By Richard Pryor III
Executive Staff
In a home game on October 29, the Sewanee Tigers football team lost to the University of Chicago Maroons in a 49-30 game that had fans on the edge of their seats until the end.
The Tigers jumped out to an early lead with touchdowns from Allan Puri (C’20) on a pass from Sam Hearn (C’20) and Lee Menefee (C’19) on an interception, as well as a field goal from Michael Jacobs (C’19).
However, the Chicago offensive, led by quarterback Burke Moser, returned the fire with seven passing touchdowns, six of which were in the second half. Moser also threw for 558 yards, setting a Southern Athletics Association (SAA) record.
Menefee’s great defensive play, a 12-yard interception return or “pick-six,” was one of the high points of the game for the team and the fans. Thomas Burless (C’18) was overjoyed at the pick six, saying that he was “personally overwhelmed with excitement, not only for Sewanee’s defense to get a nice boost because they have been struggling for the last couple of games, but also for my friend Lee to get that accomplishment and make that play.”
Other bright spots for the game included Mikey Plancher’s (C’18) 91 rushing yards and one touchdown and the brother duo of Sam and Steven Hearn (C’18) connecting for 96 receiving yards and one touchdown. John Cleveland (C’18) also had an interception, returning it for fifty-seven yards.
Half-time entertainment included routines from the Sewanee Cheerleaders and the Tiger Girls Dance Team, both of which thrilled the crowd. According to Sewanee Athletics, attendance numbered more than 2,700 people, the least amount of attendees at a home game this season; the highest turnout in away guests occurred at the Rhodes game.
With this most recent loss, Sewanee now averages 15 points per game, compared to giving up 34 points on average. The team will visit Hendrix on November 12 for their final game of the season.
NOTE: All stats are from the Sewanee Athletics website.