By Maximillian C. Burgos
Staff Writer
The football team faced Wesley College, ranked seventh in NCAA Division III football, on Friday, Sept. 14 in Dover, Delaware. The Lions were shut out 62-0, diminishing their overall record to 0-3.
“They (Wesley and Frostburg State University) are both top five caliber teams not just ranked,” said Head Coach Goff. “The positive is, I don’t think we ever quit and our kids weren’t intimidated. We just aren’t there yet.”
Wesley established its dominance early in the game, scoring touchdowns on their first four possessions of the game, pushing the score to 27-0 in the first quarter.
“We are struggling everywhere right now,” Goff said. “But we’re going to keep pushing to get better. We’re three games in now and no one in the country has done a two game stretch like we just did. That experience will start to pay off.”
Senior linebacker Jesse Streb had a day for the Lions, despite the final score. Early in the second quarter, Streb intercepted a pass and got it down to Wesley’s 12-yardline. The Lions struggled to capitalize on the field position and turned the ball over on downs.
“(Streb) is flying around on film,” Goff said. “He’s a guy we will start to lean on. There is a reason he is wearing the No. 1 jersey.”
Streb made his presence known again late in the third quarter, forcing a fumble that was recovered by freshman defensive back Luke Young. The Lions were gifted with great field position, but simply couldn’t capitalize turning the ball over on downs again.
Streb finished the game with five tackles, a forced fumble and an interception.
The Lions’ offense struggled to consistently move the ball against another stout defense this week. Freshman running back Mark Pacini did manage to lead the team in rushing with 59 yards on 18 carries.
Junior punter Zach Warcola had another notable performance, averaging 45.6 yards on eight punts. His longest punt of the day was an impressive 56 yards. He also made three punts that were inside the 20, helping his team in the field position battle.
“We just need to find what works for us,” Goff said. “We have to find this team’s identity.”
The Lions are still looking for their first win of the season, and hope to rebound next week against another tough opponent, Salisbury University, when they travel to Salisbury, Maryland for a match on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.
