Sam Metry ’13| Associate Editor

The Varsity Football team kicked off the 2012 season with a 20-14 win against the University of Detroit Cubs.

With 2:20 left in the fourth quarter, the Cubs took over on their own 16-yard line. U of D moved quickly down the field, but their drive seemed to be coming to an end when a sack gave the Cubs a third down and 23 yards to go with 1:04 left in the game. However,  an untimely roughing the passer gave U of D a first down and extended the drive.

With the Blue Devils making a stand on the 49-yard line, U of D threw deep toward the end zone with 15 seconds left. Joshua Gray ’14 made a key deflection that possibly saved a touchdown.

U of D continued its drive into South’s end of the field but the defense held strong and sealed the win for the Blue Devils.

The Blue Devils were led by Jack Doyle, Liam McIlroy, Renell Perkins, Cody Slaughter, all ’13, said team captain Max Roeske ’13.

Defensively, Doyle and Slaughter both intercepted passes with Doyle returning his for a touchdown. Doyle recorded five tackles and a sack while Slaughter recorded two tackles and deflected a U of D pass.

McIlroy and Perkins combined for 72 yards rushing. Defensively, Perkins recorded five tackles and a deflection. McIlroy also made two field goals, one from 40 yards and one from 19 yards.

“The offensive line stepped up, and the defense held strong,” Roeske said, via text message. “The team we beat tonight was a team you have to claw for (every) inch (against). We showed that we were the better team and that we wanted it more.”

In his first game as starting quarterback Richie Kish ’14 completed 9 of his 14 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown.

“He (Kish) held up well in an offense that had a line step up with good protection,” Roeske said.

Other key performers for the Blue Devils were Branden Cooper, Neal Fleming, Tom McShane and Zach Van Elslander, all ’13. Cooper, Fleming, and Van Elslander were dominant on the defensive line, combining for 11 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. McShane had five catches for 93 yards. Fleming also caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Kish.

After the game, Roeske said “I was proud of this win. The whole team is proud of this win. We earned it. Now it’s time to get ready for our home opener.”