Ethan Reff
senior sports editor

A season filled with optimism and promise has not lived up to expectations so far.
After the first half of the season, the Patriots sit at 1-4 after beating Rockville 28-6 and losing to Whitman 14-8. But, the team is still confident that they can turn it around. “Our first five games weren’t our best, but I think we have the talent to still have a good season,” senior offensive lineman Alex Cohen said.

While the season hasn’t started out as the team had hoped, senior wide receiver Aaron Strauss has been able to thrive. Strauss has 40 catches for 487 yards and five touchdowns in the first five games. The senior was the team’s third receiver behind current senior Noelly Miller and Elijah Trent (who graduated last year). While Strauss still was able to get a lot of catches, he wasn’t used like he is now because of the amount of talent the Patriots’ had at the receiver position last year.

With Miller starting the season as the team’s quarterback, Strauss assumed the role of the number one receiver. And so far this season he has not let the team down at all. “With Noelly becoming the QB, I know I had to step up my game more because I would be relied on more,” Strauss said.

In addition to being used more in this year’s offense, Strauss has played on defense as a safety. This is the first time in his varsity career he has had to play on the defensive side of the ball. Strauss enjoys being able to affect the game in many ways. “I really like playing safety because it allows me to make an impact on both offense and defense,” Strauss said.

On Sept. 21 the Patriots returned home to face off against Rockville. The offense was able to move the ball effectively, with the return of Miller at wide receiver. Sophomore Kyler Hamlin was called on to make his first career start at quarterback because Miller suffered a shoulder injury and is unable to throw. Hamlin filled in nicely going 14-21 with 191 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriot defense was able to shut the door on the Rams with junior defensive back Larry Feldman intercepting two passes.

They were unable to keep the winning ways going against Whitman on Sept. 29. The team was inefficient on offense, turning over the ball three times. The receivers had a tough time getting the ball as Strauss and Miller were the only two players with receptions. However, the referees made multiple controversial no-calls late in the game. There were two instances of clear pass interference on the Vikings that weren’t called. If the calls went the Patriots’, way they could’ve translated those mistakes into points. However, it is hard to blame a loss on the referees.

The Patriots played their Homecoming game against Springbrook at home on Oct. 5, too late to be covered in this issue.