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Saturday's match-up with Sewanee was a little more than your everyday "friendly". It was the first match on MTSU's new pitch and Sewanee had served up two losses
to the Blue Raiders in 2006. It was safe to say that the Men in Blue would not be friendly to our visitors from the mountain.
Sure footed Nick Chamberlin started things off for MT with a nice penalty goal that had the home team leading early 3-0. Aggressive defense set the tone,
as Toombs and Zavasta both applied constant pressure to the "Purple Haze" backs. "We had them on their heels early" remarked head
coach Mark Williams. On their heels and on their backs. With the Sewanee offense neutralized, it was time for the back line to show what they could do.
Speedy freshman Dustin Gordon blew past all defenders and smoked his way in for a try. Nick Chamberlin added the conversion. Senior Captain
John Grate electrified the crowd with a nifty surge and run that left the Sewanee faithful "hazed and confused". Chamberlin again put boot to ball for
two more for MT.
Sewanee did however score. Trailing 17-0, the haze opted to kick a penalty goal rather than face the now confident Raider defense. So at the half the score stood
MT-17 Haze-3.
The second half saw the MT boys loosen up and really start to have some fun. Josh Furtaw, after having a stellar day on defense, decided to put one down for
five. "It was great to see Josh (Furtaw) get a try." said assistant coach Danny Demonbreun. "He has been a strong leader and player all season, and
he earned those points." he added. Once again the "Brighton Connection" was in full effect. Late in the half Freshman Dustin Gordon fielded a kick, made
a defender miss and off-loaded to his former high school teammate Chris Merrideth. Chris then did what any freshman should do. He smoked the
Sewanee defense on his way to a 60 meter try. Chamberlin booted another through for the conversion. As the clock ticked down, once again, John Grate
broke free and raced 50 meters for what would be the death nail for our visitors from Monteagle. The Blue Raiders finished on top with a score of 36-3. MTSU now is 2-1,
and will face a scrappy Western KY team next Saturday.
The MTSU staff and players would like to thank all who helped to make our first home match a success. Thanks to Robert Keith for his "VIP" tent. Thanks to all
who helped with tickets and merchandise, and a huge thanks to all the MTSU parents that helped with the after match social. Job well done!....See you all next week!
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