For most, the best season of the year has finally begun… football season. The Colonels started off their season with a big win over the Keystone College Giants, taking the game 48-21. This win was momentous for Wilkes as they are being led by new sophomore quarterback Isaiah Rodriguez. 

In his first start and first win, Rodriguez went 18 for 23 while putting up 217 passing yards as well as throwing two touchdown passes and adding a rushing touchdown.

“It is an honor (to be a starter) and it is something that I had to be patient and work for during my freshman year,” said Rodriguez. “The moment is finally here and I am just hoping that I can continue to produce and help carry this team to a championship. Funny enough, it was actually my birthday on the day of the game, so it was the best birthday gift I could ask for.”

The coaching staff is looking forward to what this young man is going to do for the team throughout the entirety of the season.  

“Isaiah did a great job of managing the game in his first start,” said head coach Jonathan Drach. “He is a big kid that can run and throw the ball with great accuracy. He gets better every day with each additional rep that he takes. He will continue to grow as a leader and on-field performer as the season goes on.”

Aside from having a young new quarterback, the majority of the team is considered to be experienced returners as Drach explained after the team win.  

“We return a great deal of varsity lettermen,” said Drach. “We have great senior leadership and we look forward to the team growing under them as the players that have stepped into starting roles know the expectation of their positions and have done a great job of filling those requirements.”

The team is coming off of a .600 season and they are looking to capitalize on the energy that they have already gained right off of the first snap of the season.  

“There is still a lot of stuff we need to improve on defensively and offensively but a decent start (to the season),” said junior defensive back Jesse Addesso who added seven tackles in the win over Keystone. “This season I am looking forward to winning more games and getting better as a team.”

Looking ahead, the Colonels will be playing this Saturday as they host Widener University at noon in a battle of the right shade of blue and gold. Following the home game, Wilkes will travel to Lebanon Valley on Sep. 24th for a 1 P.M. kickoff. 

The team is looking forward to taking this first-win momentum and gassing it all the way to the MAC championship game and title. 

For more information on statistics and the remaining schedule, go to www.gowilkesu.com