23 Saginaw Valley State W 29–281,920
November 5 1:00 p.m. at No. 7 Ferris State L 7–283,600 [ 38] November 12 12:00 p.m. No. 1 Grand Valley State Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI FloSports L 7–492,888 [ 39] [ 40] November 19 1:00 p.m. at No. 5 Ferris State* Top Taggart Field Big Rapids, MI (NCAA Division II playoffs, first round) L 7–411,107 [ 41] [ 42] *Non-conference game Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time
2023
The 2023 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2023 NCAA Division II football season . In their sixth year under head coach Sparky McEwen , the Panthers compiled an 8–2 record (4–2 in conference games), finished in third place in the GLIAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 336 to 322.[ 43] [ 44]
The team's statistical leaders included Jason Whitaker (1,812 passing yards, 14 touchchdown passes, 127.94 passer rating ), Peyton Brown (34 receptions for 551 yards), Myren Harris (976 rushing yards), and Brandon Gielow (59 points scored on 29 extra points and 10 touchdowns).[ 43]
Schedule
Date Time Opponent Rank Site TV Result Attendance Source September 2 12:00 p.m. Thomas More* W 31–171,433
September 9 12:00 p.m. Bowie State* Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 24–191,304
September 23 12:00 p.m. William Jewell* No. 21 Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 55–271,500
September 30 1:00 p.m. at Michigan Tech No. 18 FloSports W 28–02,600
October 7 2:00 p.m. Northern Michigan No. 16 Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 28–121,666
October 14 6:00 p.m. at Wayne State (MI) No. 16 W 32–31,738
October 21 12:00 p.m. at University of Mary* No. 13 W 44–341,773
October 28 12:00 p.m. Saginaw Valley State No. 11 Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 24–211,112
November 4 12:00 p.m. No. 7 Ferris State No. 9 Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI FloSports L 10–282,150 [ 45] November 11 1:00 p.m. at No. 2–T Grand Valley State No. 16 L 0–3810,259
*Non-conference game Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time
[ 44]
2024
The 2024 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2024 NCAA Division II football season . In their seventh year under head coach Sparky McEwen , the Panthers compiled a 7–4 record (4–3 in conference games), finished in a three-way tie for third place in the GLIAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 257 to 233.[ 46] [ 47]
The team's statistical leaders included Myren Harris (849 rushing yards), Mike O'Hara (1,010 passing yards), Preston Smith (36 receptions for 430 yards, and Brandon Gielow (67 points on 31 extra points and 12 field goals).[ 46]
Schedule
Date Time Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 7 12:00 p.m. at Thomas More * W 24–171,457
September 14 11:00 a.m. at Bowie State * W 17–141,303
September 21 12:00 p.m. No. 11 Central Missouri * L 31–321,202
September 28 1:00 p.m. at William Jewell * W 17–7450
October 5 12:00 p.m. No. 2 Grand Valley State Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI L 7–242,102 [ 48] October 12 12:00 p.m. at Michigan Tech W 24–201,231
October 19 2:00 p.m. Wayne State Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 43–261,445
October 26 2:00 p.m. at Roosevelt W 19–14692
November 2 1:00 p.m. at Saginaw Valley State L 14–244,339
November 9 12:00 p.m. Northern Michigan Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI W 52–311,203
November 16 1:00 p.m. at No. 2 Ferris State L 9–242,149 [ 49] [ 50] *Non-conference game Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time
[ 47]
2025
The 2025 Davenport Panthers football team will represent Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2025 NCAA Division II football season . Sparky McEwen is expected to lead the team in his eighth season as the Panthers' head coach.
Schedule
Date Time Opponent Site TV Result Attendance Source August 30 12:00 p.m. at Gannon *
September 13 1:00 p.m. at Truman State *
September 20 1:00 p.m. at Northern Michigan FloSports
7:30 p.m. Lincoln (CA) * FloSports
October 4 4:00 p.m. at Grand Valley State FloSports
October 11 2:00 p.m. Michigan Tech Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI FloSports
October 18 1:00 p.m. at Wayne State (MI) FloSports
October 25 12:00 p.m. Roosevelt Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI FloSports
November 1 12:00 p.m. Saginaw Valley State Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI FloSports
November 8 12:00 p.m. Northern Michigan Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex Caledonia Township, MI FloSports
November 15 12:00 p.m. Ferris State Farmers Insurance Complex Caledonia Township, MI (Calder City Classic) FloSports
References
^ Wallner, Peter J. (February 15, 2017). "Source: Ferris State's Sparky McEwen to be next Davenport football coach" . MLive.com . Archived from the original on February 15, 2017. Retrieved April 30, 2023 . {{cite news }}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link )^ Delta = the difference between points scored and points allowed^ Peter J. Wallner (November 17, 2013). "Davenport looks to develop football program" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. C5 – via Newspapers.com . ^ Peter J. Wallner (April 19, 2015). "Plans coming into focus" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. C6 – via Newspapers.com . ^ a b Peter J. Wallner (August 11, 2015). "Davenport stadium ready to go" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com . ^ "Davenport has layout, plans for on-campus facility" . The Grand Rapids Press . May 25, 2014. p. C1 – via Newspapers.com .^ Peter J. Wallner (May 25, 2014). "Panthers name Esposito program's first coach" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. C5 – via Newspapers.com . ^ Peter J. Wallner (August 3, 2014). "Davenport hires Casula as offensive coordinator" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. C7 – via Newspapers.com . ^ Peter J. Wallner (August 16, 2015). "ЃDavenport hosts practice to prepare for practice" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. C8 – via Newspapers.com . ^ "2016 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 3, 2025 .^ a b "2016 Football Schedule" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 3, 2025 .^ Peter J. Wallner (August 11, 2016). "Davenport opens camp as reality of first game arrives" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. C3 – via Newspapers.com . ^ Peter J. Wallner (August 25, 2016). "Davenport releases first depth chart" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. C3 – via Newspapers.com . ^ John Agar (October 30, 2016). "Davenport University student shot in dorm wakes to gunfire" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. 13 – via Newspapers.com . ^ Peter J. Wallner (August 30, 2016). "Davenport's long-awaited opener has plenty of highs and lows" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com . ^ Peter J. Wallner (September 8, 2016). "Davenport wins program's 1st game" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com . ^ Peter J. Wallner (September 13, 2016). "Davenport nearly upsets Division II Tiffin" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com . ^ Peter J. Wallner (September 25, 2016). "Panthers win 1st homecoming; on 1st win streak" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. B10 – via Newspapers.com . ^ Peter J. Wallner (October 4, 2016). "Davenport tops Saint Xavier for 3rd win in a row" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. B4 – via Newspapers.com . ^ Peter J. Wallner (October 11, 2016). "Davenport dominates University of Faith" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com . ^ Peter J. Wallner (October 18, 2016). "Panthers' three-game winning streak snapped" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. B4 – via Newspapers.com . ^ a b c "2017 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 3, 2025 .^ a b "2017 Football Schedule" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 3, 2025 .^ "2018 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 4, 2025 .^ a b "2018 Football Schedule" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 4, 2025 .^ "2019 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025 .^ a b "2019 Football Schedule" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025 .^ "Davenport 21, Northwood 14" . Detroit Free Press . November 10, 2019. p. D4 – via Newspapers.com .^ a b "2021 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025 .^ a b "2021 Football Schedule" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025 .^ Dave Birkett (June 25, 2021). "Why this small west Michigan college will attract plenty of NFL attention this fall" . Detroit Free Press . ^ a b Steve Kaminski (September 1, 2022). "Transfers could provide boost for Davenport" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. C3 – via Newspapers.com . ^ a b c "2022 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025 .^ "2022 Football Schedule" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025 .^ "Whitaker leads first-place Panthers" . WZZM 13. October 27, 2022.^ "Davenport squeaks by Truman State 20-19 for first win of the season" . WZZM 13. September 4, 2022.^ "Late turnovers prove costly as Truman football team loses opener 20-19" . Kirksville Daily Express . September 3, 2022.^ Brandon Wirth (November 9, 2022). "Football tackle Davenport" . The Ferris Torch . ^ Steve Kaminski (November 12, 2022). "Grand Valley State football caps perfect regular season with win at Davenport" . Mlive.com . ^ Lenny Padilla (November 12, 2022). "GVSU football tops Davenport for GLIAC title, undefeated season" . Holland Sentinel . ^ "Division II playoffs: Bulldogs roll in rematch with GLIAC foe Davenport" . Detroit Free Press . November 20, 2022. p. 6D – via Newspapers.com .^ "Ferris State rolls past Davenport in opening round of D-II playoffs" . Mlive.com ^ a b "2023 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025 .^ a b "2023 Football Schedule" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025 .^ Josh VanDyke (November 5, 2023). "Ferris State football feasts on five turnovers in road win over Davenport" . Mlive.com ^ a b "2024 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025 .^ a b "2024 Football Schedule" . Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025 .^ Lenny Padilla (October 5, 2024). "No. 2 GVSU football topples Davenport to remain unbeaten, keeps 'expecting to win' . Holland Sentinel . ^ "Ferris State and Davenport University announce the Calder City Classic" . GLIAC. September 27, 2024.^ Josh Van Dyke (November 17, 2024). "Ferris State football clinches GLIAC title with Calder Cup Classic win over Davenport" . Mlive.com
