Despite a slow start on Saturday, the Kenyon football team ultimately dominated in its season opener, defeating Kalamazoo College (Mich.) 40-10. 

For most of the first half, both teams excelled defensively, with neither scoring more than a field goal. A safety in the first quarter put the Owls up 5-3, and Kenyon started showing signs of life toward the end of the second quarter with a snappy 5-yard touchdown from Joey Tramontana ’29, sending them into halftime with a 12-3 lead. 

In the second half, Kenyon’s defense attempted to hinder Kalamazoo’s attack, forcing the Hornets into a number of lengthy drives, one of which stretched almost 13 plays. The Owls eventually conceded, however, bringing the score to a tense 12-10 about halfway through the third quarter. 

As the clock wound down, the first-game jitters seemed to settle as the Owls stretched their lead in a series of passing flurries. In an email to the Collegian, defensive back Andrew Pohlman ’29 noted that starting a new season is not without its challenges: “The first game brings out a lot of nerves and emotion, but I believe we stayed in control and took it one play at a time.” 

As the game went on, something seemed to click for the Owls, especially between quarterback Drew Morgan ’29 and receiver Tyler Gladden ’28. Gladden cited their continued  connection on the field as the turning point of the game: “There was a drive early in the fourth quarter where Drew Morgan and I connected for a total of three receptions, 72 yards and a touchdown that marked the beginning of a three-touchdown stretch.” 

Statistically, the offense had an impressive showing. Morgan strung together 342 passing yards with his receivers, which earned him NCAC Athlete of the Week honors. The defense kept Kalamazoo to a little over half the Owls’ own yardage, ultimately holding the Hornets to just 10 points. 

The team looks to continue this momentum as it heads into its first conference game on Saturday against The College of Wooster. The Fighting Scots are coming off a close loss, giving the Owls a great opportunity to push their record to 2-0. Pohlman is certain that this victory can only boost the team in the coming weeks. “[Our] energy and focus are amazing,” he said. “After a big win like that, the momentum carries into [the] next week, and we are looking to use that for a good week of practice and for a great game next Saturday.”