UNH returns to the football field after pandemic impacted spring season
DURHAM, N.H. (BVM) — After COVID-19 pushed back the University of New Hampshire’s fall football season, the program held out hope for a chance at a shortened schedule during the spring.
As the spring season kicked off, the Wildcats would only get the chance to play in one of their scheduled games in 2020-21; a 24-20 loss to UAlbany. Following a string of COVID-19 related issues, the program decided against a football season after trying its hardest to continue it.
“Despite the incredible efforts of Coach Mac, the entire football staff, athletic training and, most of all, our student-athletes, we are left with no other choice but to forego the remainder of the spring season,” UNH Director of Athletics Marty Scarano said in a press release back in April.
“This is not the outcome we hoped for, but unfortunately, we could not get on the right side of the COVID numbers, and we will never forsake the health of our students. This is incredibly heartbreaking, but I am so proud of how hard everyone fought to give themselves a chance to get back on the field. This should be a reminder that this pandemic is still very much a part of our lives.”
With their five remaining games canceled, the Wildcats, like many other teams in the CAA, would have to move on to their regularly-scheduled fall season.
With the shortened offseason, New Hampshire had to quickly put last season in the rear view mirror. As the team ramped up its efforts for Week 1, the Wildcats would suffer their first major blow of the 2021 season with star sophomore quarterback Max Brosmer going down with a torn ACL just days before kickoff.
If the Wildcats could take anything from last season, it’s that they could brave some football adversity. With the keys to the offense given to backup quarterback Bret Edwards, the sophomore would fare well in the team’s opening matchup, passing for three touchdowns in New Hampshire’s 27-21 win over Stony Brook.
“Bret’s a good football player, he’s played in a college football game,” head coach Sean McDonnell said before Thursday’s action. “Our kids reacted just the way I would want them to react. They are disappointed, they feel awful for Max, but they are looking forward for Bret, they are looking forward for Brody [McAndrew]. In this league you got to have two quarterbacks and fortunately we do, I think we have three. Right now the team has responded. Bret has practiced very well, Brody has practiced very well. But, Bret’s the guy that’s going to lead us, he’s going to be at the forefront. He’s very athletic [and] has a whip for an arm.
After a string of uncertainty and bad luck, the chance to get back on the football field would be a long-time coming for the New Hampshire football program. With an opening win, the Wildcats aren’t looking backwards as the team set its sights on a successful 2021 campaign.
