Witt notes: Zoeller sharp in first Witt start

Josh McKee (14) of Wittenberg catches a pass from Ben Zoeller during the football team's season opener against Olivet at Edwards-Maurer Field in Springfield on Saturday, Sept. 4.

Staff photo by Barbara J. Perenic Josh McKee (14) of Wittenberg catches a pass from Ben Zoeller during the football team's season opener against Olivet at Edwards-Maurer Field in Springfield on Saturday, Sept. 4.

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By David Jablonski, Staff Writer Updated 12:13 PM Sunday, September 5, 2010

SPRINGFIELD – Ben Zoeller did almost everything right in his first start at quarterback for Wittenberg. He spread the ball around. He didn’t turn it over. He made big plays.

Most importantly, he won. The No. 8 Tigers beat Olivet in the season opener for the third straight season and by the widest margin yet, 48-6. The victory at Edwards-Maurer Field Saturday, Sept. 4, gives the Louisville, Ky., native Zoeller a 1-0 record as a starter.

“He was accurate,” Wittenberg coach Joe Fincham said. “Our tempo in and out of the huddle wasn’t quite what I wanted it to be, but we’ve got new guys in the huddle and a new QB. But I was pleased with how he started.”

Zoeller passed for 206 yards. Last year, he had 122 passing yards all season in backup duty.

Hurtt’s pick

Linebacker Zach Hurtt equaled his 2009 interception total with one in the season opener. He returned it 32 yards to set Wittenberg up at the Olivet 11-yard line in the third quarter.

“I wanted to take it to the house,” Hurtt said. “A couple more blocks, a couple more moves.”

Injuries

Offensive lineman Tony Eich missed the game after breaking his nose in practice. Tight end Mat Guida also didn’t play because of an injury.

However, the defense, which also had injuries, was at full strength. Linemen Eddie Vallery and Adam Kattoua, linebacker Brad McKinley and cornerback Keenan Freeman all started after missing time in the preseason.

“It was great to have all the bullets in the gun firing at the same time,” Hurtt said. “We click better when we have those upperclassmen leaders.”

Balanced offense

Wide receivers Josh McKee and Michael Cooper and running back Corey Weber, who combined to score 35 of the team’s 65 touchdowns in 2009, each had two scores against Olivet.

“That’s how we like to do it,” said the junior McKee, a Tecumseh graduate. “It’s really hard for a defense to stop a balanced offense. We’ve just got to make sure we keep doing the things we do best: Blocking on the edge, no drops and keep moving the ball down the field.”

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