BROOKLINE – The spotlight often shines on the working parts of a football team after a convincing win.
For the Northeastern University Huskies, all units were functioning in grand fashion in a mammoth 71-0 shutout of Cheyney University, Saturday before 1,671 at Parsons Field.
So much so that back-up running backs freshman Maurice Murray and redshirt freshman Barry Jeanson, two members of a deep core, stole the show with three touchdowns each.
Junior wide receiver Cory Parks (4 catches, 125 yards) caught two scores in a relentless Husky attack that saw them take a 41-0 lead by halftime. Northeastern scored over 70 points for just the second time in its history, the first coming in last August’s 78-6 victory over Stonehill College.
Cheyney, a Division II program from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), was overwhelmed on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball by NU (1-0). The Wolves (0-2) held the ball for just under 10 minutes longer than the Huskies but had 400 fewer yards on the day (563 to 149).
Senior quarterback Shawn Brady commanded the offense with 173 passing yards and one touchdown, moving the ball well behind a bruising offensive line that made few mistakes all day long.
“Offensively, we went into the game with a plan of ‘take what they’ll give to us,’ to put it in a little coaching jargon, it’s to put the chalk in the quarterback’s hands,” said first-year Husky coach and former Temple University assistant Rocky Hager. “And Shawn made some good decisions as to what plays to stick with and what plays to change. The offensive line established the line of scrimmage, which was good.”
All-American senior linebacker Liam Ezekiel (seven tackles to lead the team) guided an aggressive defensive attack that constantly hounded any of Cheyney’s offensive schemes, and allowed for the Wolves to gain just 12 first downs to Northeastern’s 28.
“Defensively, we played aggressively, almost to the point where we were almost too aggressive,” Hager said. “I think their first three possessions were extended because of penalties. Those are aggressive things you don’t want to have to overcome all the time. Our defensive front played nicely and played off blocks well.”
As a sign of things to come, sophomore tailback Shawnn Gyles returned the opening Wolf kickoff 33 yards to the Northeastern 44.
Brady came out firing immediately to establish the Husky attack, completing three-of-four passes, culminating with a nine-yard pass to junior fullback Keith Kent to the Cheyney 5.
Murray then barreled his way into the end zone on two rushes. Junior Miro Kesic’s extra point was good and 1:34 into the contest, the Huskies had the lead for good.
Northeastern continued to score on all but two of their drives before the half ended, including a 45-yard pass to Parks and a Gyles touchdown from 1-yard out (27-0). Kesic ended a streak of 57 consecutive extra points on the drive.
“We have a different offensive scheme this year and it’s a lot easier throwing the ball,” Brady said. “We audible. It’s fun and that’s the biggest thing. We’ve all been playing together for three years so we know what we’re going to do.”
“Each one of [the tailbacks] has been a real strong asset for the football team,” Hager said. “I felt really good about the way things came together with Anthony Riley and Gyles being good compliments. Gyles ran the ball more physically than he had all spring practice. The tailback situation is very good.”
The touchdowns came just as quickly in the second half when the Huskies, in their first drive, saw Gyles rush on six consecutive plays for 25 yards. Murray then went in from 10 yards out on two plays (48-0).
Senior linebacker Rold Louis forced and recovered a fumble on Cheyney’s next drive to set up another Husky score, a Jeanson three-yard rush (55-0). Cheyney was forced to start at its 15-yard line after sophomore Jared White’s 50-yard kickoff. After a false start and two failed plays, however, the Wolves were at their own 10 on third down.
Wolf freshman quarterback Derrick Murry (10 passes, 93 yards) went back for a pass on third down and was immediately targeted by sophomore linebacker Jamil Young who brought him down in the end zone for a safety and 57-point deficit.
The Huskies remained on the ground for the final two drives with Jeanson finishing off both possessions with a touchdown run.
“We have a young team and we need every minute of experience we can get,” said Cheyney coach Lee Brown. “What we’re trying to do is get our young guys as much experience as we can.”
“One of our goals every week is to have a shutout,” Hager said. “It was very nice to see our young players at the end rise to the challenge of not allowing the Wolves into the end zone in the final seconds of the ball game. I haven’t been a head coach since 1996, so it’s nice to be back into the coaching position with a win and I’m thankful for the players who made plays.”
Northeastern travels to Division 1 Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. this Saturday for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.
