JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Nov. 6, 2023) – The ETSU football team will gear up for the annual Blue Ridge Border Battle this Saturday at Western Carolina. Head Coach George Quarles, defensive lineman Max Evans and fullback Jawan Martin met with media members on Monday to discuss the upcoming matchup against the Catamounts. 
 
Below are the comments from Coach Quarles, Evans and Martin. 

 
HEAD COACH GEORGE QUARLES
 
On passing of former ETSU Head Coach Carl Torbush
Coach Torbush was a classy guy. I knew him a long time being from Jefferson City. He actually did his student teaching for my dad at the old Jefferson High School. There wasn't a time that I saw Coach that he didn't talk about how my dad swung the meanest paddle he'd ever seen. Coach was one of those guys that loved people and obviously was a great football coach that did it for a long time at a high level. It's a sad day because of the great impact that he had on so many people. It was a life well lived for sure. 
 
On the rivalry with Western Carolina
It seems like these are always close games. We lost to them on a walk off field goal last year and in 2021 had a really close game with them. Geographically we are fairly close together and we recruit a lot of the same kids. They've had a great season especially offensively. When they're healthy, they are probably the best offense in our league. We know it's a big game for them as they are in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs and Coach Bell has done a great job. 
 
On the continued success in the running game
Even with all of the injuries we've had, our guys are still playing hard. Trey Foster had a big game last week. Torey Lambert had a good day as well and Bryson Irby has had some great performances this year too. I think it starts upfront. Coach Jay Guillermo has done a phenomenal job with our offensive line and our offensive staff has schemed well. A lot of it has been hard work from our guys.
 
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN MAX EVANS
A couple times it looked like the defense was going to get off the field on Saturday but penalties extended drives, how frustrating is that for a defense and how do you regroup 
It's extremely frustrating because it definitely swings the momentum. We try not to focus on it in the moment and move onto the next play. With that we try and learn from those mistakes so we can eliminate those things moving forward. 
 
On the Catamount offense
Playing in Cullowhee is a lot of fun and they are an explosive offense. I'm expecting a fun battle up front and hopefully we can come out on top. 
 
FULLBACK JAWAN MARTIN
Is there any extra emphasis on this rivalry game vs. Western Carolina
We've been preached to more about closing out the season strong. It's always been a good game vs. Western Carolina. When opportunities come, we have to take advantage of it and put it in the endzone. 
 
On the recent success the team has had running the ball
Just getting back to ETSU football. We play the best when we are able to run the ball. Being aggressive at the line of scrimmage I think has been the biggest key in that. 
 
For more information on Buccaneer football, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the football tab.