By Cassandra Barrett ’19, editor-in-chief
The Dutchmen’s season hasn’t started the way the team hoped that it would, but early-season setbacks aren’t stopping the squad in the slightest.
Sophomore quarterback Kody Kegarise will lead the Dutchmen’s offense, averaging 92.2 passing yards and 68.1 rushing yards through the first five games. Junior wide receiver Tyeair Diggs leads Dutchmen with 12 catches and 2 touchdowns, averaging 38.2 yards per game. Diggs also ran back a 96-yard kick return landed him a MAC Special Teams Player of the Week honor. Junior kicker Nick Bentz is 5-6 in field goal attempts and has proven to be a valuable weapon for the team.
Senior safety Zachary Adams led the Dutchmen defense in tackles last week against Stevenson with seven, while freshman cornerback Grant Gaumer and senior outside linebacker Tyler Hodges each had five. Gaumer also recorded an interception against the Mustangs.
Despite these offensive, defensive, and special teams’ talents, the team has been plagued by costly penalties. During the Sept. 29 game against Widener, two kick return touchdowns were both negated by penalties. In the fourth quarter of the same game, the Dutchmen were penalized for back-to-back holding calls, just as they were approaching the red zone. On fourth-and-26, Kegarise was unable to convert, and the Mustangs took over on downs, running down the clock until time expired.
The squad will look to maximize its talents and minimize costly penalties in today’s matchup. The Dutchmen have yet to finish a game with a win, but they hope to change that today at home against Misericordia.
Photo provided by: LVC Athletic Communications