Football Cedes First Game of the Season to Tufts

Alex Dahlem ’20

Managing Editor

The Trinity College football team suffered a tough start to their season this past Saturday, losing to the Tufts University Jumbos 14 to 8 on the road in Medford, Massachusetts. A rare early season slip up could be problematic for the Bantams, especially if upcoming opponents sense weaknesses in the three time defending NESCAC champions.
Despite the unfortunate outcome, Trinity did show signs of previous form, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Bantams were able to hold Tufts to three-and-outs all throughout the first quarter of the game. On the offensive side of the ball, sophomore quarterback Seamus Lambert picked up right where he left off with his near flawless play at the end of the 2018 season, orchestrating a methodical charge down the field before hooking up with wide receiver Jonathan Girard ’21 for a four-yard touchdown. Running back Spencer Lockwood ’21 combined for 20 yards on two different running attempts during the Trinity drive. After a missed extra point, the Bantams were still up 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.
After readjusting to the stingy Bantam defense, the Jumbos found an opening, retaking the lead after a strong air game led to completions of 40, 17, and 13 yards before a 10-yard connection for a game-tying touchdown. Both teams struggled to find the end zone for the remainder of the second quarter, leaving the halftime score at 7-6.
After a scoreless Trinity drive that tragically ended in a missed field goal, the hosts executed another long and methodical drive to start the second half, punching holes in the historically staunch Bantam defense. The key play for the Jumbos came when their senior quarterback executed a 48-yard completion on third-and-four deep in his own territory. The home crowd went wild, eventually giving the Jumbos the confidence to find the end zone and take a 14-6 lead.
The next score by either team was set up when Bantam punter Ian McDonald ’20 commenced the fourth quarter with an impressive 39-yard punt that was downed at the Tufts one-yard line. On the very next play, the Bantam defense came back to old form when linebacker Brian Casagrande ’22 downed the Tufts running back in the end zone, forcing a safety and bringing the score to 14-8. All of a sudden there was hope for the Bantams.
A late fourth quarter personnel change saw experienced Bantam quarterback Jordan Vazzano ’20 enter the game over the younger Lambert. The switch showed that Trinity head coach Jeff Devanney has yet to find a trustworthy starting QB, a necessary piece if the Bantams are going to win their fourth NESCAC title in a row. A 37 yard completion to wide receiver Koby Schofer ’20 combined with a personal foul on the defense gave the Bantams a prime opportunity to steal the game away from the Jumbos. On the final play of the game a Tufts linebacker sacked Vazzano before he could get a pass off, ending the game and putting the Bantams in a precarious spot as they enter the rest of NESCAC play.
Despite being taken out before the final drive, Bantam starting QB Seamus Lambert racked up 111 yards on 26 attempts while also rushing for 88 yards. Schofer and Girard led the receiving core with a combined 10 receptions.
Despite the loss, Trinity’s quest for another NESCAC championship is still well within reach. Next up will be Bowdoin this Saturday in the Coop at 1pm.