Addison Painter
aep003@marietta.edu
The Marietta College football team is off to a great start this season, currently holding a 3-1 record after thrashing the Otterbein Cardinals 50-0 and then upsetting Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets 42-21 this past Saturday. The charge is led by a commanding defense that statistically looks like one of the best in the country thus far.
There were many questions surrounding the defensive side of the ball going into this season. With multiple key players graduating, many were unsure how those roles would be filled. It’s become clear that Coach Andy Waddle and the rest of the staff have had no issues recruiting. Through the first three games, the Pioneer defense has forced nine turnovers, which is tied for 30th among Division III. Turnover margin is a determining factor in football at any level, and the Pioneers are sitting tied at 7th in the country in that category. The ability to force the ball out of opponent’s hands and turn those opportunities into points on the scoreboard has proven to be a huge factor for this Pio team.
In regard to the Pioneer’s defense against Baldwin Wallace, Coach Waddle said, “I think we did a good job of limiting their run game and pressuring their quarterback. He had a lot of yards, but never felt comfortable in the pocket.”
The Yellow Jackets quarterback’s discomfort was shown by some costly turnovers. As they would turn the ball over three times. Two of which were interceptions by Lukas Ratliff and the other a bad snap recovered by the Pioneer defense for a defensive touchdown.
This Saturday, the Pioneers are at hosting the #12 ranked John Carroll University a game that has been a tough conference matchup in the past. The game is Youth Day for Marietta and a free ticket voucher for one parent and one student (12 and under) is available at the Instagram page @mariettapioneer. The Pioneer’s strong defense looks to continue. Kickoff is set for 1:30p.m. at Dom Drumm Stadium.
