The one hundred and thirty-first edition of the Taft Football team opened its season on a crisp fall evening at Rockefeller field with a tough loss against Phillips Exeter Academy, 18-15. After both teams traded punts, the visitors got on the scoreboard first by scoring a touchdown. However, the ensuing extra-point was blocked by captain Eric Facey ‘23. The Rhinos would answer with an eight-play, ninety-five-yard drive that culminated when signal caller and captain, Nick Brown, ‘23, called his number and ran it in from fifteen yards out. Matt Edwards ‘24 split the uprights on the extra point, and the Rhinos lead, 7-6. Exeter would score before the first half, but once again, the extra point was blocked, this time by BJ Mayes ‘23. Exeter led at the half 12-7. The Rhinos would score the only points of the third quarter when Brown connected with Remy Reynolds ‘23. Cooper Reed ‘23 made an outstanding catch and toe-tap on the two-point conversion to give the Rhinos a 15-12. Midway through the fourth quarter, Exeter took the lead, 18-12 (this time, their two-point conversion was unsuccessful). After a heads-up strip of the Exeter quarterback by BJ Mayes ‘23 gave the Rhinos new life, Brown led the offense deep into Exeter territory. However, the Exeter cornerback made an outstanding play to intercept the ball. The good guys lost. This was only the fourth meeting all-time between the two schools. Exeter picked up its first victory in the series, which Taft now leads, 3-1. The Rhinos drive across state lines for their next game on October 1 against a consistently challenging and formidable Trinity-Pawling. The kickoff is scheduled for 3:30.