Getting Caught Up In the Weab
The Bloomsburg University Football Team is getting their strength back from their first loss against Ashland, Ohio, and dominating all the other teams that come their way. Holding a record of 4-1 and being 2-0 in the PSAC East (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference), the Huskies have defeated Clarion University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Millersville University, and East Stroudsburg University.
The Huskies hold the number one spot in the PSAC for rushing offense thanks to the help of red-shirted freshman Franklyn Quiteh. Quiteh also leads the PSAC in total rushing yards with 918 yards so far this season, which is over 300 yards more than Akeem Satterfield of Slippery Rock University who holds the second place spot.
“I don’t think there’s anything we can’t beat,” says senior captain Ben Weaber, who was interviewed last week. “I’m not happy about the first game but our offense production is through the roof and defense is the same.”
Quarterback Pat Carey is in the top ten of the PSAC statistics for pass efficiency and pass average per game. Weaber describes Carey’s style as very traditional. “He’s our leader on the field and is clearly throwing better than we have in the past.”
Weaber goes on to explain how the team has really come together offensively with the help of senior Pat Casey and sophomore Brandon Allen, who Weaber describes as a “monster on the field.” The Huskies also get help from wide receiver Tyler Guise, who is in the top five ranking in the PSAC for punt return average and Dan Fisher who is number one for field goal percentage per game.
After losing in week one, the offense has figured out the proper communication needed to move forward, and it is clearly displayed by the scores of the past four games. Senior Justin Walker, who has been out for an injury and was substituted by Kenny Orlando, made his return in week four at the Millersville game. “He’s getting right back into,” Weaber said, “It’s good to see him out on the field again; a lot of young guys look up to him.”
On the defensive end, Mike Varanavage plays a big role. He is in the top ten ranking in the PSAC for tackles. Varanavage is also joined by senior D. Solomon Oliver in the top ten spot for interceptions. Weaber explains that there are some significant players such as Todd Givler, Marcus Zimmerman, and Jarrett Pidgeon who make a large contribution in occupying the competition. The Huskies also have Clarence Robinson and Thomas McFarland who have beaten plays by getting a number of sacks to asset the team.
“Everyone’s doing a really good job playing a hard defense,” Weaber says. “We have Alex Landis doing well at safety and Justin Rivera there to shut down the corner.”
At the first home game for the football team, there were over 1,500 students present to cheer the team on. “It’s fortunate we have a football team here,” Weaber says, “when fans are there, it gets us more into the game”. He also mentions that some of the negative cheering towards the other team helps give them an edge, whether that is in fact ethically or morally wrong. “The fans help us get our swagger.”
The Huskies will be traveling this Saturday, October 9, to take on the Cheyney Wolves as they celebrate their homecoming at 1:00p.m.
