2003 Choate Jamboree

The Jamboree at Choate was exactly what the Exeter players needed coming off of their two break for Spring vacation. Naturally there were some early mistakes as the BIG RED played as a team and on the field for the first time this season. However, there was great unselfish play, good hustle, and definite improvement as the day progressed. Exeter had an easy time against North Yarmouth Academy in their first game, but then ran into some real competition in the Peddie School from New Jersey in game 2. Peddie had clearly been on the field and playing together for a few weeks, so it is understandable that Exeter struggled early against this very good team. However, Exeter adjusted and improved after the first half, and played Peddie very even the rest of the way. In game 3, Exeter overmatched The Gunnery as the ball rarely crossed into the Exeter defensive zone. After a lunch break provided by the generosity of our parents, Exeter came out very strong for their last two contests of the day. In the fourth game against Suffield Academy, Exeter dominated play again. Exeter did not give up any goals against Gunnery or Suffield. Running three middie lines all day kept everyone reasonably fresh, and it definitely showed. The final contest of the day was against Holderness School, a tough rival who we will play again in the regular season. Holderness had a few outstanding players that challenged our defense, but Exeter more than rose to the challenge. Offensively, Exeter created lots of opportunities and converted on many of them. It was a great effort at the end of a long day and against a formidable foe. The coaches could not have been more pleased.