Game 5: “Set the Expectation”

Gonzaga - 48 Tampa Plant - 7

A CALL TO SET THE EXPECTATION

September 27 “AFTER BEING MOVED BY MS. BRENDA TRACY’S PRESENTATION, WE MADE PLANS TO COME TOGETHER TO ILLUMINATE THE MISSION.”

The Eagles remained undefeated with a win over Plant High School from Tampa, Florida on September 27. The game also marked the first time that Gonzaga took part in the #SetTheExpectation campaign, a movement that raises awareness against sexual and physical violence. Coach Trivers and Plant Head Coach Bob Weiner agreed to participate in the game after seeing a presentation together in Oregon earlier in the year. The campaign began in 2016 when Brenda Tracy began sharing her survival story nationally of a brutal gang rape she endured in 1998. Studentathletes are asked to spread the message with compassion and respect. In addition to learning about the #SetTheExpectation pledge leading up to the game, both teams wore ribbon decals on their helmets and carried a large ribbon at the coin toss. Additionally, a large banner was hung near the Gonzaga Touchdown Club tent during the game. On the field, the game was a 0-0 stalemate midway through the second quarter when junior QB Caleb Williams connected with junior wide receiver Hayden Fisher for a 13 yard touchdown. After the teams traded punts, the Panthers scored in just two plays and tied the game 7-7 with a 34 yard touchdown pass of their own. Gonzaga’s offense got the ball back with just over two minutes remaining in the half and would respond by going 80 yards in just 6 plays to regain the lead. Junior WR Aaron Turner hauled in a 47 yard catch and Williams capped the drive with an 18 yard touchdown run to make it 14-7 at the half. After receiving the second half kickoff, the Eagles offense started fast. Malcolm Terry II ‘20 ripped off a 54 yard run on the first play from scrimmage, and two plays later, Joseph Hammond Jr. ‘22 scored on a 3 yard run. Plant responded with a strong 11 play drive, but their 27 yard field goal attempt was blocked by Kye Holmes ‘21 and Luke Petitbon ‘20. Gonzaga dominated the rest of the action to earn the 48-7 win. Defensive lineman Isaiah Neal ‘23 led the way on defense and linebacker Kadari Machen ‘22 had a great performance on special teams.

WEEKLY AWARDS

MVP: Luke Petitbon | Outstanding D: Isaiah Neal | Outstanding O: Aaron Turner Special Forces: Kadari Machen | D Practice: Roman Funkhouser | O Practice: Gavin Bryson

A CALL TO SET THE EXPECTATION

“AFTER BEING MOVED BY MS. BRENDA TRACY’S PRESENTATION, WE MADE PLANS TO COME TOGETHER TO ILLUMINATE THE MISSION.”