By Aidan Mastandrea
Sports Editor
About 10 months ago, the College’s football team faced off against conference rival Christopher Newport in the final game of the 2023 season. The Lions had the ball at their opponents’ 23-yard line, down by 6 points with a minute to go and a chance to not only win the game, but also clinch a share of the NJAC title.
Senior quarterback Trevor Bopp threw a late interception and the chances of a title slipped away. After an amazing season and winning four conference games in a row to put them in contention, it was all over in the blink of an eye for the Lions. For some of the players it was their last time stepping on the field with the team, but others had an opportunity to come back and try to avenge that loss.
That is exactly what quarterback Bopp and receiver Malin Jasinski decided to do. The offensive duo is back for their 5th year of eligibility and have already got the College off to a tremendous start in the 2024 season. The near triumph from a year ago was the catalyst behind the two coming back to the College.
“Last year’s NJAC loss left us with a strong sense of unfinished business. Neither of us wanted our final games to end with that sting of disappointment,” said Bopp.
The COVID-19 pandemic struck during the pairs freshman year at the College, moving classes online and canceling the football season in 2020. The lack of that first season was another factor for both players on wanting to have another year running out onto Lions field.
Both Bopp and Jasinksi have been lighting it up through two games for the College. Bopp has thrown for 586 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for another 102 yards. 291 of Bopps passing yards have gone to Jasinski. The receiver has caught 13 passes in each of the first two games for the Lions. He currently leads the country in receptions.
The connection isn't just strong on the field for this quarterback and receiver duo. Bopp and Jasinski became great friends during their sophomore year and are now roommates.
“We were both quarterbacks at the time, so we spent a lot of time together on the field,” said Jasinski. “As we started hanging out more outside of football, we became really close and by our junior year, we moved into the same house, and the rest is history.”
Jasinski played both quarterback and receiver at times during the 2022 season, but in 2023 moved fully to receiver. He took home Honorable Mention All NJAC honors.
The 2023 season was a special one for Bopp as well. He led the NJAC in passing yards, touchdowns and completions. He broke the school record for passing yards in a single game with 405 against Eastern. Those stats along with the team's success earned Bopp second team all NJAC honors.
The 2-0 start for the Lions is their best since 2011, but they have aspirations of even more success. They feel that an NJAC championship is within their grasp this season.
“While this has always been our aim, this year feels different, the entire team genuinely believes we can achieve a championship,” said Jasinski.
While Jasinski and Bopp have been as good as any duo in the country thus far, the rest of the offense and defense has been doing their job as well. The Lions will head to Pennsylvania to take on Muhlenburg on Saturday, Sept. 21.
As the season progresses, Jasinski, Bopp and the rest of the Lions will not forget the feeling of defeat from a year ago.
“There was an energy in the air that day, and it's been fueling our fire ever since, pushing us as we continue to prepare each week for our opponents,” said Bopp.
