Coming off a devastating 59-point loss to Westminster (PA.), Capital football prepares for upcoming home-opener game on Saturday, Sept. 14 versus Marietta.
Having taken some time to reflect and recuperate from their last game, the team is well-rested and focused on Marietta.
“We need to see a lot of improvement from week one to week two.” head coach, Chad Rogosheske, said looking back at the game.
Coming into week two the team has their eyes set on Marietta and wants to get their first win against the familiar opponent.
Practicing from their mistakes in the first game, they want to take care of the ball offensively and reduce turnovers. Improving on the decision-making of the quarterbacks and their throws being more accurate to the receivers. Some of the team, being new to college football, was nervous the first game. As well as, the older players had some rust that needed to be shaken off from the off-season.
Working on good defensive schemes throughout the week to be able to defend against Marietta’s All-American running back and new but competent passing quarterback. Making sure that the team is ready for the tricky special teams that Marietta employs.
“I think run-fit wise, we were really gap sound… I think we’re really good run defensively. We only gave up 123 yards against Westminster.” said senior linebacker, Kole Carter.
Historically the home-opener is a well-attended game, and the energy from the crowd brings a new level of excitement to the players. Making an adjustment from playing football in high school under the lights on Friday nights, to playing on Saturday afternoons during the day is difficult. This home-opener game, under the lights, allows players to feed off the crowd’s excitement.
“It just feels like high school football again.” Capital senior, wide receiver, and co-captain David Barnett said.
Saturday, being the first opportunity for the freshmen to play in front of a home crowd, will have a positive impact on the team’s morale.
“We have a really big freshman class, I know they’re excited for it” linebacker, Kole Carter said.
The players use the buzz of the crowd to fuel their game and love to have great crowds, especially at home games. Come watch and support our Crusader football team on Saturday at 7 p.m.
For more information, rosters, and standings, head to Capital’s Athletics page.
