Mules capture the Sodexo trophy

Muhlenberg defeats Moravian in the annual Bedlam game

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Muhlenberg stars of the game hoist the Sodexo trophy after defeating Moravian University. Photo Credit: Muhlenberg Athletics Department.

Every year, the Muhlenberg College Mules square up against the Moravian University Greyhounds to determine the best football team in the Lehigh Valley and claim the Sodexo trophy that year. On Nov. 12 the Mules defeated Moravian in an impressive 37-10 blowout on the road.

Winning the Sodexo trophy means a lot to Nathan Milne, who is finishing up his fourth full season as Muhlenberg’s head coach. “It was a nice finish to the regular season and always great to beat your rival. The game is special when you have two historic schools competing, so it just means more,” said Milne. 

Agreeing with Milne, quarterback Joe Repetti ’25 said, “It felt very good to capture the Sodexo Cup once again. That is something we always look forward to in this rivalry game, and we don’t plan on losing the cup anytime soon.” 

The MVP of the rivalry game was John Washington ‘23. Washington finished the game with two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. Along with the title, Washington received a bowl-shaped trophy for winning the MVP honor but credited the rest of the team for the award. “It feels good when others recognize you for your play on the field, but this was a team award. I credit them because this could have been given to anyone that played. All around great effort in all phases. Coach Milne reflected on Washington’s performance saying, “Recruiting John Washington four and a half years ago! John was the MVP of the game and created turnovers that led directly to points. His interceptions changed the momentum of the game.”

Talking about the key to his successful game, Washington said, “Just watching film all week. Based on the formation and personal, we had a good idea of their tendencies. Coach Kory David and the rest of the staff did a great job during practice, and it was up to us to execute.” Washington was not the only one on the defensive side of the ball with a successful game. Matt Papa ‘24 led the team in tackles with six. Dominic Visintin ‘22, James McGettigan ‘22 and Quentin Ogren ‘22 all had a sack in this game, with Visintin also picking up an interception. “Our defense was very aggressive and created turnovers in a big game,” said Coach Milne. The defense was big in this game, with only giving up ten points in this game and only three points in the first three quarters.

The offense also had an impressive game, led by quarterback Repetti. Repetti was able to throw for 242 yards and two touchdowns while adding 25 yards and one touchdown on the ground. “The key to our game against Moravian was sticking together through some rougher patches of the game and trusting each other to execute assignments. Once we settled in, the pieces fell into place,” said Repetti. Another standout performer on the offensive end was Michael Feaster ‘23 who with seven catches, 109 yards and a touchdown. Ethan Brader ‘23 led the game in rushing with 76 yards. The offense, according to Coach Milne, was up and down. The offense really stuck out in the first and fourth quarter when they scored two touchdowns in each of those quarters.

With the win, the Mules were able to finish with a 6-4 record overall with a 6-3 record in conference, which is good enough to qualify for the Centennial-MAC Bowl. This is the 18th time in the last 22 seasons that the Mules have been able to play a postseason game. “I’m excited to spend another week with our team. We’ve been through a lot on and off the field this season. We have a great group of seniors who I have so much fun with each day at practice. They work really hard, they are great ambassadors for Muhlenberg College, and to have more time with them is the best part of this week,” said Coach Milne. “Going into the final game this season, we just want to send the fifth-year guys and the seniors who aren’t coming back for a fifth year out the right way. Those guys have put a ton into this program, and they deserve to end their careers with a win for the last time wearing the Muhlenberg uniform,” said Repetti. The main goal in this game is to get one more win for the seniors. Regardless of the outcome, with this game being a bowl game there won’t be another opportunity for the Mules to take the field this season regardless of the outcome. “Time flies when you’re having fun, and I wouldn’t want to change my last ride with this group of men. My parents just told me to have fun and take it all in this week during practice, so I will do just that,” said Washington, who is going into the final game of his career.

The Mules will take the field for the final time this season at Lebanon Valley College in the Centennial-MAC Bowl game on Saturday, Nov. 19th.

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