Eagles Fly Over Northwest In Season Opener

The Eagles got the 2022 season started with an amazing first game win. This was the second season in a row that Sullivan won their season opener. Last year, the Eagles dominated Cuba on the road, 54-6. This season, Sullivan opened their season at home against the Northwest Mustangs. They were victorious over Northwest, 34-7.

Sullivan’s defense was extraordinary to start the season. Northwest made it all the way down to the 20 yard line before the ball was turned over to the Eagles. Franky Erxleben fumbled the ball and the Mustangs decided to take a time out with 6:44 left in the first. The defense kept Northwest in check with Gavin Dace recording a huge hit with a little over four minutes left. The Eagles kept moving the chains and consistently moving down the field. Jeremiah Rodriguez made some stupendous first down runs but the Eagles didn’t get on the board till the second quarter.

In the second quarter, was when the scoring came alive. Erxleben broke through to the endzone for the first time with a little over eleven minutes left in the first half. The scoring wasn’t done there when Erxleben scored on the two point conversion. Gabe Dace kept the chains moving when got first down after a successful QB keep. The Eagles made another successful first down on a screen pass to Sam Summers. After a minute of regular play, Gabe Dace found Summers way down the field for an almost 39 yard pass. Sullivan made sure to secure the score when Dominic Ransom ran the ball in for another touchdown. Bryan Kayden intercepted the ball back for Sullivan and Rodriguez made a first down run for Sullivan. They kept up the early motivation when Gabe Dace found Kayden wide open down the field. Erxleben kept up his spectacular night when he broke free past the line and almost found himself in the endzone again. The Eagles forced a huge fumble against Northwest and Jordan Rice scored another touchdown with less than 30 seconds left in the first half. After another successful two point conversion, the score was 22-0 to end the first half.

In the third quarter, Sullivan kept up the early motivation and extended their lead. Rodriguez dominated the Northwest defense and kept up the good work to secure the win. He recorded a couple more first downs before finding the endzone and extending the lead to 28-0. Northwest finally tried to bridge the gap with a little over five and a half minutes left. Triston O’Toole was wide open and Northwest was on the board after an extra point, 28-7.

In the final quarter, it seemed like Northwest had some late motivation and they were at a first and goal opportunity. Sullivan’s defense stopped them from scoring again and they got ball back. Head Coach Eddie Haar took a timeout with a little over eight minutes left in the game. Gabe Dace threw the ball to Bryan again for another Sullivan first down. Sullivan secured the win when Erxleben rushed for another Eagles touchdown. The final score was 34-7.

Sullivan finished with 279 rushing yards.  Rodriguez led in rushing yards with 101 yards, followed by Erxleben with 84. Gabe Dace finished with 42 rushing yards after 7 carries. Ransom had 32 yards and Johnathon Martin had 20 yards.

Gabe Dace had 120 yards passing with Kayden and Summers each with 55 yards. Erxleben had 10 yards receiving.

Sullivan’s next game will be this Thursday’s away game at DeSoto.