Wesley Football Starts Season Strong With Two Wins

By Warren Gross and Brian Baker (Whetstone Staff Writer)

Wesley College football started off the year on a good note by defeating Widener University 33-21, under the lights at Scott Miller Stadium.

Behind record-setting days from redshirt sophomore Joe Callahan and wide receiver Steve Koudossou, Wesley came back from a 14-point deficit in the second quarter.

Callahan threw for a record 510 yards and added five touchdowns, while Koudossou caught 17 passes for 266 receiving yards, breaking both records for Wesley. Callahan and Koudossou also connected for four touchdowns.

Wesley’s defense overcame a slow start by shutting out Widener in the second half, as the home crowd was treated to an impressive victory during Wesley’s first official night game in school history.

Head Coach Mike Drass enjoyed the final result, but knows the team can play better.

“Defensively we didn’t start well,” Drass said. “We had a good game, but they really jumped out on us. We can’t let teams do that.”

Junior running back Kennard Squirrell was happy with the team’s tenacity through first half struggles.

“All summer we prepared for Widener,” he said. “Even though we faced a little adversity, we were able to stick together and make a comeback.”

The defense came through in the end, and the offense did more than enough behind its third quarterback in three years.

“We had an unknown this year that we hadn’t in the past with Callahan,” Drass said. “He’s worked really hard to be the best that he can be, and it was exciting to see him respond the way he did.”

Callahan responded in a big way by setting school records in completions (37) and passing yards (510), while putting five touchdowns on the board.

“During the course of the game we didn’t realize records were being broken,” Drass said.

Squirrell was impressed with his teammates’ performances.

“Koudossou and Callahan had huge games, and that was a big reason why we were able to come back and win,” he said.

Wesley football fan John Kirk was thrilled with Wesley’s first night game.

“It was awesome and had a different feel then an afternoon game,” Kirk said. “The fans were really involved and the students responded well to having a night game.”

Kirk expressed his desire to have more night games in the future.

“I think it would be a great idea to do it again.”

Grace Massara