Ephs Fall to the Panthers 21-14

More news about: Williams

Oct 12, 2013

MIDDLEBIRY, VT— Middlebury All-American QB McCallum Foote drove the Panthers (3-1) 80 yards in the final quarter to lead Middlebury over Williams (0-4) 21-14. RB Joey Zelkowitz scored Middlebury's winning TD on an 8-yard run with just 4:03 left in the game.

This was Middlebury's first win against the Ephs at home in the last 14 meetings on Youngman Field.

Middlebury took a quick 7-0 lead as they drove 81 yards after receiving the opening kickoff. Foote completed a 28 -yard pass to senior WR Trevor Wheeler putting the Panthers at the Williams 46. Foote later found Wheeler again for a 25-yard touchdown pass at 11:41. Junior kicker Michael Dola converted the PAT.

In the second quarter, Williamsput a scoring drive together starting at their own 12-yard line after a 10 yard holding penalty. Senior QB Adam Marske connected with sophomore WR Darrias Sime for a 21 yard pass during the drive. Marske also found senior WR BJ Griffin twice, both for 7-yard conversions, moving Williams into Middlebury territory. RB Alex Sycourka had three consecutive carries for a total of 11 yards allowing senior RB Marco Hernandez to rush the final yard putting the Ephs on the board for their first touchdown with 5:05 remaining in the half. Kicker Joseph Mallock's extra point attempt was no good, leaving the Ephs behind by a point – 7-6.

With just three minutes left to go in the half, Middlebury put seven more points on the board with an 82-yard drive. Foote connected with senior TE William Said-Kahn for a 20-yard pass. Foote then found Zelkowitz on 47-yard pass, moving the Panthers to the Williams 10-yard line. Zelkowitz and Foote connected again in the end zone. Dola's kick attempt was good, extending Middlebury's lead to 14-6 at the half.

With 6:40 left in the third quarter, the Ephs tied the score with their biggest plays of the game. Senior WR Jeff Brewington made a huge 25-yard sideline catch from Marske followed by a big 13-yard rush by sophomore QB Mark Pomella, moving the Ephs into Middlebury territory. Sophomore TE Alex Way was open for a 3-yard pass from Marske to record the Ephs' second touchdown of the game. Marske then found Way again camped in the back of the end zone for a successful two-point conversion, tying the game at 14.

For the first time this season the Ephs out passed (276 to 247)and out rushed their opponent (125 to 111). The Williams defense held Foote 153 yards under his per game passing average of 390 (247) and Tom Cabarle picked off one of Foote's passes.

Scyocurka had 62 rushing yards on 19 attempts, and senior WR Gregory Payton had 89 receiving yards 9 catches. Sime added 49 receiving yards on just 3 receptions. Eph head coach Aaron Kelton was encouraged with today's flow of the game noting the difference in the game was, "not being able to make a play when we needed to." Kelton praised Adam Marske's ability to manage the game and get first downs.

On the day the Adam Marske connected on 28 of 49 passes for 276 yards and one TD, while Middlebury's McCallum Foote hit on 20 of 37 for 247 yards and two TDs. Foote was intercepted once.

Sophomore DL James Howe and sophomore LB James O'Grady led the Eph defense with 8 and 7 tackles, respectively. Coach Kelton was also pleased with freshman DB Mike Davis and freshman DB Justin Harris' play today. Both made big plays throughout the game that shifted the momentum Williams's way.

Junior DB Will Bain led the Middlebury defense with 16 tackles, including 9 solos.

Kelton closed by saying, "I liked the attitude of my guys. I love my guys. They fight down to the last play all the time. They came out and challenged a really good team and took it down to the wire and we had opportunities down the stretch. Though we are 0-4 and its not going the way we thought it would. We could have won that game very easily today. I'm proud of my guys for their effort."

Next Saturday Williams will host Tufts (0-4) at 1:30 PM on Weston Field.

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Ephs Fall to the Panthers 21-14