By Chris Ferrick-Manley
Genova’s To Go will not need to give away too many free pizza toppings this week.
The restaurant offers one free pizza topping on Sunday and Monday for every touchdown pass the Green Terror completed on Saturday. McDaniel fell to Bridgewater 45-19 on Labor Day weekend and completed only one touchdown pass, late in the game from backup quarterback Tom Wenrich to freshman running back Raymond O’Hara. By that time, the outcome of the game had been decided.
Part of the Terror’s problems could be attributed to the relative inexperienced players on both offense and defense. According to the Bridgewater game program, only three underclassmen were expected to start the game for the Eagles. On the other hand, 12 underclassmen took the field for McDaniel. Bridgewater was also able to capitalize on two Terror mistakes early in the game. With the score 14-0, sophomore defensive back Travis Wenrich intercepted Eagles’ quarterback Jeff Highfill’s pass but it was negated by a penalty. With the same score a muffed punt gave the Eagles excellent field position. Among those returning on offense for the Terror this year are 5th year quarterback Brad Baer; senior wide receiver Brian Amenta; senior offensive lineman Ross Adams; and sophomore running back Eric Zwilsky. Baer was injured in McDaniel’s 36-35 victory of Bridgewater in 2005, giving him an extra year of eligibility.
On defense, the Terror welcomes back senior Travis Wenrich, 2nd team All-Centennial Conference linebacker Derek Zabko, and seniors Wes Battle and Ryan Mellinger on the defensive line. Jay Leonard will handle the placekicking duties while Tom Wenrich will reprise his role as punter. Wenrich made 2nd team All-Centennial Conference last year in that role.
Tim Keating, the head coach of the Green Terror, has confidence that his team can do well this season as the schedule moves into Centennial Conference play. “I know our opponents are formidable adversaries. I believe with the proper attitude and preparation we have a fighting chance in each and every game,” said Keating. Keating does acknowledge that his roster is young and contains “only a sprinkling” of upperclassmen. He feels, however, that his team when it plays to the best of its ability can play with anyone.
“What matters to me is that we perform to the best of our abilities, each and every one of us, regardless of the opponent,” said Keating. “If we are the underdog, we relish the position.”
The Green Terror head to Moravian who are entering their first year in the expanded Centennial Conference along with Juniata.
The home opener is September 15 against Catholic.
–FP