Offense explodes in football opener

Author: Mia Lieb-Lappen

1-0. Winning one game at a time is coach Bob Ritter's motto and precisely the way the Middlebury Panthers started off their football season as defending NESCAC champions.

"Even though Coach has us take one play at a time and one game at a time," said wide receiver Jamie Millard '10, "I know everyone is looking forward to another championship season."

Tight end Bill Greven '10 added, "this year, our offense is a machine and our defense is strong despite several injuries. A winning season is definitely possible with this team."

Clearly the Middlebury football team has the potential for another great season, as indicated by Saturday's 42-28 win over Bowdoin.

The Polar Bears outplayed the Panthers in the first half and led 19 -14 at the break. With two turnovers and defensive holes, Middlebury was not playing to their potential. At half time, the coaches delivered a passionate speech and told the defensive line in particular to up their intensity. "In the locker room we had a gut check where you man up and realize you need to start kicking ass," said defensive lineman David Ellis '09. "We basically realized we needed to start playing Middlebury defense."

With improvements on both fronts, the Panthers outscored the Polar Bears 28-9 in the second half.

"It was the second half and we got our second wind," said Greven.

"It felt like we could score if we had the opportunities and confidence," explained running back Erik Rostad, who had 12 touches and 35 yards. "After a couple mistakes in first half, we cleaned up and executed in the second half."

Offensively, they eliminated turnovers and had an outstanding passing performance by quarterback Donald McKillop '11, who had career highs of 27 pass completions and 344 yards.

"Don was really efficient in making the right decisions and putting ball in the right places," said Rostad. Receivers Evan Beilin and Andrew Matson '09, added 89 and 114 yards, respectively. "They made some sick catches," added Greven.

"Offensively, everyone got touches," said Millard, who finished with 42 receiving yards. "We spread the ball around very well."

The opportunities were provided by a strong offensive line, and the Panthers experienced offense racked up the points as they hope to do this season.

Defensively, the Panthers tightened up in the second half.

"The defense stepped up, locked down, and the team really needed them to do so," said Jeff Everson '10. Suffering from injuries to Bob Sincerbeaux '10, Robert Norberg '10, and Carl Culicchia '11, the defensive line has had to make some adjustments. Stepping up big to help out on Saturday were Murphy McCurdy '12 and Sam White '11. However, according to the team, Norberg is poised to make a valuable return.

Injuries and all, no one can dispute the team's ability to succeed. Ritter expects them to be the most conditioned team in the NESCAC, and that endurance showed on the field Saturday.

"Ritter knows how to prepare us for everything," said Rostad, "and we are never put in a situation where we aren't prepared to succeed." Smart coaching coupled with strong leadership from Matson and the experienced seniors has been crucial to their success. Moreover, the freshmen on the team show strong potential. "The first-years are great. They learned the system fast and a few are even starting," said Rostad.

Rostad continued, "It was the season opener and it took a half to get our heads screwed on straight."

Overall, if the Middlebury Panthers continue playing like they did against Bowdoin, they will go 1 and 0 each game all the way to the playoffs.