In a matchup between two teams looking for their first win this season, the Eagles came out on top with a 48-16 lopsided victory over the Southwestern Jaguars at their 2023 homecoming game. The Eagles outgained the Jaguars 509-274 in total yardage. The Eagles’ defense forced two turnovers and gave up only three points in the second half. With the win, the Eagles improved to 1-5 as they look to build some momentum in the 2nd half of the season. The win also serves as the Eagles’ first in the newly named HCN Bank Stadium.
The Eagles came off to a fast start against the Jaguars with a touchdown in their opening drive. Eagles quarterback Zach Zella connected with wide receiver Elijah Simley for a 22-yard touchdown pass that gave the Eagles a 6-0 lead. The Eagles’ defense returned the favor by forcing a quick three-and-out. On the Eagles’ second drive, they drove down the field, but the Jaguars’ goal line defense stood strong and forced a field goal. The field goal gave the Eagles a 9-0 lead. The Jaguars quickly responded when their quarterback Aleks Wojcik completed a 90-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jovahn Young. The Jaguars’ PAT attempt was blocked and defensive back Tyler Martin scooped up the football and took it for a defensive two-point conversion. After the Jaguars’ defense forced an Eagles’ punt on back-to-back possessions, the Jaguars’ offense looked to repay the favor. However, Wojcik’s pass was intercepted by the Eagles’ defensive back Carsten Mamaril. The Eagles’ offense turned the turnover into points with Zella connecting with wide receiver Christian Kretz for a 10-yard touchdown. The Eagles took an 18-6 lead to make it a two-possession lead. The Jaguars responded with a touchdown of their own after Wojcik made a 20-yard completion to wide receiver Lenza Robinson. Just like that, it was a one-possession game again with the Eagles’ lead at 18-13. The Eagles and Jaguars were stopped on their next drive. With five minutes left until halftime, the Eagles ran a five-minute drive that was capped off with Zella’s two-yard pass to defensive lineman Tevita Hailalilo. The Eagles led 25-13 at halftime.
In the second half down by two possessions against the Eagles, the Jaguars had the ball to start the second half. The Jaguars struggled to muster any offense against the Eagles’ defense and were forced to punt the ball back to the Eagles. The Eagles added to their lead with Zella connecting with Simley on a 22-yard pass for a touchdown. The Eagles increased their lead to 31-13 to take a three-possession lead. The Eagles’ defense forced another three and out to give the ball back to the offense. The Eagles scored quickly with Zella’s 27-yard completion to Kretz. At this point, the game was getting out of reach for the Jaguars as the Eagles’ led 38-13. The Jaguars responded to the touchdown by driving the ball deep into the Eagle’s territory, but they were stopped and forced to kick a field goal to make the score 38-16. The Eagles’ offense drove down the field and kicked a field goal as well to make it a 41-16 game. The Jaguars’ next drive came to an end after Tyler Martin’s interception. The Eagles turned the interception into more points with quarterback David Clark’s 28-yard rushing touchdown to make it 48-16.
Zach Zella completed 22-of-29 passes for 305 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions. On the ground, Matthew Caldera ran for 93 yards on 14 carries. Christian Kretz caught six passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns. Elijah Simley caught three passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, DeShawn Brooks had five tackles and one sack. Koa Kaleoppa had one sack, a tackle for loss, and three tackles. Carsten Mamaril continued to showcase his ballhawk ability by snagging his fourth interception of the season. Tyler Martin recorded his second interception of the year.
