In a highly anticipated game Tuesday night, the SAE 2 Lions soundly defeated the Delta Chi Martletts by a score of 44-6. The energy of SAE, coupled with outstanding individual performaces all around, was the key to victory. On the first play of the game, quarterback Brennan Haug handed it to FLEX Shine Duncan on a jet sweep for a touchdown, setting the tone for victory. Not to be outdone, wide receiver Hayden Young made a near impossible touchdown reception on the next drive, shaking off his man and managing to maintain his balance despite a defensive pass interference call.
Other offensive notables: Joe Gralak had two impressive catches, one being a catch and run from SAE’s 30 yard line for a touchdown. Offensive lineman Josh Rolsky had two important two-point conversions in the first half. Cam Shine had a few crisp blocks and 5 receptions on the night. Ryan Dolan converted a tipped ball in the endzone into a touchdown.
Despite the offense’s prowess and high-powered attack, SAE 2’s biggest strength is it’s hard-nosed, blitz heavy defense. With defensive captain James Mantz manning the middle of a compact match-up defense, Delta Chi found little room to breath. Steven “Manimal” Benson set an unofficial SAE 2 record with 9 quarterback hurries and converted 1 sack on the afternoon. Opposite him, Troy Oracko picked up 2 sacks and a pick-6 interception in the 2nd half. Top cornerback Blake “Voris Island” Voris shut down Delta Chi’s top offensive threat with a perfectly timed pass defense and kept his man’s stat line clean all night long. Shine Duncan was as much a stud on the defensive end as the offensive end, finishing the night with 2 interceptions and 5 tackles, including an important tackle-for-loss on 3rd down. With constant pressure and soft hands, SAE 2 neutralized the Delta Chi attack, which was never able to sustain much of anything.
The team looks forward to it’s next game, as the win propelled them to 1-1 on the young season. Several players opted to give quotes on the game.
Brennan Haug, on the play of the receiving core: The receivers really worked hard for me out there, making precise cut and always working to get open. Me and them, we go together like peas and carrots.
James Mantz, on his crucial defensive tackles: Once I get on the field, I just focus on what needs to be done for the team.
Blake Voris, on his inspired performance: Throughout the entire game, I wanted to prevent my guy from catching the ball. I wasn’t just defending for my team, but I was defending for the brotherhood, for the glory of old SAE.
Troy Oracko, on the energy of the match: You gotta set the tone of the match before it even starts. You have to put fear in the opponent’s heart, and I felt that we did just that.
Steven Benson, on how he stayed aggressive on defense: You can’t let yourself check out mentally. I wanted to send a message that SAE is going to be the most dominant team in the playoffs.
Josh Rolsky, on what this win means for the rest of the season: This win will give us the momentum we need focused during the season. It was a big win and the team is hungry for bigger and better things.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon 