The football team has started the season off on a strong note, with a 3-2 record. Two of the three wins came pretty easily, while one of them came in the last minute of the game. Additionally, they were just one touchdown away from beating Richard Montgomery, which would have pushed them to a 4-1 record.
They played Whitman on Sept. 29, which was a Thursday, since Yom Kippur was on Friday. Having one less day of preparation didn’t seem to hurt the offense, or the team in general, since they won 42-21.
It was a big statement game on the ground for them, with 267 total yards rushing. Although they typically lean heavily on the passing game, this showed that they aren’t a one dimensional offense. Most of the yardage came from junior running back Matthew Amobi, but senior Max Museles, who spends most of his time at linebacker, had a 20-yard score.
Senior quarterback Grant Saylor had 87 rushing yards and two touchdowns, to go along with 233 passing yards and two passing touchdowns. “I didn’t do much running last year, but I really worked on it this summer and it’s been paying off so far,” Saylor said.
The offensive line took a lot of heat last season, but they vastly improved this year, allowing just over a sack per game, and allowing the team to rush for 267 yards against Whitman. “We weren’t happy with most of our performances last year, and we knew we had to improve as a unit if we wanted to win games,” junior starting center Jack Berman said.
The team took on Rockville on Sept. 23. They won 42-14, but the first half was close as it was 14-6 at halftime. Saylor had 311 yards and three passing touchdowns, and added a rushing touchdown. Junior wide receiver Noelly Miller continued his tear through the county, amassing 219 yards and two touchdowns. One of those touchdowns was an 80-yard screen that he took all the way down the field. Additionally, sophomore Larry Feldman had his first two interceptions of his varsity football career. He played more than usual to help fill the void left by junior cornerback Alec Yassin who was hurt and didn’t play, though Yassin did return for the Whitman game. “Both of the interceptions gave us big momentum boosts that we needed, and I hope I can make more big plays this season,” Feldman said.
Miller now has 11 straight games with at least 100 yards and a touchdown. He’s leading the DMV in receiving with 43 catches for 763 yards and eight touchdowns through five games.
Additionally, junior kicker Kiyaan Chavoshi has been a big addition for the team. He’s as reliable as they come at nailing extra points and short field goals, as well as kicking touchbacks.
The next game was Oct. 6 at Springbrook, too late to be covered in this issue.
Max Pasternak
Senior News Editor
