Blair dismantles Einstein on 100th anniversary of homecoming game

Football 09/26

Photo: Senior running back Nate Watkins runs to the endzone.

Senior running back Nate Watkins runs to the endzone. Photo courtesy of Zach Carter.

On Sept. 26, the Blair varsity football team (1-3) defeated the Einstein Titans (1-3) 42-0 on the 100th anniversary of the homecoming football game. It was their first win of the season after a slew of humbling losses away from home. 

The Blazers began with a successful opening drive that concluded with a short rushing touchdown by senior running back Nate Watkins. Einstein failed to respond, struggling to move the chains, plagued by costly penalties. Taking advantage of this prime field position, the Blazers capitalized with a spectacular touchdown catch by senior wide receiver Jayden Parker. The first quarter ended with Blair leading 14-0. 

After a long Titans possession, the Blazers forced a short punt but failed to take advantage of Einstein’s mistakes. Blair soon forced a stop, however, and Watkins exploited a huge hole to run for 30+ yards. Senior running back Westin Flores capped the drive with a 5-yard rushing touchdown to put the Blazers up 21-0. 

Blair’s disruptive pass coverage forced another Einstein turnover, and the Blazers quickly progressed down the field. After a lengthy scramble, senior quarterback Malachi Rice found senior wide receiver Ben Giblin in the end zone to end the half with a 28-0 lead. 

The halftime ceremony included recognition of the Blair alumni in attendance – a special honor for the 100th anniversary of Blair’s homecoming game. “It's been a while, so I enjoy being back here,” said 1981 Blair alum Joe Clark. “It's nice to see that Blair has got a winning team. We had a team in ‘81, but it was totally different. It’s a great venue and great atmosphere too.”

In the second half, Blair continued to dominate the game, forcing a quick fumble on Einstein’s first possession. Watkins responded with a powerful 33-yard rush to increase the lead to 35-0. After a quick 4-and-out possession from the Titans, Blair quarterback Rice made an electrifying 78-yard scramble to seal the win at 42-0. 

Einstein's lone chance to score came late in the fourth quarter, but after a series of offensive penalties, the Blazers were able to contain the Titans and hold on for the win. 

After several demoralizing losses, the Blazers emphasized that this game was a much-needed win. “We went out here, we dominated, we showed them that we could really hang,” freshman defensive lineman Johnmichael Kalule II said. “I know the first couple of losses really stung, but tonight we really came out here and made a statement. We showed them the true Blair and what it means to be a Blazer.” 

Blair next faces Blake High School away on Oct. 3 at 4:00 p.m. Tickets can be found here.