Pacific
Edgren can't corral Mustangs in 39-0 defeat
Stars and Stripes
September 6, 2014
ASIJ running back Takuto Wada turns the corner against Robert D. Edgren during the 2014 season opener Friday, Sept. 5 in Chofu, Japan. ASIJ would defeat the Eagles 39-0. (James Kimber/Stars and Stripes)
ASIJ running back Takuto Wada turns the corner against Robert D. Edgren during the 2014 season opener Friday, Sept. 5 in Chofu, Japan. ASIJ would defeat the Eagles 39-0. (James Kimber/Stars and Stripes)
Robert D. Edgren quarterback Shawn Robinson was able to pick apart the ASIJ secondary for much of the 2014 DODDS Pacific season opener Friday, Sept. 5 in Chofu, Japan, but was unable to lead his team to a score. ASIJ shut out Edgren 39-0. (James Kimber/Stars and Stripes)
ASIJ running back Zach Noddin breaks a few Robert D. Edgren arm tackles as he powered into the end zone during the first quarter of the Mustangs' 2014 season opener Friday, Sept. 5 in Chofu, Japan. ASIJ would go on to win 39-0. (James Kimber/Stars and Stripes)
Robert D. Edgren running back Nicholas Cunniff fights for extra yards against the ASIJ defense during the 2014 DODDS Pacific season opener Friday, Sept. 5 in Chofu, Japan. ASIJ shut out Edgren 39-0. (James Kimber/Stars and Stripes)
ASIJ running back Sam Linder pushes through Robert D. Edgren's Nicholas Cuniff to score the first points of the season for the Mustangs during their 2014 season opener Friday, Sept. 5 in Chofu, Japan. ASIJ would go on to score 33 more in a 39-0 rout over Edgren. (James Kimber/Stars and Stripes)
ASIJ quarterback Brandon Rogers attempts to pass despite a collapsing pocket against Robert D. Edgren during the Mustangs' 2014 season opener Friday, Sept. 5 in Chofu, Japan. Rogers threw for one score in a 39-0 victory. ( James Kimber/Stars and Stripes)
ASIJ defensive back Ray Hotta records an interception off an incompletion during the Mustangs' 2014 season opener against Robert D. Edgren on Friday, Sept. 5 in Chofu, Japan. ASIJ would win 39-0. (James Kimber/Stars and Stripes)
ASIJ quarterback Brandon Rogers scrambles against Robert D. Edgren during the Mustangs' 2014 season opener Friday, Sept. 5 in Chofu, Japan. Rogers threw for one score in a 39-0 victory. (James Kimber/Stars and Stripes)
Robert D. Edgren wide receiver Daniel Lovett is finally caught from behind by ASIJ defensive back Tyler Sapsford after turning a tipped pass into 30-yard completion during the 2nd quarter of the Eagles' 2014 season opener against the Mustangs on Friday, Sept. 5 in Chofu, Japan. The Eagles would lose 39-0. ( James Kimber/Stars and Stripes)
ASIJ running back Zach Noddin drags the Robert D. Edgren defense for a few extra yards during the Mustangs' 2014 season opener Friday, Sept. 5 in Chofu, Japan. ASIJ would go on to win 39-0. ( James Kimber/Stars and Stripes)
New quarterback, same result.
In its first game in the post-David Hernandez era, American School In Japan got rushing touchdowns from three running backs and overwhelmed outmanned Robert D. Edgren 39-0 in Friday’s season opener at Mustang Valley.
Brandon Rogers moved from receiver to the quarterback spot.
Ryan Murphy ran eight times for 143 yards, including a touchdown. Sam Linder and Zach Noddin each also rushed for TDs. But unlike when Hernandez was around, ASIJ didn’t pass the ball much, getting just 21 yards in the air and a touchdown catch by Joe Walker.
“They were very thin,” Mustangs coach John Seevers said of a young, small Eagles squad that dressed just 24 players. “They’re well coached, but they didn’t have the numbers.”
Much of the tackling done by the Eagles came in the secondary as ASIJ’s size told the tale in the interior.
“We learned a lot” from the defeat, first-year Eagles coach Bill Schofield said. “And we will definitely turn this thing around in our favor. The kids want to do better. They’ll make it.”
ASIJ has not lost since falling 42-7 at Yokota on Oct. 5, 2012. The Mustangs are coming off the school’s first unbeaten season since 1981.
Friday’s victory was the first step in a season that will see the Mustangs play games against DODDS opponents outside of Honshu Island for the first time in school history. ASIJ has dates with Kadena on Sept. 13 and Kubasaki on Oct. 25.
“We’re definitely excited,” Seevers said. “It’s a great opportunity. Good for us and good for football. We’ve always wanted to do that.”
Edgren next plays Matthew C. Perry on Sept. 13 at Zama in the first of two neutral-site games for the teams.