EMORY, Va. - After an open week, the Emory & Henry Wasps (1-0, 0-0 ODAC) host the Scots of Maryville College (2-0) Saturday night at 6:00 p.m., which marks the first night game at Emory & Henry since 1980. Last season, the team scored a late touchdown to defeat Maryville, 14-13. The Wasps now possess a three game win streak versus the Scots and have not lost to them since 1999.
After a 43-17 victory over Berry in week one, the Scots are coming off a 28-21 triumph over East Tennessee State University last Thursday. Maryville is averaging 35.5 points per game while only giving up 19 a game. They own a potent rushing attack that averages 231 yards per game on the ground and 409 yards per game in total offense. The Wasps defense will be put to the test this weekend.
The Wasps started the season with a 55-7 victory over Ferrum College at home. Picking up where he left off last year, reigning ODAC Rookie of the Year, Kevin Saxton, threw for 199 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener. Freshman, Kelman Simpson, was Saxton's top target as he led the team in receiving with seven catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. The all-around athlete also lined up in the backfield for the Wasps, rushing three times for 44 yards. Senior Ashton Cline and sophomore Nick Webb caught a touchdown each in the opening game. Multiple E&H running backs combined for 243 yards rushing and three touchdowns on the afternoon. Leading the way were sophomores, Chris Thompson and Isaiah Rodgers, who rushed for 82 and 20 yards, respectively, and each added a touchdown. The high-powered offense will face off against a Scots team who is known in the USA South for good defense.
The Wasps defense played very well in their first game of the season. The squad held Ferrum to 233 total yards, including only 75 yards passing on the afternoon. Ryan Byrd, who was named ODAC Defensive Player of the Week, led the defense with 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, and a sack from the safety position. Junior cornerback, Tre'von Lightfoot, picked off two passes and made six tackles in the game as well. Andrew Long had a 46 yard fumble return for a touchdown vs. Ferrum, which help put an exclamation point on the day for the defense. Rennel Marshall and Josh Compton will have their hands full in trying to stop the rushing attack of Maryville this weekend. The team will look for these two linebackers to stymie the Scots running game after the two combined for 11 tackles, 2.5 tackles, and a forced fumble for a loss in the opening game against Ferrum.
The night game versus Maryville is set to kickoff at 6 p.m. at Fred Selfe Stadium on Saturday. This game is also the all-era football reunion, celebrating the football program's 100th season. Stick around to see Emory & Henry greats honored during halftime of the game as we reflect upon the grand history of Emory & Henry football.
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-photo courtesy of Caleb Johnston '15