The Jacks celebrate after beating Belmont 42-0 on Friday, August 24, 2012. The Jacks move to 1-0 on the season, capturing their first win under coach Rick Robertson.
By: Grady Fultz & Grant Pepper
As the national anthem sounded minutes before kickoff last Friday night at Mack Hummon Stadium, a fresh energy filled the warm August air. It was a new season; a clean slate. New players, new helmets, and new football. A new hope filled the night, and the Jacks would not disappoint.
Rebounding from last year’s winless season, the Jacks came out with a definite energy and drive, leading 7-0 after the first quarter. With an interception by sophomore Nathan Erbe and an unwavering defense, the Jacks held a 21-0 lead at the half. From then on, it was smooth sailing for the win-hungry home team.
Of the Jacks’ six touchdowns, junior Cory Carter, a transfer student from Centerville, scored three. Carter’s quick ness and relentlessness pushed the Jacks down the field, behind a much-improved offensive line.
“We can definitely run the ball more this year,” junior quarterback Max Banke said. “Our offensive line really dominated the line of scrimmage.”
Even more impressive, the Jacks’ offensive line has just two returning starters; center Braden Chipman (11) and guard Daniel Stoecklein (12). Guard Patrick Roberts (10), and tackle Rocco Baker (11) and other tackle Kyle Zelinskas (12) did not start last year (Zelinskas did not play).
Senior kicker Bryan Koenig also chipped in with his own perfect night, going six-for-six on extra-point field goals.
Defensively, the Jacks proved to be dominant, as pressure on Belmont’s backfield the Jacks disrupted their attack by causing multiple miscues and turnovers for the Bison. Chase Randolph and the Oakwood secondary played a role in the win as well, knocking down passes and creating an exhausting night for the Belmont offense.
“We avoided mental errors and played as a team. We knew what we needed to do and we executed our assignments to win,” sophomore linebacker Andrew Hamiel said.
“I think the key to our victory was solid blocking by the line and great running by Max, Cory, and Sam Falter (11),” senior safety Logan Jervis said.
And as the final seconds ticked off the clock at Mack Hummon Stadium, the students rushed the field, the victory bell was rung, and Rick Robertson could finally exhale. The shutout win was his first at Oakwood, as last season was his first under the dome.
“It was awesome to see the students storm the field and the fans so excited for us to win,” Jervis said. “It made the team feel good to have all of that support.”
“Everyone was really excited,” Banke said. “It was a great feeling.”
The Jacks’ next game will be this Friday at Milton Union, against the Bulldog team that won 42-14 last Friday against Miami East.
“They love to pound the ball up the middle,” Banke said of Milton Union’s strong run offense. “We know we can win if we keep doing what we’re doing.”
Kickoff at Milton Union this Friday will be at 7:30 p.m. The Jacks’ next home game will be the following week, when they host the Carlisle Indians.
Stop the Presses 