By Ryan Keith 14

The SIUC football team takes the field for the final time this season Saturday, and coach Jan Quarless is ready for his team to get a well-deserved rest.

Saturday’s trip to Southeast Missouri State University marks the end of Quarless’ first year as Saluki skipper. With a finish of 4-7 possible, Quarless has been disappointed with his team’s play at times but not its effort and work ethic.

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A lack of team depth has made numerous Saluki injuries more glaring. The situation will not be any different this week, as several key Salukis are either out or questionable for Saturday’s game.

I’m really concerned, Quarless said. My major concern is the offensive line, particularly when you lose two of those guys. You’ve got to go back to five guys, and if one of them gets hurt, it would be very, very interesting to say the least.

Lineman Brandon Frick’s knee is bothering him again after he returned from knee surgery two weeks ago. Fellow lineman Nate Orsburn is very doubtful after he suffered a knee injury in the Salukis’ 35-21 loss to Western Kentucky University Oct. 25.

Wide receiver Reggie Fowler has been hobbled by a hamstring injury for much of the season, and he is questionable for the season’s final game. Quarless is more concerned about the toll that the injury is taking on Fowler’s outlook than on his body.

I don’t know if Reggie will be able to play, Quarless said. And I’m more concerned with Reggie not only physically, but mentally. I think it’s been tough for him in the last few weeks.

Defensively, lineman Tavita Tovio still is plagued by a bad shoulder, while Doug Reicherter and Pat Izzo have multiple injuries.

Injuries to Fowler and other offensive players have even forced Quarless to move athletes to different positions.

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Quarterback Marcus Capone, who has played a backup role behind Kent Skornia for most of the season, was moved to wide receiver for Saturday’s final Gateway Football Conference matchup of the season. Capone saw action in several passing situations as one of four wide receivers on the field but did not catch a pass in SIUC’s 34-10 loss to Youngstown State University at McAndrew Stadium.

Skornia took several big hits in Saturday’s loss to Youngstown State, and the junior transfer left the game twice. But Skornia returned on the next possession after his first knockdown. He was knocked out again on the Salukis’ final possession, but Quarless said Skornia will be ready for SEMO.

Skornia will be OK, but again he’s been playing banged up, Quarless said. Having to put Capone in at wide receiver probably indicates at this point where we’re really at with our depth. With Kent getting banged up, we’re trying to make a decision on the sideline to get him out of there and you have Marcus playing wide receiver.

We were really kind of stuck there, and I didn’t like that situation, but I think 14 (Skornia) is a tough nut, and he will be able to survive it.