2 weeks Ago By Timothy Dashiell
“Win the day.” Francis Scott Key coach David Cunningham Jr. has implanted that mantra into the fabric of his program since taking over three years ago in an effort to boost his players’ confidence but still keep them humble.
The Eagles are beginning to see the fruits of their labor as they experience success early in the 2024 season that they haven’t before in their tenure at FSK. After two hard-fought, satisfying out-of-county wins, the Eagles were firing on all cylinders Friday night, defeating Winters Mill, 19-6, to move to 3-0 on the season. “It was a tough win,” Cunningham said.
“We knew we would be alright once we got on the board and settled down. After that it was about staying consistent.” Toughness and consistency were exactly the things Cunningham got from his team on the road and it started with his young signal caller.
Sophomore quarterback Jacob Etzler shook off a rough first half in which he was sacked three times and lost a fumble. Displaying that toughness, Etzler stood strong and responded with the poise of an athlete well beyond his years, getting the Eagles on the board after and leading a 13-play, 95-yard touchdown drive for the game’s first points in the second half. Facing a Falcons rush eager to get to him a fourth time, the sophomore stepped up in the pocket and threw a strike across the middle, finding Jermaine Dawson Jr.
for the first of his three passing touchdowns. “He’s a tough kid,” Cunningham said. “He’s got a lot of moxie.
Everyone in the county is going to have to watch out for him. He’s gonna be dangerous.” With the lead in hand and his offense settled down, Etzler was able to take control, connecting with Chase Replogle and Mitchell Smith for touchdowns as the FSK lead ballooned.
Liberty prepares to run a play during a football game at Winters Mill High School.(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Francis Scott Key's Mitchell Smith stiff-arms Winters Mill's Jesse Buckingham during Friday's game. (Thomas Walker/Freelance) The Winters Mill football team takes the field prior to a football game at Winters Mill High School.
(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Nickie Wilson cheers for Francis Scott Key during a football game at Winters Mill High School.(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Francis Scott Key's Jermaine Dawson runs the ball during a football game at Winters Mill High School.(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Winters Mill quarterback Autsin Denning throws the ball during a football game at Winters Mill High School.
(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Francis Scott Key quarterback Jacob Etzler throws for a touchdown at the end of the first have during a football game at Winters Mill High School.(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Francis Scott Key's Bryson Lookingbill catches a pass during a football game at Winters Mill High School.(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Francis Scott Key's Peyton Rhodes runs after catching a pass as Arthur Womack looks for the tackle during a football game at Winters Mill High School.
(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Jake Andolina runs the ball during a football game at Winters Mill High School.(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Liberty quarterback Jacob Etzler is sacked by Jesse Buckingham during a football game at Winters Mill High School.(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Autin Utz kicks off during a football game at Winters Mill High School.
(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Liberty's Jermaine Dawson is tackled under a host of Falcons during a football game at Winters Mill High School.(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Winters Mill's Tommy Hinkhaus runs the ball past Liberty's Dylan Belton during a football game at Winters Mill High School.(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Winters Mill quarterback gets tripped up after a short run as Liberty's Peyton Rhodes, from left, Sean Daley, and Jack Leannarda close in during a football game at Winters Mill High School.
(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Winters Mill head football coach Matt Miller walks the sideline during a football game at Winters Mill High School.(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Francis Scott Key's Bryson Lookingbill breaks off a big run during a football game at Winters Mill High School.(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Liberty quarterback Jacob Etzler looses the ball after a big hit by Victor Tejada and Tommy Hinkhaus, right, during a football game at Winters Mill High School.
(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Francis Scott Key coach David Cunningham Jr. watches his team during a football game at Winters Mill High School.(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Winters Mill and Francis Scott Key line up over the ball during a football game at Winters Mill High School.
(Thomas Walker/Freelance) Liberty prepares to run a play during a football game at Winters Mill High School.(Thomas Walker/Freelance) “I really like our offense,” Etzler said. “We have so many weapons on the outside, it just makes everything easier for me.
” Related Articles While Etzler brought the toughness, Dawson brought the consistency. The running back gashed the Falcons all night on the ground, serving as the perfect compliment to Etzler and the passing game. “Credit goes to my O-line,” Dawson said.
“I’m thankful for all of them. They did great.” Along with his receiving touchdown, Dawson rushed for 194 yards, averaging over 12 yards a carry with three rushes over 35 yards.
“He’s an absolute dog,” Cunningham said. “He’s my go-to guy in the backfield. We just want to keep feeding the workhorse.
” With Cunningham more than pleased with the toughness of his quarterback and consistency from his big-play running back, he was without a doubt satisfied with the effort from his defense. The unit showed both the toughness and consistency the third-year coach seeks from the game’s opening drive, holding the Falcons’ offense to minimal production. “Coach [Mike] Krauss is doing an amazing job,” Cunningham said, giving credit to his new defensive coordinator.
“We’re controlling the edge, the secondary is stepping up and we’re looking good on that side of the ball.” Whether it was forcing a red-zone turnover in the first quarter, a goal-line stand on the opening drive of the second half — where the Falcons were stuffed four times from the 3-yard line — or the game-sealing interception from Dylan Belton, the Eagles defense made its own mark Friday night, capping off a complete performance for Cunningham’s squad as they won the day, and their third game of the season. “This is all about them,” Cunningham said.
“The kids are the reason why we’re 3-0.”.
