Colin Payne-Exeter

The Eagles made history with a 31-28 victory at Gov. Mifflin in the District 3-5A championship. It’s the first District 3 title for Exeter’s football program. When I asked Colin Payne about his emotions, he said, “Words can’t describe it.” The senior quarterback was 13-21 for 161 yards with 3TD and an INT. Payne now holds the single-season school record with 2,166 passing yards. We discussed his pivotal 5-yard completion to Joey Schlaffer on 4th & 4 with three minutes left. Payne told the coaches not to punt from the Mustangs’ 38-yard line and they listened to him. Payne followed up that play with another clutch pass to tight end J.R. Strauss which allowed the (10-3) Eagles to run out the clock. Their final drive lasted seven minutes and 35 seconds. Strauss, who’s going to Villanova, had four catches for 49 yards. Schlaffer finished with five grabs for 55 yards and 2TD. The 6’6 junior is committed to Penn State. Payne elaborated on his relationship with Schlaffer. We also talked about how he was able to handle the strong winds. Payne added that Exeter’s schedule has really benefited them in the postseason. The Eagles’ QB has always played with a chip on his shoulder. Now he has a gold medal around his neck.