Davenport University went 1-1 in two early-season games as they lost to regular rivals Western Ontario and then beat Western Michigan.

Photos by Steven Zomberg. Click on image to enlarge.

After five days of training, Davenport played at Western Ontario on Thursday, September 3, before returning to Grand Rapids, Mich. to face WMU.

Western Ontario won 28-7 in what should have been a much closer game, said Davenport Head Coach James Wood.

"We just made a lot of poor tactical decisions when we were deep in the attacking end, and let them off the hook," said Wood. "We are still shaking off some rust. Our breakdown work on the offensive side was a bit lacking and we will need to clean that up going forward."

The day later, Davenport defeated WMU 39-7 in what Wood said was a "marginally better effort. We started a few guys outside their normal positions and also gave a few younger guys a look as well."

Among those younger guys was sophomore lock/No. 8 Thomas Cheslek, who was a physical presence on defense and showed some significant improvement from his freshman year. Freshman Jeff Snikkers started on the wing against Western Ontario. He played just one year at Grand Rapids Catholic Central, but showed well in his first college.

Senior lock Kyle Cline is back from an injury and was a powerful presence.

"He was tough to tackle and if we can get his fitness level back to where it needs to be he could turn into a real monster," enthused Wood. In the backs, Noah Zomberg was moved from fullback to flyhalf and adjusted nicely and as time goes on will continue to take mare commend of the game.