By Maximillian C. Burgos
Sports Editor
The football team traveled to Frostburg, Maryland, on Saturday, Sept. 9, and matched up with Frostburg State University and its unforgiving defense in a hostile environment. Though the Lions fell 49-14, they did move the ball with moderate success, force turnovers and create pressure on the Frostburg quarterback. But that was not enough to push past Frostburg and into the end zone.
Frostburg’s strong offensive attack got out to an early lead, putting the Lions in a tough spot. Frostburg’s offense put up 28 points before the Lions could respond with a score of their own.
Senior quarterback Trevor Osler led the Lions on a four-play, 77-yard drive that he punched in himself in just under two minutes to put the Lions on the board in the second quarter.
The Lions did have a decent day in the air, totaling 194 yards. Sophomore wide receiver Vincent Guckin managed to have 109 yards with six receptions and the Lions only receiving touchdown. Senior tight end Chase Vena had 44 yards on four receptions.
Though the Lions struggled defensively, they did have some solid performances on the defensive side of the ball. Junior linebacker Max Busca led the Lions defensive attack with 10 tackles, including one for a loss. Senior cornerback Alshamiere Fields and sophomore Xavier Santos both had solid games with seven tackles apiece.
Senior defensive lineman Shane Kelley also made some noise on the defense, getting seven quarterback knockdowns and a sack. Senior linebacker Ryan Hattersley and sophomore defensive linemen Domenick Mazurek earned sacks for the Lions as well. Senior linebacker Anthony Gambone also thwarted a Frostburg drive with an interception in the end zone.
Frostburg’s balanced offensive attack would be tough for a team to stop. They have won 11 straight games since week three of last season. The Lions fought hard, but the Bobcats managed to put up 322 yards in the air and 144 yards on the ground against the Lions.
Junior offensive lineman Ryan Signora commented on how the team can move on from the loss.
“Coming in our game plan was to execute our offense to the fullest extent,” he said. “We hoped that we’d be able to move the ball efficiently against a really good defense. There were times that we looked good and others that we shot ourselves in the foot with penalties and slow starts on drives.”
The Lions did have an issue with penalties, totaling eight for 71 yards. But Signora maintained that the team would stay focused on next week’s opponent and move on from this loss.
“We’re focused on this upcoming week and Wesley,” he said. “We can’t get discouraged and have to continue to get better and better every week.”
The Lions’ next game is at home at Lions Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 12 p.m. against New Jersey Athletic Conference-favorite Wesley College. Wesley is a formidable opponent but the Lions remain confident and poised for the future.
