Sunday, September 16, 2012

Utica Game Recap

The #14 ranked Hobart Statesmen (3-0) overcame three turnovers in the third quarter to defeat the Utica College Pioneers (2-1) on Saturday night.  Hobart opened a 21-7 lead in the first half but Utica pulled within four and five points later in the game until a 59 yard SR RB Bobby Dougherty touchdown run helped the Statesmen pull away in the fourth quarter.

The Hobart recap is below:

http://www.hwsathletics.com/news/2012/9/15/HFB_0915121932.aspx

Once again the defense was spectacular collecting an amazing 10 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss (TFL).  SO DE Tyre Coleman was credited with four and a half sacks and five and a half TFL, both new Hobart records.  The most significant defensive statistic of the evening was the Statesmen "D" holding the Pioneers to 13 rushing yards.  

SR QB Andrew Benkwitt showed his skill and torched the Statesmen for 313 passing yards and three touchdowns.  Still, the Hobart defense (specifically FY DE Mark Guarino-Hyde) intercepted him once and otherwise pressured him all game.  The Pioneers went 5 of 16 on third downs.  

Most importantly the Hobart offense made big plays and never panicked when Utica caught breaks due to Statesmen mistakes (one offensive and two punt return fumbles).  SR QB Nick Strang threw for 284 yards and two touchdowns.  SR WR Junior Woodard more than made up for fumbling on punt returns with a game high 161 receiving yards and one touchdown performance.

Still I think it is fair to say that it was Dougherty who was the offensive star of the evening, following his OL to a career high 174 yards and three touchdown performance which was the highest rushing total since Doug Blakowski '07 ran for 214 yards vs. Merchant Marine on October 14, 2006.  Overall the Statesmen out gained Utica 502 to 377 yards.  We'll be chatting with "Bobby Doogs" tonight on ITH at 8:15 PM so please tune in live at www.inthehuddlle.com or catch it on the podcast archive.

In spite of a few nail biting moments mostly due to Hobart shooting themselves in the foot and Utica exposing a few chinks in the Statesmen's armor, this was a solid road win against a quality opponent.

More on this game and the Liberty League opener against the USMMA (2-1) at Homecoming this Saturday back at the Boz later this week.

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