The Blazers overpower Wheaton Knights in the first game of the season

The Blazers (1-0) brought home the first win of the season against the Wheaton Knights (0-1) with a score of 45-6. The Knights gave it their all, but were bested by the Blazer’s stellar offense and defense.

With the notable absence of former quarterback Kendall Anderson, Blair has been forced to make adjustments to the lineup. Even so, it’s clear that the new team is still a force to be reckoned with. 

While the team's new defense started off wobbly, allowing Wheaton to score the first touchdown of the season, the Blazers retaliated powerfully after a strategic time-out. When the opportunity arose for a fourth down conversion, the Blazers seized it and continued strong with their offense until a touchdown was in sight. Senior wide receiver Ryder Mazzucchelli scored the touchdown for Blair and with a two-point conversion, the Blazers were up 8-6. 

9/1 Blair v Wheaton

Photo: The Knights were no match for the Blazers' powerful offensive plays.

The Knights were no match for the Blazers' powerful offensive plays. Photo courtesy of Hannah Hekhuis.

Head Coach Samuel Nosoff explained that the first quarter tends to be the weakest, but the team is always able to recover as long as mistakes are avoided. “Every once in a while, we lose a little bit of focus. So we’ve just got to get refocused and come back.” He said.

The second quarter started with Blair immediately securing another touchdown. The Knights struggled to keep up with the Blazer’s intensity and their offense crumbled with off-aim passes and fumbles. Blair’s defense kept the Knights under lock and key, preventing Wheaton from scoring their much desired touchdowns.

Less than five minutes later, Blair scored again tacking another seven points on the scoreboard. The team stayed in the zone -- there was no preventing them from scoring. The team ended the first half in the lead with a score of 24-6.

Rejuvenated after half-time, the Blazers came back ready to score. Running Back Montay Wade cleanly weaved through Wheaton’s defense taking the team all the way up to the 20-yard line. The Blazers were gaining yards on yards and ended up scoring a touchdown just a minute later. The third quarter ended 31-6, with Blair maintaining a comfortable lead.

#1 Blair v Wheaton 9/1

Photo: The Blazers tackle Knights to the ground.

The Blazers tackle Knights to the ground. Photo courtesy of Hannah Hekhuis.

Nine seconds into the fourth quarter, the Blazers scored again and kicked a successful field goal pushing the score up to 38-6. Even though Blair was solidly in the lead, the team still was eager to score, energized by the high energy of the crowd. With less than a minute on the clock, the Blazers scored one final touchdown. The first game of the season was a solid victory for Blair with a final game score of 45-6. 

Mazzucchelli scored the first touchdown for Blair this season and expressed that there is more excitement to come. “We played well, [but] it's on to the next [one] though…I’ll [score] more touchdowns.” He says.  

Nosoff expresses a similar sentiment for the season, especially for the new players on Varsity who are now getting their chance to shine on the field. “It’s exciting to see them score for the first time and it’s exciting to see them excel,” he says. 

This home opener certainly did not disappoint. School spirit whisked through the audience as the student section celebrated touchdown after touchdown in their colorful beach-themed outfits. This season is one to look forward to, with plenty more victories for the Blazers on the horizon.

Catch Blair’s next home game on Thursday Sep. 7 against Seneca Valley. Tickets can be found here.

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