Kickers korner–Bullets exterminate the Hornets 35-12 with players competing for starting positions
Three new coaches were also added to the Gettysburg football team this season: Jeff Wilson, Cliff Wilson and Mike Miller.
Photo Credit: David Sinclair, GCC&M
By Jared McCully, Staff Writer
Although the preseason results do not affect the outcome of the regular season, the Gettysburg College football team pushed its way to victory 35-12 in its opening home scrimmage against the Shenandoah University Hornets Saturday. Battling the blistering temperatures that neared 95 degrees, the Bullets combusted with some impressive offensive series and defensive stops to conclude a hot and humid two-week preseason.
Coming into the preseason with a 98-man roster, the Bullets are looking to find some new leadership to replace the departures of some crucial graduated players such as former quarterback Sam McDermott, tailback Kyle Wigley, and defensive powerhouse Kodie McNamara. Coach Barry Streeter does not appear to be worried, however, because he knows that his players will step up in leadership and continue the tradition of excellence that has historically defined Gettysburg football.
“Prepare, compete, and execute are the key components to our family’s success. We are a family, and we will compete as a family,” explained Coach Streeter, who enters his 39th season as head coach for Gettysburg this season.
Coach Streeter takes this season like any other, one week at a time, constantly adjusting his game plan for the specific opponent. Without a doubt, this strategy has brought success as the Bullets are typically one of the best teams in the Centennial Conference in terms of offensive production and tend to lead the conference in return yards on special teams, much thanks to returning sophomore Matthew McFadden. With his quick moves, confident ball control and reading abilities, McFadden looks to make another impact in the conference and to provide the Bullets with a significant advantage on special teams.
“We have a ton of young guys, myself included, but I see that as an advantage because all of these players are ready to step up and our opponents will not know how to treat these newer players,” said McFadden.
Throughout preseason camp and leading up to week one of the regular season, Coach Barry Streeter struggles to decide who will be under center to take the opening snaps. Quarterbacks Danny Thompson ‘17 and Justin Davidov ‘18, are both incredible athletes with two unique skill sets. Thompson is making a run for the position after playing wide-out for the past two seasons, while Davidov has some experience as being the primary backup last season, in which he saw some playing time. During the Shenandoah Scrimmage, both quarterbacks played extremely well, which only makes the decision harder.
The Bullets will officially open their regular season at home this Saturday at 1:30p.m. at Musselman Stadium against the Bridgewater University Eagles. Gettysburg hopes to repeat its overwhelming victory from last season.
