Claire Hipps
Features
9/22/2021
Alma’s football program is currently 3-0 after beating Anderson University (51-2) at home for their Hall of Fame Game. They previously won over Manchester University (47-23) in Indiana and Bluffton University (24-6) at home. With promising offensive and defensive programs, they are projecting strength as they prepare to play Martin Luther College in Minnesota and Olivet College at home for Alma’s homecoming weekend.
In the first 2 minutes of the game against Anderson, Trent Devereaux (’24) threw a 12-yard touchdown to Nathan Goralski. Devereaux is a sophomore quarterback with 279 total yards. He has completed 19 passes and thrown 6 touchdowns.
When asked about how him and his teammates felt about the start of the season, Devereaux explained that they feel confident.
“We are feeling very confident…after coming off of a very odd [season] in the Spring of last year,” said Devereaux.
Against Anderson, Alma executed five sacks and forced two fumbles. The Scot defense is powerful and opportunistic; they have pulled out 9 sacks and forced 4 fumbles this season. They have also intercepted 13 different passes over 209 yards, 5 of which occurred against Anderson, and completed 3 defensive touchdowns.
“[One of our strengths] is that we are a young, athletic team,” said Devereaux. “Speed and athleticism [are traits we can] always use to our advantage.”
Their offense has scored 122 points across 3 games, averaging 40.7 points per game. They have rushed and passed a total of 778 yards, completing 7 touchdowns through passes.
Despite a rough start to their game against Manchester, Alma managed to overcome and pull out the win. At one point in the Manchester game, Alma scored 28 points in a matter of 3 minutes and 35 seconds.
“We are feeling much better [than last season] after getting a year of experience under our belts,” said Devereaux. “Some challenges [arise because] we are young, but we can overcome that by being mentally tough.”
In their game against Bluffton University, the defense worked as a well-oiled machine and only allowed one touchdown. They also demonstrated the depth of their team when Keegan Benkhardt, a senior running back, made his first career start and scored on an 11-yard run.
Alma’s special teams units have also performed very well. Devon Frenchko was recognized as a MIAA special teams athlete of the week and as a RET athlete on the D3football.com Team of the Week. He averaged 70 yards on 3 returns against Manchester. Frenchko was Alma’s first ever RET D3football.com player of the week, according to the Athletic Department. . Special teams have made all attempted field golds and averages 37.2 yards per punt.
One of their goals as a team is to win the 2021 MIAA championship according to Devereaux. Alma’s conference schedule will begin with homecoming on the second of October, at home against Olivet.
