Pitts, Cadet football given ECFC accolades

The Cadets offense was recognized by the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) on Saturday, Sept. 26, for its outstanding performance against in-conference opponent Becker College of Massachusetts.

Derrick Pitts, 19, a freshman communications major from Schenectady, N.Y., was awarded the ECFC Rookie of the Week for his 116 yards and one touchdown first start in the Cadets' backfield. "It all starts up front," said Pitts. "The offensive line creates the holes, I just follow them."

After transferring from Schenectady Community College, Pitts arrived on campus during the spring semester. "Immediately I turned my attention toward the football team," Pitts said. "I had a lot of guys in my classes and you could tell they were leaders at school and I wanted to be a part of it."

Pitts participated in the football team's annual winter lifting sessions and spring football camp during early April. "You could tell Pitts was an athlete right away," said Adrian Dantzler, 21, a senior communications major from Mitchellville, Md.

However Pitts did not start as a receiver in spring football. "During high school I played quarterback, so I tried out there," Pitts said "But the coaches saw me more as a utility player, running and catching the ball."

He was then moved to slot receiver where he has been running and catching the ball successfully.

Norwich's offensive has been very successful in the past, especially on the ground. Last season, Norwich was ranked in the NCAA's top 10 rushing teams in the nation with 3,238 yards, and was the only team that did not run a triple option offense.

"We graduated 27 seniors last year," said Colin Young, 19, a sophomore communications major from Franklin, Mass. "Five were in the one two depth of the offensive line"

With so many new faces questions arose during spring football and preseason. "Three new faces came to the offensive line," said Young. "Myself, Peter Gill and Matt Gallagher"

All three players were in the one two depth last year and played a significant amount as freshmen.

Although the offense is young, the Cadets have many returners with successful past seasons. Andrew Fulford, a senior from Gloucester, Mass., was last season's leading rusher with 1,098 yards, followed by Junior Kris Sabourin with 1,077. Danny Triplet, a junior from Haverhill, Mass., finished fourth in rushing yards last year with 496 yards.

The Cadets' offensive line also returned senior captain and three-year starter Rob Sturgis, senior tackle Jay Brooks and junior guard Sean Southworth. "The older guys really push us and show us how it's done," Young said.

With the running game being so successful it leaves the possibility of an air attack wide open. "I really think to beat the good teams you need to be able to run through," said Dantzler.

After losing Chris Denton, the Cadets' leading receiver for the past two years, the team wondered who would step up. "I, Brandon Rudd, Darius Silas, and Brandon Mets have been working real hard this season," Dantzler said. "Coach Clark doesn't give us a break!"

Pitts may be the final piece of the puzzle the offense needs for a great season. Ranked number one with a 4-0 conference record, Norwich faces the most exciting part of the season. The Cadets still have three regular season games, two of which are home games. "We don't lose on Sabine," said Pitts.