Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

FOOTBALL | Offense Sizzles in Season Opener

The Georgetown football team gained over 400 yards of total offense en route to a 39-14 road win over the Marist Red Foxes on Sept. 1. For the third consecutive season, the Hoyas have won their opening contest.

Junior quarterback Gunther Johnson completed 26 of 37 passes for 369 yards and four touchdowns. His performance marked the first 300-yard game for a Georgetown quarterback since 2015.

Richard Schofield/The Hoya
Junior quarterback Gunther Johnson passed for 369 yards and four touchdowns in the Hoyas’ win over Marist.

Johnson credited the offensive line for his strong performance.

“This is the best line protection I have ever had in my career,” Johnson said in an interview with The Hoya. “From the very first drive we felt like we could do whatever we wanted on them.”

Georgetown’s talented receiving corps also found success against Marist. Ten different receivers recorded a catch, and four different players caught touchdowns. Senior wideout Winston Jackson Jr. led the team with four grabs for 114 yards and a touchdown, while junior receiver Michael Dereus corralled five catches for 99 yards and a score.

Head Coach Rob Sgarlatapraised Offensive Coordinator Rob Spence’s game plan as well as the performance of his receiving corps.

“I’m just glad someone else has to defend them,” Sgarlata said in an interview with The Hoya. “We did a great job using all the weapons that Gunther has at his disposal.”

Defensively, the Hoyas locked down the Red Foxes. Sophomore linebacker Xavier Reddick led the team with 8 tackles, while two interceptions by senior defensive back Blaise Brown helped Georgetown hold Marist scoreless at the half. Georgetown headed to the intermission having allowed 82 total yards and four first downs.

Sgarlata said the Hoyas fought through in-game setbacks.

“I’m really impressed with how we came out in the first half both on offense and defense,” Sgarlata said. “We hit some adversity during the game, but the kids fought through it all day.”

Another turnover provided a spark for the Blue and Gray early in the third quarter. Sophomore defensive back George Ikott stripped the Marist quarterback, forcing a fumble. Linebacker Duval Paul scooped up the ball and ran it back nine yards for a touchdown, extending Georgetown’s lead to 18-0.

Three Hoyas earned Patriot League Weekly Accolades. Senior defensive back and captain Blaise Brown was named defensive player of the week, junior placekicker Brad Hurst was awarded special teams player of the week, and freshman wideout Joshua Tomas took home rookie of the week.

Sgarlata commented on Brown’s performance and leadership.

“Blaise Brown is one of the best players in the Patriot League. He had a tremendous camp, was elected captain for us, and he is a great leader,” Sgarlata said. “He had some huge plays for us today and some plays that won’t show up on the stat sheet. He does a great job of keeping our guys focused.”

The Hoyas are looking to extend their winning streak on Saturday as they host Campbell University. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

Gunther Johnson is ready for the team’s next challenge.

“We are excited to get a win,” Johnson said. “We did a lot of good things, but tomorrow we will make some corrections and get ready for Campbell.”

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