The Mountie Football team is off to an unusually slow start this year going 1-3 in their first four contests. In their week two loss to Monument Mountain, they lost key wide receiver, veteran Michael McCormack due to a concussion. McCormack was junior quarterback Brodie Altiere’s go to option, previously reeling in a game winning touchdown the week before to beat Commerce. McCormack is not the only one struggling with injury. Sophomore running back Patrick Storie injured his knee in their loss to Hoosac Valley, and key senior lineman Carter Cummings has been dealing with a back injury. All these injuries have been detrimental to an already limited roster. Due to loss in numbers, the Mounties have had to rely on underclassmen to step up. When asked about the performances of underclassmen and who is producing, senior captain Jake Benzinger said, “they are being put in some tough spots, but they are doing a great job for us. Reilly Parker has been a great asset in the secondary in absence of Michael.”

Team captains, Matt Hogan, Jake Benzinger, and Michael McCormack have supplied  veteran support for the younger squad. Having experience in two Super Bowls, the three captains knows what it takes to make the playoffs and even pursue a championship. “We will just need to get guys back from injuries. Then have better drives on offense, so we can get our defense off the field,” noted Benzinger when asked about what it would take to rally to make the playoffs. A struggling Mounties offense has put a lot of pressure on the defense to make more plays than usual. When asked about the defense and how to to keep each other focused, Hogan said, “ We’re always motivated to make plays. Focus hasn’t been an issue.” So far this season, the Mounties have had to overcome adversity left and right. When asked about what the season holds for the Mounties football team, Hogan said, “we’re just going to take everything day by day and try to improve whenever we get an opportunity too.” The three captains and the rest of the Mounties squad look to improve in the next couple weeks, playing Drury at home this Friday, and South Hadley next Friday on homecoming weekend.