11/14/24 Highlight: Varsity Football

By ERIN HAN and MARVIN SHIM

On Nov. 10, the varsity football team seized a stunning win against Andover to cap this year’s fall E/a games on their rival’s home turf. The game finished 42-21, with Exeter maintaining a consistent lead throughout the entire game.

“It was a great team win,” said captain Ewan Newton. “It was awesome to get every single person on the roster into an E/a game and it was especially nice seeing certain people have the biggest moments of their high school football careers in yesterday’s game.”

He added that the recency of the team’s single loss of the season was likely a motivating factor for the players. “I think just the sheer amount of big plays in the first half of the game showed how much our team wanted to win this game after a loss last weekend.”

Captain Thomas Hoey echoed, “I think the biggest difference of this year’s game compared to the previous ones I’ve played is how quickly we created a lead and then grew on it.”

“We were 35 and nothing at half. I think everything was evident then. It takes a lot to be there at halftime, and it went as planned,” upper Marek Jin commented. 

Hoey added, “In years prior, the first half against Andover has always been a bit of a fight and a test that we maybe weren’t expecting going into the game. This year, though, we were able to come out and execute at a very high level from the first snap, regardless of playing in a bigger environment, and that’s what gave us such a big lead so quickly.”

Upper Joe Kim recalled, “Some of my favorite moments were getting in on key tackles and sacks that helped make defensive stops. There was a lot of energy from the student section so that was very nice and the game was very exciting to play in.”

He continued, “I think the hardest part of the Andover game was the constant talking on their side of the ball because they weren’t winning or scoring as much as we were. Keeping composure and representing the Exeter team was very important in those moments.”

Hoey reflected on the team’s stellar season. “This season and this team has been the most special I’ve ever been a part of. I can confidently say that our team this year has been exceptional in the roster’s talent and the great people we’ve brought in. I’m grateful to be considered a leader of such a fantastic group of guys, and seeing them every day makes me incredibly happy.”

“We’re all trying to support each other, make each other better. At the end of the day, that’s just what it’s about. Everybody plays for more than just themselves, especially on this team. It’s a team sport,” said Jin. 

Hoey continued, “Playing football at Exeter has been the most incredible three years of my life, and I’m grateful to have met so many friends and coaches that I consider brothers and mentors. It’s emotional for me that the season is coming to an end, but I look forward to playing one last time this Saturday, at home, against Avon Old Farms—I know it may be hard for some kids to attend because of finals, but the game is at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Phelps Stadium and the team could use as many kids as possible to come support.” The strong brotherhood held by the team, alongside their rigorous practice rituals, have influenced their success thus far, and will continue to benefit them in the postseason. 

“I think the game went as planned,” concluded Kim, reflecting on this year’s E/a. “Us going in and beating Andover was a mission, not a goal.”