EMORY, Va. – The high-flying Emory & Henry College Football Team (6-1, 3-1 ODAC) travels to Lexington, Virginia this Saturday to take on the Generals of Washington and Lee University (1-6, 1-3 ODAC). The Wasps look to keep their high-powered offense going after a return to the win column last week against The Catholic University of America.
In front of a Homecoming crowd of 6,247 fans, E&H put up 62 points and 604 total yards of offense. On the season, E&H has averaged 37.1 points per game which is good enough for third in the ODAC and 475.9 yards per game which places the Wasps at second in the league. The offense looks to capitalize against a W&L defense that is near the bottom in the ODAC standings. The Generals give up an average of 32.1 points and 395 yards per game.
The E&H offensive line, led by seniors Isaac Bowman, Donovan Sudderth and Nolan Lipscomb, has only given up two sacks on the entire season. That mark currently leads the nation in Division III. The solid protection gives freshmen quarterback Kevin Saxton enough time to get the ball to his talented receivers. E&H is near the top of several passing categories in the ODAC while Saxton has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league.
Josh Smith, who leads the ODAC with 53 catches, Lucas Kirby, Jermaine Sanders, and tight end Ashton Cline have been favorite targets for Saxton. The Wasps will attempt to exploit the Generals pass defense with their fast-paced offense. Emory & Henry's passing attack has also been balanced with a good running game as freshmen running backs Isaiah Rodgers and Chris Thompson have been very effective.
There is no secret to what the Generals do best, which is to run the ball using their triple-option offense. The Generals lead the ODAC in rushing offense averaging 259 rushing yards per game. Defensive Coordinator, Rob Grande stated, “We need to defend the option inside out. They have a veteran offensive line with three seniors and two juniors and their 'option back', (number 35) Marshall Hollerith, is a tough downhill runner.” Coach Grande went on to say, “It will take a total defensive effort to defend their offense.”
Senior linebacker Paul Forney will have a full day trying to stop reigning ODAC Rookie of the Year Hollerith and quarterback, Charlie Nelson. About stopping the triple offense, Forney stated, “Hit everybody. Make sure everyone is accounted for.”
If you cannot make it to the game, make sure you watch online or listen on the radio. You can also follow our tweets on Twitter. The kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at Wilson Field at Washington and Lee.
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-photo courtesy of Jared Foster,
E&H '16