It wasn’t perfect, but we’ll take it. You have to be excited to open the season with a conference win, on the road, against a veteran team, with a great QB. However, we have plenty of work to do. Right now we’re on pace to set a record as the most penalized team in the history of football. Our theme heading into the week was “Wabash doesn’t beat Wabash”, but we sure tried.

Rather than focus on the thirteen penalties, two turnovers, and special teams’ miscues, there were plenty of positives from which to build. Our offensive line, led by seniors Pat Long, Tony Neymeiyer, and Jeremy Morris, provided excellent pass protection all day. Matt Hudson tied a school record with six touchdown passes with a sprained thumb on his throwing hand. Kody Lemond caught three touchdown passes in his first college start, including an incredible diving catch just before the half. Senior Brock Graham added two touchdowns. Andrew Rode, also a senior, turned a six yard reception into a sixty yard touchdown. Wes Chamblee got off to a good start with six receptions and a huge kickoff return in his first collegiate start.

Our rush defense was a bright spot as well. The Denison QB rushed for 270 yards to open the season and we held him to just 49 yards. Our defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage led by senior Josh Gangloff who led the team with 9 tackles including 2 for loss. Matt Whyde and Zach Brock each added a sack. Bryan Watson made seven tackles and had an interception at linebacker.

The biggest turning point in the game was, without question, Kody’s touchdown grab with 10 seconds left in the half. Denison had just scored with 40 seconds left in the half to pull within one, 14-13. They had all the momentum. When Kody made the catch, it gave us a huge lift. Right after the TD one of our players ran up to me and said “Wabash Always Fights!” It was awesome. My first “Wabash Always Fights” moment could not have come at a better time. With the momentum, we came out in the third quarter and scored three straight TDs. “Wabash Always Fights”, even with just ten seconds left in the half!