Heading into the Dartmouth Indians’ home opener, Head Coach Rick White knew it would be the toughest game his football team will play all year.

That became apparent quickly, as opponent Central Catholic pulled off multiple interceptions, long runs, and touchdowns to secure a 41-7 win at Memorial Stadium on September 8.

“We knew we were going up against an experienced football team, and as I told my guys, I just wanted to see them come out and play hard,” White said after the game.

It was Central Catholic’s game early on, as the team ran its first touchdown late into the first quarter, and picked up a second touchdown just before the quarter ended to lead 14-0. By halftime, that lead went up to 34-0. The Indians struggled to keep up with the Raiders’ stamina throughout the entire game.

Dartmouth picked up a lone touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. The Indians brought the ball to the 10-yard line before running it into the endzone for a touchdown. Combined with the extra point, it was the only time the Indians managed to score. The Indians made it into the red zone on several other occasions, but incomplete passes and multiple Raider interceptions hampered any other attempts to score.

For the most part, new quarterback Nate Ellis – replacing Cole Jacobsen, who graduated last year – stuck to running the ball, but did also try his hand at long passes – in part due to pressure at the line of scrimmage.

“He threw a couple good balls down the field,” White said of Ellis. “He’ll continue to improve. Again, it’s only week one so they have nothing to hang their heads about.”

White hopes seeing his team in action for the first time will provide valuable insight into his team, and players.

“I’m just looking for the guys that want to compete for four quarters, run to the football, and play hard,” White said.

The Indians take on Attleboro for their next game on September 15. The next home game is on September 29 against Durfee.