Kicker’s Corner: Inside the Huddle
Photo courtesy of Gettysburg College website. The Muhlenberg Mules ended Gettysburg’s winning streak with a devastating 41-13 loss on homecoming weekend.
By Jared McCully, Staff Writer
The Bullets experienced a misfire this past weekend, as the Muhlenberg College Mules (4-2) bested the Gettysburg 41-13 during the Bullets’ homecoming game.
With an impressive pick-six interception from Muhlenberg’s Kyle Wilczynski, the Mule’s set the tone early that they were not going to allow Gettysburg to have an easy victory in their Centennial Conference matchup. This opening drive turnover was one of several mistakes that cost the Bullets to be pushed back to an overall record of 5-1.
Despite the offense’s troubles through much of the game, the Gettysburg defense held their ground for a vast majority of the first half, holding Muhlenberg’s offense to only two scores in the entire half.
Senior linebacker Kodie McNamara led the team with a dozen tackles and a second half interception that stopped the Mules in the red zone.
Gettysburg lost an effective part of their game when the Mules continuously kicked the ball away from freshmen returner Matt McFadden. McFadden has been a game changer multiple times this season, consistently providing the Bullets with effective field position that has assisted the Gettysburg offense in their success.
Unfortunately, with Muhlenberg unwilling to take any chances, they eliminated Gettysburg’s return game. The Bullets struggled in stopping the constant pressure and blitz the Mules threw their way.
Senior quarterback Sam McDermott finished with 24-of-45, 219 yards, two interceptions, and one touchdown. With the Mules invading the backfield, the senior captain struggled to find the right rhythm that has steered his team in the right direction for most of the season. Taking a couple hard hits and sacks, McDermott continued to play hard and tried to make the big plays that could bring his team back in the game.
Muhlenberg’s defense not only put pressure on the quarterback, but stunted the Bullet’s running game as well. Stand out senior tailback Kyle Wigley walked away from the game with a season low 38 yards and one touchdown. Gettysburg could not render an effective attack to counter the Mule’s solid defense.
With Muhlenberg leading 32-7 in the third quarter, McDermott would find senior Travis Andrews for a 10-yard touchdown pass.
Although Gettysburg continued to play hard, the effort was not enough to rally against the Mule’s relentless attack. Fundamental mistakes and drive killing turnovers left the Bullets in too deep of a hole.
Despite the disappointing loss, the Bullets still remain in the hunt for the Centennial Conference and Saturday’s match against Johns Hopkins University could give Gettysburg the victory that can separate them from the rest of the pack. Hopkins will prove to be a challenging opponent, as they are currently undefeated and ranked ninth overall in DIII football for the nation.
If head coach Barry Streeter can pull off a win this upcoming Saturday at Shirk Field at Musselman Stadium, the Bullets not only will be boosted to the number one spot in the conference, but could also be in contention for a spot in the national playoffs.
If there’s a game to watch this weekend, it will be the Bullets football team at Musselman Stadium. Kickoff will begin at 1 p.m.
