EMORY, Va. – The Emory & Henry football team has reached a crossroads.
Through four non-conference games, the Wasps have displayed depth, perseverance and balance.
Today at Fred Selfe Stadium, E&H (4-0) opens Old Dominion Athletic Conference play against preseason conference favorite Hampden-Sydney.
A homecoming crowd of at least 5,000 is expected for the 1 p.m. start. First place in the ODAC is on the line.
Hampden-Sydney (5-0, 2-0) blanked the Wasps, 17-0, last season in Farmville, Va.
The Tigers feature a prolific spread offense fronted by record-setting senior quarterback Corey Sedlar and directed by innovative head coach Marty Favret.
According to E&H head coach Don Montgomery, today’s ODAC showdown is a fitting reward for a rigorous off-season full of early morning runs, weightlifting and intense practice sessions.
“I always tell my kids that these type of games are the reason you come to Emory,” Montgomery said. “Our players have worked for this opportunity, and they deserve it.”
Montgomery, regarded as one of the top defensive minds at the NCAA Division III level, will be challenged on every fast-paced offensive sequence by the Tigers.
Sedlar relies on a veteran group of rangy receivers. The senior established a new school record for career passing yards with 8,652 last week, as the Tigers posted a 19-0 victory over ODAC rival Bridgewater.
“Sedlar has as strong of an arm as I’ve seen in this level of college football and all his receivers are talented,” Montgomery said.
“[Hampden-Sydney] actually reminds me of a fast-break basketball team on offense. “They are going to get some plays, but we’re going to get some too. I’m counting on it.”
The Wasps, led by sophomore middle linebacker Shane Wicks and senior cornerback Tyler Brown, are allowing 211 yards passing and 178 rushing per game.
Other players to watch for HSC include sophomore running back Kirk Rohle (109 yards rushing per game) and junior free safety Bill Doody, who has intercepted two passes in two consecutive games.
“Hampden-Sydney just has it all going right now,” Montomery said.
Favret, a former shooting guard and head football coach at Catholic Catholic University, has won 68 percent of his games since arriving at Hampden-Sydney 10 years ago. At both Catholic and Hampden-Sydney, Favret has conjured up record-setting offenses based on precise pass routes and alert play calling.
“[Favret] is like the mad scientist of football coaches,” Montgomery said. “He stands on the sidelines and doesn’t even look at any charts.
“His play calls are very simple, and he’s always trying to take advantage of how defenses are aligned against him. And while the offense gets a lot of recognition, the defense at Sydney has made the most improvement this season.’’
E&H relies on fearless junior tailback Caleb Jennings. The 5-foot-7 fan favorite has scored nine touchdowns while averaging 130 yards rushing and 178 total yards per game.
First-year starter Drew Piscopo is completing 61 percent of his passes for E&H. Two of his three touchdown tosses have been game-winners in the final 15 seconds.
The Tigers will counter with a quick unit of linebackers who excel in form tackling.
After five years of building, Montgomery feels his team is ready to make a positive step at the crossroads.
“There is no doubt in my mind about one thing – Emory & Henry will play hard on Saturday,” Montgomery said. “Our success is living proof of what you can accomplish when you play with great unity.”
agregory@bristolnews.com (276) 645-2544
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