Stony Brook’s annihilation of Saint Anselm began early for Kyle Essington and company. The Seawolves came up with 679 total yards in the game against the struggling Hawks, who are now 0-6 this season. Stony Brook struggled during its first three games of the season, but after winning its last three games, the team is now 3-3.
Domination began early for the Seawolves as Brock Jackolski managed to score both touchdowns for Stony Brook in the first quarter. Jackolski finished the game with 90 yards and two touchdowns, and is now the ninth Big South player to eclipse 3,000 all-purpose yards.
“It’s a pretty outstanding accomplishment,” said Jackolski. “I just play and the stats just come. I don’t think about those kind of things when I’m playing, but it’s definitely an honor.”
The wide receivers stole the show in the second quarter. Essington threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Matt Brevi with 1:44 remaining in the quarter. Jordan Gush was another standout player in this week’s game. Gush had two touchdown catches for 54 yards total. Gush had a 29-yard touchdown pass from Essington with nine seconds left to go before halftime, giving Stony Brook a monstrous 34-0 lead.
Essington’s passing game and impeccable timing can be given a great deal of credit for the win, and his receivers are noticing.
“The timing has been getting really good,” said Gush. “We’re just looking to get open. We’re trying to do every route exactly as we’re taught to do it.”
The 6’2 QB from Chino Hills, Calif. has proven himself to be reliable and precise in and out of the pocket. The new starting quarterback is quick on his feet, can run effectively with the ball and throw on the move.
Essington went 17 for 27 against Saint Anselm for 292 yards and four touchdowns. When combining those outstanding statistics with last week’s romping against Presbyterian, Essington has seven passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown and 568 total yards with only one sack in his first two games as a starting quarterback.
“Kyle gets outs there in the open field and he can throw on the run,” said Jackolski. “Kyle is an awesome athlete, he can run the ball and he can throw the ball. When you have a quarterback that can threat with a run it’s so hard for the defense to try and cover the pass and the run.”
After a Saint Anselm’s touchdown, the game turned into the Seawolves’ show. Jackolski dodged Saint Anselm defenders as he ran a kickoff return 90 yards for a touchdown with 12:55 left to go in the third quarter.
“Whenever you’re back there,” Jackolski said, “You’re always thinking touchdown, but when I caught the ball [defensive back] DJ Porter led me through the hole and it was wide open.”
With a comfortable lead, Stony Brook decided to showcase the talents of Jevahn Cruz, who took the opportunity and literally ran with it. Cruz had 169 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Cruz’s standout touchdown occurred with 7:21 left in the third quarter when he found a pocket in the middle and took advantage of it. Cruz flew down the field for a 63-yard touchdown and proved that even at 5’7”, 160 pounds, he is an undeniable weapon.
“He came out tonight and did a good job, obviously statistically, and hopefully he gains the confidence he needs and then we can get another guy’s hands on the ball when we need it,” said coach Priore about Cruz at the press conference after the game.
Despite starting off 0-3, Stony Brook has won its last three games and is beginning to find their groove in the 2011 season.
“I was certainly pleased how we prepared for the game,” said Priore. “We had the opportunity to rest some kids and get them off the field.”
Essington has stepped up, taken on the role with a noticeable force and thanks his teammates for making the shift a positive experience.
“I think it’s been a nice transition,” said Essington. “I think everybody has been very supportive of me taking on the starting role and I think we’re going to continue to get better and better as the season progresses.”
Stony Brook will travel on the road to take on VMI.
“VMI is a tough, tough environment,” said Priore. “It’s a military school and those guys thrive for Saturday afternoon.”
Priore never fails to mention post-game how proud he is of his players and their performance.
“I think we’re trying to play the game the way it’s supposed to be played,” said Priore. “I think you get a little bit of confidence and I think confidence takes you a long way.”