It is better late than never for the Generals football team, which earned its first win last week at home over conference rival Randolph-Macon.

After starting out the season on a five-game losing streak, the team hopes to use this victory as a momentum booster to fuel the rest of the season and into next year.

“You hate to see it this late, but we are a very young team, and we hope that this win can prove to the rest of the ODAC that we are a quality team,”  said Head Coach Scott Abell.

The Generals rotate in eight or nine first-years on offense, including Running Back Duncan Maxwell as the lone first-year starter. The team also utilizes four rookies on defense.

“I feel like the freshmen are finally growing into their roles and meshing on the field with the rest of the team,” said sophomore linebacker John Carrick. “It can be tough and it’s a big jump from high school to college no matter what level.”

Carrick led the way for the defense last week with two critical interceptions to go along with five tackles. The second interception essentially sealed the game for the Generals, who were at the time leading 28-25 nearing the end of the fourth quarter. The Yellow Jackets were driving towards field goal range and were almost in a position to tie the game, or even win it with a touchdown.

“I just wanted to end the game with a win, and keep them from a field goal,” said Carrick. “I saw Moody [Heard] lay a big hit on their quarterback and the ball come straight towards me so I just caught it and made sure I was in bounds. All the credit for the play should go to Moody.”

From here, Abell said that the goal is to build off of this game and win out, building the confidence to come into next season more experienced and ready to compete for an ODAC Championship and a berth in the NCAA playoffs.

“I think that we are getting better every week,” said Abell. “We still have a lot of work to do but I am excited to go out there this week with my team.”

This Saturday, the Generals will be playing against Emory & Henry College at home.