WINGATE — Bald Eagle Area opened up its football season Aug. 26 by defeating St. Joseph’s, 54-0, at Alumni Stadium.
Right from the beginning of the game, BEA made it clear that it wanted to run the ball. After a punt on the opening possession, the Eagles didn’t take very long to find the end zone. Hunter Hockenberry scored on a 13-yard run to put BEA on the scoreboard.
Led by senior quarterback Tanner Kresovich, the Eagles offense was clicking all night, racking up 424 yards of total offense.
Kresovich opened up his senior year campaign with an impressive display of athleticism. He used his arm and his leg as he threw for two touchdowns and accounted for 200 yards of offense.
After throwing his second touchdown of the night to Kael Gardner on a 40-yard dart in the back of the end zone, Kresovich and other starters let the backups finish the deal for the Eagles.
“Our goal was to get the ball to our athletes, and that is what we did tonight,” Kresovich said.
After going into the half with a 40-0 lead, the Eagles gave junior quarterback Jordan Jones a chance to earn some varsity experience.
He took advantage of the moment, too, tossing a touchdown to Gage McClenahan. Blake Roberts finished off the scoring rampage for the Eagles after a 54-yard rushing touchdown.
The Eagles defense was in full lockdown the entire night, as Eli Meyers and Austin Young brought down the Wolves’ quarterback Brendan Robinson for a safety in the opening quarter of the game.
Jesse Nagle made his head coaching debut for his alma mater an impressive one.
“This is very special to both me and the players,” Nagle said. “We got the job done.”
As for the 0-1 Wolves, the night did not go as expected. The very young team struggled on both sides of the ball.
“We have to get better,” said Wolves first-year head coach Steve Guthoff.
Despite being shut out on the night, the Wolves may have found their new weapon.
Junior Jarod Stormer led the Wolves’ attack, rushing for 41 yards on only 11 carries. Stormer successfully made the move from offensive line to running back.
“You are looking at a product that is four weeks old, without any seniors,” Guthoff said.
The lack of depth for the Wolves will be their main concern moving forward.
“The most important thing is keeping people healthy,” Guthoff said.
Both teams are in action this week. St. Joe’s hosts Fairfield, while Bald Eagle Area visits Philipsburg-Osceola.
