Photo courtesy of Max Boyko ’28
The EA Varsity Football Team claimed its first victory of the season Saturday in an away game against St. Christopher’s School in Virginia, shutting them out for a 28-0 road win. The Churchmen relied on a bulldozing running game that produced an astonishing 295 rushing yards. In particular, A’ahzere Lucas ’27 had a standout game, with 30 carries, 190 rushing yards, and two touchdowns, both career highs.
EA also relied on a strong defensive line that produced 2 sacks and powered the shutout. At halftime, however, EA held just a 7-0 lead. Much of EA’s second-half dominance came from focusing on running the ball to break down St. Christopher’s defense. Head Coach Todd Fairlie shifted the offensive gameplan from the 50/50 running/passing strategy used in the first half to an 80/20 split.
“We wanted it more than them,” says Jackson Miller ’27, who recorded seven tackles. “We just started running the ball, and their team started falling apart.” By the end of the game, Jackson Solley ’27 and Dylan Gustafson ’29 had also scored touchdowns. On defense, Kamau Kegler ’27 delivered eight tackles, a sack, and two and a half tackles for a loss.
Photo courtesy of Max Boyko ’28
Beyond the Churchmen’s halftime adjustment, most of their success can be attributed to their positive and hardworking team mentality prior to the game. Kaleb Kegler ’29 describes the captains as playing a major role in Episcopal’s victory through their energy in practice: “Their energy is super contagious, and everyone knows when those guys are locked in, those are the role models, and it brings that team together as they set super high standards. “
While their positivity helped carry Episcopal’s team energy, the hard work of heat conditioning and practice was also fundamental in securing the win. “The kids showed up prepared. And then I think, just [played] good, sound football when it mattered. We were better prepared to play that game than we were the first week, just mentally [and] physically,” Head Coach Todd Fairlie noted.
Episcopal is keeping up the high morale and determination moving towards Friday when the Churchman will face The Hill School at home.