Chase Edmonds the junior running back for Fordham University says it is about his team but it is becoming his show each time he gets the ball up at Rose Hill. Saturday afternoon at Jack Coffey Field, it was another record setter for Edmonds and the Rams as they took their Patriot League opener 58-34 over Lafayette.
Edmonds is humble and he does not brag about breaking his school record of 348 yards and scoring four touchdowns on the run. Fordham would also set a school single-game rushing record of 516 yards, and Edmonds would establish his new mark of 349 yards before calling it a day in the fourth quarter.
And with another record breaking day, coach andrew Breiner was more than content to rest Edmonds and give his All-American a rest. it also provided Breiner that opportunity to insert some of the backups with Fordham now in a stretch of five consecutive Patriot League games.
“It’s not just Chase,” he said. “We are going to play both backs. Deal is to play the best football at the end of the year.” Kendal Pearcey will see more playing time as will backup QB Luke Medlock who got in for a few plays for Anderson.
The Rams, 3-2 overall were coming off a devastating 42-41 overtime loss at Monmouth last week, so this was a nice rebound win. But, when you have Edmonds playing healthy and strong the chances are that much better.
“It was a week long response culminating in a victory today,” said Breiner. “Proud how we responded.” In other words that loss last week, according to the coach was not going to define what this Fordham team is all about.
It was that test to see how this Fordham team would respond, and they did from the opening kickoff when Lafayette quickly scored first and Edmonds on the next possession scored on a 29-yard run.
Quarterback Kevin Anderson passed for three touchdowns and ran one in. And it wasn’t just Edmonds, who at this pace, and with another year to go, is bound to set more records and go down as an all-time great at Rose Hill
Breiner saw Anderson connect to Corey Caddle with an 11-yard touchdown pass, Robbie Cantelli also connected from Anderson on a 22-yard pass as Fordham built a 41-20 lead at the half.
But it is the Chase Edmonds show up at Rose Hill, and whether the coach wants to admit it or not, he is the anchor of the Fordham offense.
“It’s not just talent. “ Breiner sad about his running back. ”It shows, he prepares. His focus, determination. What the public doesn’t see is the Chase we see Sunday through Friday. You don’t run those numbers by yourself.”
In other words, Edmonds is a team player and his line is also helping. ‘
“Line is doing a great job,” Edmonds said. “Record game like this, I think personally as a running back it speaks volumes. So the offensive line gives me lanes. Just try and focus and so the best to try and help the team.”
Up at Rose Hill there probably hasn’t been this type of player making such an impact. And with the illustrious history of Fordham football that speaks volumes. Breiner knows what he has every week. He was asked what else Edmonds can do.
His response drew a laugh: “I don’t know if he can cook. I haven’t asked him. He’s a talented as a running back you will see. He’s here making the most of the opportunity.”
Fordham also established a third quarter game. With exception of their record 83-21 win a few weeks back against Elizabeth City State, coming out strong in the third quarter was something that Breiner wanted to establish. The offense scored 10-points and Edmonds had a 67-yard run that contributed to his record setting day,
“That was something we discussed during the week,” Breiner said. “Something we focused. Get yourself in that mentality.” And with the Patriot League schedule ahead, capitalizing in that third quarter and often is going to be important for the Rams in a league where many points are scored.
But it was Edmonds who once again stole the show. What will he do to outshine this performance against Yale University next week?
“If we don’t win this Patriot League thing and don’t get in the playoffs, I will be highly upset,” Edmonds said with a smile. That could be a prelude to next week.
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