Defensive Line, Roberts Shine as Football Dominates Worcester
EXETER, NH - Big Red football came out firing on all cylinders on Saturday, easily blowing past Worcester to start their season 1-0. With a devastating run game that pounded the ball into the end zone for five touchdowns and an unstoppable defensive line that recorded two safeties, Exeter finished with a commanding 36-7 win. This dominating performance showed the rest of the league that, yet again, Big Red is a force to be reckoned with.Starting from Worcester’s first drive, Exeter’s ferocious defense did not let up and held Worchester scoreless until the 4th quarter, when younger members of the team replaced the starers. The Big Red defense smothered the Worcester run game and put pressure on the Worcester quarterback, forcing them to have three and outs on their first four drives.“We have both size and speed, which makes us a handful for most O[ffensive] lines,” post-graduate and defensive end Stone Hart said. In addition, it is important to not only look at the big men up front, but to also keep an eye on the Big Red secondary, who did a great job thwarting Worcester’s air attack. Worcester only had one long ball, which resulted in seven points, and upper Matt Greaves came up with an interception, cutting off a receiver’s out-route to easily pick off the ball.“It was great. I thought the team as a whole did a great job of coming together and pulling out a victory. Despite all the new players on the team, I feel like we have meshed very well. Guys on the team get along great and we have a fun time playing football together,” post-graduate Alex Kasirye said.Along with three fumbles, two safeties and an interception forced by the defense, special teams got into the mix when lower JT Thompson recovered a fumble in his very first varsity football game.“It felt great. I was really nervous on the field but once I recovered the fumbled punt, the nerves were gone. I wanted to make impact in the game to help us win,” Thompson said.On offense, Exeter’s running game could not be stopped. Post-graduate running back Auggy Roberts ran for three touchdowns, senior Luke Gray ran for one and upper Will Edwards scored another. Roberts put on a show, and put any doubts that Exeter would not be able to recover from losing running backs Andreas Robinson ’13 and Devon Carillo ’13 to rest.Exeter’s passing game was shaky, though, as they only completed two passes for minimal yardage. In addition, it seemed as if everytime post-graduate Vincent Sansone dropped back in the pocket, he tucked it in and ran with it.Although Coach Robert Morris’ offense is based around the run, the team is still hoping to get more production through the air.“Our passing game wasn’t on the same level [as the running game], but I’m confident it will be there very soon. We just need to clean up the routes and timing with the quarterback and receivers,” Thompson said.With the run already looking in mid-season form and a passing game in development, Exeter will be a tough team to top this season. This win is already leading many to hope for a repeat of last year’s undefeated regular season.But for now, the team is focused on the present. “We are capable of such success this year, but as of right now I’d say it is best to take things one game at a time. If we focus on the little things the record will take care of itself,” Hart said.So with one win down in the record books, Exeter will look forward to playing at Choate on Saturday.