Colin Payne-Exeter

Colin Payne got off to a hot start on a chilly night at Don Thomas Stadium. The senior quarterback completed his first six passes, two for scores. The Eagles jumped out to a 20-0 lead over #10 South Western in the District 3-5A opening round. The Mustangs made it interesting and got within six points in the third quarter, but #7 Exeter pulled away for a 38-21 victory. Payne was 11-19 for 203 yards and 3TD. We talked about a clutch 97-yard TD drive in the fourth quarter which included a 59-yard screen pass to 220-pound fullback Ty Yocum. Payne joked that his teammates will give Yocum grief for getting caught from behind. Payne described his relationship with senior wide receiver Carson Schmidt. He also discussed what it’s like to run an offense with so many weapons. Schmidt had 2TD receptions tonight. PSU commit Joey Schlaffer made his fifth TD grab of the year, a 27-yarder in the first quarter. Payne has thrown for nearly 1,600 yards and 16TD this season. He practices passing in cold conditions so the weather doesn’t bother him. Payne gave credit to senior kicker and punter Mike Moser who made an important 27-yard FG late in the third quarter. Moser also had a punt stop at the Mustangs’ 1-yard line! Plus, Payne admitted to watching some film of Manheim Central. The (7-3) Eagles visit the (9-1) Barons next Friday in the quarterfinals.