EMORY, Va. - Emory & Henry football (4-2, 2-1 ODAC) is coming off a tough homecoming loss last Saturday versus Hampden-Sydney College (4-2, 2-1 ODAC). Despite a 21 point lead in the first quarter, the Wasps fell 31-28, in a game in which the Tigers quarterback threw for 460 yards and two touchdowns. The Wasps are now in a three-way tie with Hampden Sydney and Guilford for second place in the ODAC while Washington & Lee holds the top spot with an undefeated record in conference. This week, the Wasps take on Catholic University (3-3, 1-2 ODAC) in Washington, D.C. in another ODAC matchup. Last season, the Wasps trounced the Cardinals in a 62-28 victory.
Quarterback Kevin Saxton and the offense have started to settle into a groove this season. The Wasps have not committed a turnover in the past two games and in those two games, Saxton has thrown for 502 yards and five touchdowns. Saxton would like to repeat his success from the Catholic game last year, when he went 20-23, 287 yards, and three touchdowns. The Wasps offensive line has been effective, keeping Saxton upright. Cody Bowman, Paul Cozens, Matt Boyda, McFarland Murph, and Grayson Williams are the starters that have allowed the second fewest sacks in the conference. Isaiah Rodgers is leading the Wasps in rushing this season with 4.8 per carry and five scores on the year. That bodes well for the Wasps, since the Cardinals currently have the lowest ranked defense in the ODAC. It was senior Jake Hess that paced the Wasps in receiving last week versus Hampden-Sydney. The Abingdon native now has a career-best 16 catches for 182 yards on the season. The Wasps will look to bounce back this week against a team that has had trouble stopping opposing offenses.
The secondary for the Wasps will be tested versus Catholic University this Saturday. Cardinal quarterback, T.J. Tutone, leads the ODAC in passing yards, attempts, completions, and completion percentage. Wide receiver, Lucas Morley, leads in receptions, is second in receiving yards and touchdowns this year as well. The defense of the Wasps is currently leading the ODAC in takeaways with 15 on the year. It may be cornerback Tre'von Lightfoot's job to shut down Morley on Saturday. Lightfoot has the most turnovers caused with three interceptions, not to mention 11 pass breakups on the year. Along with Lightfoot, the Wasps will rely heavily on safeties Ryan Byrd and Jaylyn Johnson to stop the high-powered pass attack of the Cardinals. Emory & Henry's pass rush has been great all year as well. The Wasps lead the ODAC in sacks with 16 on the season. The team leader has been senior defensive end, Mitch Carter, who currently sits second in sacks and first in tackles for loss. The Wasps have 13 players who have registered at least half a sack. It is a good sign for the Wasps defensive line, considering that Catholic University has given up the most sacks in the ODAC.
This Saturday's game will be played at Cardinal Stadium on the campus of Catholic University on Saturday, September 24 at 1 p.m.
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-photo courtesy of Caleb Johnston, E&H '15