Undefeated Exeter entered Friday night’s action barely challenged in 2015. The Eagles averaged a 26 point victory margin in the first six games. The Muhlenberg Mules started 2015 with tough losses against powerhouses Berks Catholic, Milton Hershey and Wyomissing. Currently riding a three game win streak, Muhlenberg faced off against the Berks 1 favorite Eagles in Laureldale. The Mules put on a gallant struggle. Led by a four TD and an over 200 yard rushing performance by former Tight End now QB Gabe Schappell, Exeter defeated Muhlenberg 42-21.
Exeter head coach Matt Bauer had some mixed comments on the Eagles performance, “The effort was there, the lack of concentration showed tonight.” Bauer also pointed out, “If we are going to be a good team and continue this season on we need to eliminate so many mistakes.” With Schappell now at QB, Exeter has also begun using All-State Tackle and Penn State Recruit Michael Menet at Tight End on some series. Bauer said, “We are going to try and pull out all the stops, whatever we need to do to try and make these kids successful. If it means putting Michael at Tight End more,that’s what we are going to try and do”.
Muhenberg received the opening kick and on the second play showed the Eagles they were in for a battle. Najee Smith took a pitch and ran 68 yards for the score. 7-0 Mules only seconds into the contest. Unfazed by the quick score, Exeter came right back. A ten-play 65 yard drive was culminated by a Gabe Schappell six yard run. We were tied at seven at the 6:40 left in quarter one. Exeter and QB Schapell began to take charge in quarter two . Following a great Mules punt , QB Schapell capped a 95 yard ten play Eagles drive with a nine yard TD run. It was 14-7 Exeter with 6:03 till half. The Mules were unable to move the ball again. Exeter mounted another long drive. As the half ended, Exeter missed a 32 yard FG attempt. So despite dominating most of the first half Exeter held only a 14-7 lead at halftime.
Exeter received the second half kickoff and imposed their will on Muhlenberg. The Eagles drove the length of the field and QB Schappell hit Leroy Longennecker on a 13 yard TD pass. It was 21-7 with 7:21 in quarter three. The Mules did not quit. A Cody Fidler 37 yard TD pass got the Mules to within seven at 21-14 at the 3:27 mark of quarter three. Following some back and forth turnover action at mid field by both teams Muhlenberg mounted another drive.
A sparkling end zone grab by Joaby McMinn had Muhelberg tied at 21 with the heavily favored Eagles going into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter was all Exeter. QB Schappell scored on the first play of the fourth quarter and the Eagles never looked back. Exeter’s ground game controlled the clock the remainder of the game. A TD by Nick Sarangoulis and a final TD by Schappell made the final Exeter 42 Muhlenberg 21. Even in defeat, first year Muhlenberg coach Pat Sisk had high praise for his undermanned squad. ” We did not quit,” said Sisk. “We stayed the course, start to finish. We were there. We were there when the game was over.”
Exeter moves on to face an improved Reading High. Muhlenberg goes on the road against Governor Mifflin and their 34 game league winning streak.
