Column: Redemption Story: Blue Hens Style

Sophomore Justis Henley is in an interesting spot.

Stepping into the starting cornerback role this season, Henley gets matched up with some of the best athletes opposing offenses have to offer. Inevitably, those athletes are going to make plays against Henley; it's impossible to shut out every offense all season long. But in a modern defense, success often comes down to simply making a big play when it matters.

It happened in the season opener against Delaware State. Henley was matched up with the talented Kwannah Kollie, and while he made four catches for 60 yards, Henley had multiple athletic pass breakups that kept the Hornets out of the end zone.

The situation arose again in Kingston, R.I. as the Blue Hens took on Rhode Island in the first Colonial Athletic Association game of the season. The Rams have a stable of high-impact receivers, highlighted by Aaron Parker, a First Team All-CAA selection from last season, who finished the night with 227 yards. Ahmere Dorsey and Isaiah Coulter each had over 75 yards.

And once again, Henley was there to make a big play when it mattered. In the second quarter, it was a pass breakup that kept Rhode Island out of the end zone and the Blue Hens' deficit to one score. In the third overtime, it was an interception in the end zone on a jumped route that clinched a 44-36 instant-classic win.

"Moments like that I've dreamed of all my life," Henley said of his winning interception.

"I am extraordinarily proud of our coaches and our student-athletes for being resilient," head coach Danny Rocco said. "I came in the locker room at halftime and said 'we're going to win this game.'"

That (very human) story arc of failure, redemption, and ultimate success was prevalent Saturday night. None more prevalent that redshirt senior quarterback Pat Kehoe. Kehoe struggled in the first half, throwing three interceptions in the first half and leading his team into halftime with zero points on the scoreboard.

But on the first two offensive drives of the third quarter, Kehoe threw big touchdowns on play action fakes to put the Blue Hens up 14-13; the first to redshirt junior receiver Chichi Amachifor 66 yards, the first of his career, and the second to sophomore tight end Bryce De Maillefor 22 yards.

Then as the Rams pulled ahead 19-14 in the fourth, Kehoe and the Blue Hens marched down the field on their longest drive of the night (12 plays, 6:48) and reclaimed the lead with a touchdown throw to redshirt senior tight end Owen Tyler. Kehoe even caught the two-point conversion on a Philly Special-style trick play that had receiver Thyrick Pitts and Kehoe reversing roles.

As what seemed like a game-winning Delaware touchdown led to a game-tying Rhode Island field goal, the entire team continued the redemption arc with a thrilling overtime period. An Andre Robinson touchdown rush here.

A De Maille touchdown catch there. A Will Knight wheel route for a touchdown to put the Hens up for good.

And, of course, a Justis Henley interception to send Delaware home with a win.

Stray Observations

This is a huge win for Delaware. Head coach Danny Rocco described it as a "red letter game." The CAA is a premier FCS conference and wins do not come easily, especially on the road. With the game so early in the season, the Blue Hens will be 1-0 in the conference until they face Elon on the road on Oct. 12.
Andre Robinsonwas the game's leading rusher, carrying the ball 20 times for 111 yards. The offensive line did a good job of opening holes for Robinson, whose downhill running style produced many big gains. As a result, Rhody played the run heavily and bit on play action, setting up the open looks that led to the big third quarter touchdown throws.
The defense made a number of big plays to keep the game closer than it could have been (a -3 turnover margin in the first half is often a recipe for disaster). One player who really stood out was redshirt junior Salvatore Mauro. Playing in the KAT position (a hybrid defensive lineman/linebacker), Mauro was active all game batting down passes and making tackles for loss, often when the defense had its back against the end zone.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Nolan Henderson provided a nice change of pace under center. As the Rams locked down in man coverage, Henderson was able to break off big runs. A nine-yard scramble in the third quarter kept alive a drive that ended in Amachi's touchdown. Another 16-yard run in the fourth set up Tyler's touchdown.
Redshirt junior running back DeJoun Lee had a solid night rushing with 54 yards on 10 carries, but was even more efficient catching passes out of the backfield. The Springfield, Va., product had four catches for 29 yards, a 7.3 yards per catch average.
Redshirt sophomore defensive back Riah Burton got the first significant action of his Delaware career, impressing with four solo tackles and a pass breakup.
On third and goal in the third overtime, a play before Henley's game-sealing interception, redshirt freshman Joe Zubillaga switched to double team Rhode Island's Ahmere Dorsey before the snap. It paid off as Zubillaga got a hand in to break up what would have been a touchdown pass, which led to the Blue Hens walking off as winners moments later.

Players Mentioned

Riah Burton

Nolan Henderson

Justis Henley

Pat Kehoe

Will Knight

Dejoun Lee

Salvatore Mauro

Thyrick Pitts

Andre Robinson

Owen Tyler

Joe Zubillaga

University of Delaware Athletics