Football Stays Undefeated, Supports the #SetTheExpectation Campaign

The varsity football 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.

On the field, the game was a stalemate midway through the second quarter when junior quarterback 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 wide receiver 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. Click here to see more great photos from the game.



Last February, the head coaches of both teams attended the Elite Nike Coaches Summit in Portland, Oregon, where they met Brenda Tracy, a survivor of sexual assault and the founder of #SetTheExpectation. "After being moved by her presentation, we made plans to come together to support and illuminate the mission of combating sexual and physical violence,” says Gonzaga Head Football Coach Randy Trivers. 

During pre-season training camp, the team learned about Brenda Tracy's story and reflected on how as young men they can become involved in the fight to end sexual violence. In addition, leading up to the game, junior and football video manager Jesse Dolojan produced this video feature that aired on WZAG, the school's daily homeroom television broadcast:



Gonzaga is now 5-0 on the season. Next up, the team will host is third and final team from Florida in 2019: Leesburg, where Coach Trivers coached from from May 2010 to May 2014. Kick-off is on Friday, October 4 at 6 PM on Buchanan Field.

Go Gonzaga!
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