On Saturday, Sept. 7, the Muhlenberg football team kickstarted their 2024 season with success, making the trip to Bethlehem to face off against one of their fiercest rivals, Moravian University. The highly anticipated matchup started with the Mules delivering a standout performance that saw them overpower the Greyhounds with a final score of 33-7. This impressive victory secured bragging rights and ensured that the Sodexo Cup remained in Allentown for the 13th consecutive year. With a solid start to the season, the Mules have set a high bar for the games to come. In their season opener against the Moravian Greyhounds, the Mules demonstrated their resilience and skill in this matchup.
The Greyhounds started strong, securing an early touchdown in the first quarter. However, the Mules quickly answered with determination, shutting Moravian’s offense down and responding with two touchdowns in the first half. The momentum carried into the third quarter when Christopher Short ‘27 delivered a spectacular play by returning the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. This electrifying run energized the team and tied the school record for the most extended kickoff return, showcasing Short’s impressive athleticism. Later in the third quarter, quarterback Joe Repetti ‘25 connected with Tim Buda ‘25 for a 1-yard touchdown pass, marking the Mules’ final score of the game.
The Mules’ defense was equally impressive, working hard to stop the Greyhounds’ offensive efforts and ensuring a scoreless second half. This tenacious defensive performance resulted in a shutout for the second, third and fourth quarters, highlighting the team’s defensive skills. The Muhlenberg football team was ranked 21st in the 2024 Division III preseason polls. Repetti, who threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 97 yards, was a standout performer. His exceptional efforts earned him the Bianco Award and the MVP title for the game, setting a high bar for the rest of the season and demonstrating his leadership roles in helping the Mules’ succeed. Tight end Matt McKenna ‘25 had a few post-game thoughts, “Tonight was a great battle. Moravian is a good team and brought on a battle, and they gave it their best efforts. However, we prepared exceptionally well, played physically and came together. We returned with another sweet victory and brought the Sodexo Cup home.”
Repetti said, “Preseason was the most competitive one I have been a part of in my four years here, and I think we will benefit from that down the road when it comes to close games in the second half. We should have another successful season if what happened this camp stays true.”
McKenna added, “We prepared well in the preseason. We all dug very deep and went hard during every practice. Both offensively and defensively, we know we are going to be a great team this year, no matter the circumstances. We have brought a few players back this year, gained many new players and also have multiple returning players; it doesn’t matter because everyone has worked very hard during the off-season and preseason to get where we are today, and we will continue improving as a team and taking victories one by one.” The Mules are fired up and are ready to lock in for their next game against Salisbury University, which they defeated last season 19-17, on Saturday, Sept. 14.
