The Benet Academy Redwings football team came into their first home game on Saturday with high spirits as their record proved them undefeated: 3-0 in the season. The red, white, and blue-coated crowd only added to the energy felt on the field. Unfortunately, no amount of passion could stop the Notre Dame Dons from handing the Redwings their first loss of the year in a 24-7 blowout.

The Redwings showed strong potential in the beginning of the game. The offense came out blazing with first down runs by seniors Ben Hickey and Mike Wymer. On the defensive end, every player was able to beat the ball carrier to the spot and take them down in time to force an early three and out. Following another Benet three and out, free safety Jack Cooney was able to sack Notre Dame’s quarterback on a blitz and force the punt.

Slowly, Notre Dame began to chip away at the Redwings’ frontier. Small defensive mistakes resulted in easy first downs and quick touchdowns for the other team. The score began to add up, and the Dons held the lead 14-0 heading into the second half. Following a stellar performance by the varsity avions, marching band with flag girls, and varsity cheerleaders, Benet entered the second half with determination.

More players began to be utilized offensively, with receivers such as Luke Flaska, Drew Eschenbach, Luke Sznajder, and Niko Kasprzycki drawing first downs. By mixing up their offensive strategies, Benet was able to free Mike Wymer up for a touchdown and finally put themselves on the board. Later in the game, offensive linemen Michael McGivney and Shane O’Mara were taken out of the game due to injury. As the game wore on, Notre Dame began to pick the Redwings apart. More small mistakes, including a failed scramble by quarterback Colin Gillespie, ended Benet’s victory streak.

Even though Benet lost, the energy displayed on their part was through the roof. They simply fell short to a talented team who were more prepared entering the game. Given time to develop, the Redwings may be able to avenge themselves should the two teams meet again. Walking away from their first home game of the season, the varsity football team now knows that nothing can be taken for granted.The Benet Academy Redwings football team came into their first home game on Saturday with high spirits as their record proved them undefeated: 3-0 in the season. The red, white, and blue-coated crowd only added to the energy felt on the field. Unfortunately, no amount of passion could stop the Notre Dame Dons from handing the Redwings their first loss of the year in a 24-7 blowout.

The Redwings showed strong potential in the beginning of the game. The offense came out blazing with first down runs by seniors Ben Hickey and Mike Wymer. On the defensive end, every player was able to beat the ball carrier to the spot and take them down in time to force an early three and out. Following another Benet three and out, free safety Jack Cooney was able to sack Notre Dame’s quarterback on a blitz and force the punt.

Slowly, Notre Dame began to chip away at the Redwings’ frontier. Small defensive mistakes resulted in easy first downs and quick touchdowns for the other team. The score began to add up, and the Dons held the lead 14-0 heading into the second half. Following a stellar performance by the varsity avions, marching band with flag girls, and varsity cheerleaders, Benet entered the second half with determination.

More players began to be utilized offensively, with receivers such as Luke Flaska, Drew Eschenbach, Luke Sznajder, and Niko Kasprzycki drawing first downs. By mixing up their offensive strategies, Benet was able to free Mike Wymer up for a touchdown and finally put themselves on the board. Later in the game, offensive linemen Michael McGivney and Shane O’Mara were taken out of the game due to injury. As the game wore on, Notre Dame began to pick the Redwings apart. More small mistakes, including a failed scramble by quarterback Colin Gillespie, ended Benet’s victory streak.

Even though Benet lost, the energy displayed on their part was through the roof. They simply fell short to a talented team who were more prepared entering the game. Given time to develop, the Redwings may be able to avenge themselves should the two teams meet again. Walking away from their first home game of the season, the varsity football team now knows that nothing can be taken for granted.