COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Losses Mount For E&H

EMORY, Va. – Emory & Henry football fans have reason to be a little discouraged.

The Wasps have lost two straight games, the starting quarterback has left the team and the leading tackler is out for the season because of an injury.

But E&H head coach Don Montgomery has no time for a pity party. The former wrestling coach and defensive coordinator at NCAA Division III power Mount Union is simply adjusting.

“We had to handle some difficulties this week, but our team is moving forward,” Montgomery said.
“One thing I’ve stressed to our kids since I came here is that when good things happen you have to thank the Lord and move forward. When bad things happen, you’ve got to ask for some help and move forward.”

When the Wasps play host to non-conference foe Methodist today at noon, the spotlight will shift to Brent McDonald. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound freshman from Lawrenceville, Ga., replaces former Tennessee High standout Daniel Booher at quarterback.

“Daniel came to talk to me last Monday,” Montgomery said. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about Daniel. I just don’t think he wanted to play anymore.”

Booher passed for 1,341 yards and 16 scores last season as a sophomore despite being slowed by a sports hernia. Through three games this season, Booher had thrown for 240 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.

The left-handed McDonald relieved Booher in 17-16 loss at North Carolina Wesleyan on Sept. 20, completing nine of eighteen passes for 76 yards with one score and two interceptions.

“Brent seems to have good deal of maturity for a freshman,” Montgomery said. “Brent was a solid high school player. Given the opportunity, he will develop into a real solid college player.”

The other loss for E&H is at linebacker: Senior co-captain Evin O’Sullivan is out with a broken ankle suffered in the N.C. Wesleyan game. O’Sullivan, one of the smallest linebackers in the ODAC at 5-9, 175 pounds, led the conference last season with 136 tackles last season.

The E&H coach said that O’Sullivan was injured while rushing to defend a sweep play to his left.

“Evin actually made the tackle, but his leg got caught underneath him,” Montgomery said. “The ankle was dislocated and broken. After the trainer took care of the dislocation, Evin was wanting to get back in the game.”

O’Sullivan had surgery last week and now has 10 screws on his ankle. Montgomery said O’Sullivan qualifies for another year of eligibility because he played in only three games this season.

“If anybody can come back from an injury like this, Evin can,” Montgomery said. “Evin is such a good leader. He’s been with us at practice and would be the first person to help the kid taking his place.”

Sophomores C.J. Hodges and Ed Smith are vying to replace O’Sullivan. 

Methodist opened the season with a 32-21 win over Campbell University, but has since fallen at Guilford (34-33) and North Carolina Wesleyan (42-0).
The Monarchs, picked for fifth in the eight-team USA South Conference, are led by quarterback Erik Teague (163 yards rushing, 365 passing) and running back Corey McGuire (201 yards rushing).

“Methodist is a very physical team and has as much talent as anybody we’ve played,” Montgomery said. “You can’t take into account what [Methodist] did in their last game. They were coming off a buy week and sometimes that’s tough.”

Montgomery has been impressed with the 5-foot-10 Teague, who excels at the option game and has a quick release.

“The Methodist quarterback is outstanding,” Montgomery said. “[Methodist] also has a couple of fast receivers along with a speedy secondary and two really good defensive ends.
“We’re 1-2 against Methodist since I’ve been here, so I have great respect for them. We need to win a game.”

Mount Union won seven Division III national titles in the last 12 seasons that Montgomery directed the defense at the Ohio school.

“I’m not used to losing, but this has been a very enriching experience for our coaching staff and kids,” Montgomery said.
“I believe things are going to turn soon. It’s going to take some help and a little bit of luck, but it’s going to turn.”

As for the loss of his quarterback, the E&H coach said he believes the Wasps will adapt to their new look.

“Nobody likes to go through something like that, but sometimes things happen for a reason,” Montgomery said.
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