New look, same results.
The Exeter-Milligan-Friend football team opened the 2024 season at Clarkson-Leigh Aug. 30 and brought home a 50-20 victory over the Patriots.
“Starting the season with a kick return for a touchdown was great to see and then scoring on another return was great,” Coach Kory Kahlandt said. “Our special teams are always a big focus for us and it was good to see that phase of the game do well.”
After graduating big guns like Breckan Schluter, the Bobcats turned to Mikey Bartu to handle the load at running back. The senior didn’t disappoint, gaining 198 yards on 12 carries and scoring four times.
Mark Milton took the opening kickoff 68 yards for a score to get things started for EMF. Clarkson-Leigh answered with a drive that ended with a touchdown.
Hunter Svehla took the ensuing kickoff 58 yards for six points to give EMF the lead for good.
The Bobcats scored 30 points in the first quarter and added six in the second, six in the third and eight in the fourth.
The Bobcats finished the game with 240 yards rushing on 26 attempts.
On defense, EMF recovered two Patriot fumbles. Brett Kallhoff finished with four solo tackles and three assists and recovered a fumble. Jacob Klooz added five solo tackles and three assists, and Truman Milton chipped in four solo stops and an assist.
“A few of our guys that saw their first varsity action did really well and stepped up nicely,” Kahlandt said.
Kahlandt said the Bobcats looked good at times, but there are some areas to improve.
Up next for EMF (1-0) is a trip to Johnson-Brock Friday, Sept. 6. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The Eagles lost their opener to Sandy Creek 60-8.
