MIAMI — First-year Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College head football coach Clay Patterson is more than exuberant about the 7 p.m. (CDT) season opener Saturday with the New Mexico Military Institute Broncos at Cadet Field.
"It may sound strange, but this is the first time I have ever been so excited to go on a 10-hour bus ride," Patterson said. "Obviously, our priority is to win the right way.
"We want to see our kids go out and play the NEO-style of football and that is what we've been working on since I started in January," Patterson said. "We want to see them play with great effort, great attitude, great tempo and to fly around from one play to the next."
Last year the Golden Norsemen finished 4-5 on the season and 1-5 in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference under Ryan Held. After Held departed to become an assistant at Central Florida in Orlando, Patterson left his post as an assistant at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas, to return to his alma mater in his first head-coaching job.
"After all, as a coaching staff we know there's going some mistakes because this is our first game," Patterson said. "But we're anxious to see how they respond against adversity. No matter what the score is, win or lose, we're going to play the game the right way."
Awaiting the Golden Norse in their first SWJCFC game of the season, are the NMMI Broncos.
Prior to a 62-27 romp over Air Force Prep last weekend in Roswell to start the season, coach Joe Forchtner started his fourth season as head of the Broncos program.  
As a member of the Western States Football League last year, Forchtner guided the Broncos to their second consecutive post-season conference playoffs with a 5-3 record.
The Broncos suffered a 43-36 loss in overtime to Arizona Western College in Yuma to finish 6-5 on the season.
New Mexico Military enters the game sporting the nation's top quarterback in sophomore Jordan Taamu. He leads the country in total yards gained (423) and scoring (8 touchdowns).
Veteran wide receiver Sedarius Young is the national leader in yards receiving (189) and in a three-way tie with three total touchdowns.
"We expect them to throw the football which plays into what we think is our strength on defense — the secondary," Patterson said. "The key will be our ability to get after the quarterback and pressure him and force him into making bad decisions.
"Against Air Force Prep, they hit a lot of big plays," Patterson said. "So we're going to try and get after them and not let them hit the deep ball."
Handling the quarterback responsibilities is redshirt freshman Nicholas Johns with and true freshman Darwin Thompson at running back.
Comprising the Golden Norse receiving corps are sophomore Chase Nevel and freshmen Brandon Prather, Kobe Bryer and Jarel Rowe.
Anchoring the interior offensive line are sophomores Larry Joubert Jr. and Kris'sean Edwards at tackles with veteran Sammy Benard and freshman Jordan Harbin at guards.
Returning at center is sophomore Davis Harker.
"As an offensive guy I've always liked calling plays," Patterson said. "So I'm excited to get out there and call some plays and see how we execute on both side of the ball and have some fun.
"If we can do that, and have some big plays of our own on offense, we'll be in good shape," Patterson said. "These kids only get nine opportunities, not counting the playoffs, to go out and have some fun, so I'm excited for them."
Starting along the Golden Norse defensive front at tackles will be sophomores Jaylon George and Jamari George with freshmen Alton Robinson and Tyeson Neals at ends.
Freshmen fluctuating at three linebacker spots will be Lamontre Huval on the outside with Reed Wallace in the middle and RJ Goodman on the right side.
Starters at the cornerback positions for NEO are sophomore Marcus Green and freshman Darreyl Patterson.
Veteran Marquez Corbitt-Washington will start at strong safety joined by freshman Keenan Reed at free safety.
"I believe if we can play our brand of football, then the people back home can see that and read about it," Patterson said. "That should make them really want to come out next weekend and come out to see us play."