Varsity Football Wipes Out Worcester
Big Red Celebrates First Win in Two Years, and First Home Win in Four
Beneath the floodlights of Phelps Stadium, Varsity Football played its second game of the season last Friday. As a packed crowd cheered them on, the team fought hard against Worcester Academy. After two hours of gameplay, Exeter brought home its first victory in two years and its first home win in four years. The crowd received the 23-6 win with euphoria.
This game also marked the first victory of Coach William Glennon’s second tenure. Glennon, who guided Big Red to several Exeter-Andover victories in the past, returned to his post as coach this year after six years away.
Despite losing their first game against Taft, players noted that the team has shown great promise since the beginning of the season, foreshadowing their most recent victory. “We’re more capable than we were last year…When it was Worcester game day, we were all really into it—we were all fired up,” senior Deniz Akman said. “We scored a touchdown in less than a minute, after the first few plays. We maintained a level of focus, we kept going.”
However, there were some ups and downs. “[We] decided to let our attitude and effort fall, resulting in a lull in the game,” senior captain Ethan Rosenthal said. “We were able to pull our attitude back together and put the final nail in the coffin for Worcester in the fourth quarter.”
For Rosenthal and fellow four-year player Josh Riddick, the victory was special. “Josh and I…are the only Exonians who have played on varsity all four years. When we won our first game at home, it was a relief. The work we had put in all four years playing our hardest was finally paying off,” Rosenthal said.
Younger students voiced particular appreciation for the upperclassmen who have contributed many years to the team. “I’m currently an upper, but just watching the emotions of the seniors after the game puts into perspective how much the win meant to them,” upper Hugh McLaughlin said. “A lot of hard work paying off.”
McLaughlin noted that several moments in the game were action-packed. “Each touchdown was very exciting as we got closer to the win, and the defense played spectacularly throughout the entire game,” he said. “This was a huge part of [why] we were able to secure the win.”
Spectators noticed the excitement throughout the game. “The atmosphere was really fun and vibrant. Everyone was really supportive, and even faculty [members] were there,” prep Polly Vailliant said. “It’s awesome how supportive people are here. It was a great game.”
Ultimately, the game was not an individual accomplishment. “Our strategy was to play hard and play fast. At times, we made mistakes, but it was a good team win,” Riddick said. “Everyone contributed on offense, defense and special teams. Lots of guys did their job so a few guys could score.”
Varsity Football will continue its season with an away game against Choate Rosemary Hall on Sunday. The next home game will be against Suffield Academy on Oct. 12.