The ninth ranked Hobart Statesmen improved to 9-0, 6-0 in the Liberty League (LL), effectively winning the LL title and clinching the league's automatic playoff bid. The nine wins ties a program record for wins in a season and is the first time Hobart has ever been 9-0 in their 119 year history.
I thought the weather would prove problematic and the Statesmen started off cold, being held scoreless for the first quarter by winless Saint Lawrence (0-9, 0-6). Hobart then gave up a touchdown (TD) to fall behind 7-0 after a turnover lead to a Saints (fake) field goal attempt. Holder / QB Zach Migiliore connected on a 12 yard pass to WR Evan Shipley to post the Saints to an early 7-0 lead after the Chris Dris point after was good.
The Statesmen finally woke up driving 67 yards to tie the game behind a five yard SR QB Nick Strang TD run. The FY PK James Hull point after was good. The 7-7 tie stood at the halftime.
Coach Cragg must have said some strong words during the break to his team because they came out for the second half with a new determination. Strang in particular was excellent passing for two TDs to JR WR Yosh Karbowniczak and SR Junior Woodard, respectively. Woodard is now at 29 consecutive games with a catch, three behind all time leader Dan Suozzi '05.
The Statesmen would add to their lead in the fourth quarter after a 10 play, 78 yard drive was capped by a four yard SO FB Dominque Ellis TD run. After the Hull point after, the Statesmen enjoyed a 27-7 lead after the Hull point after was blocked. SO TE Mike Berkowitz scored his third TD in the last two games after Strang found him on a six yard pass to push Hobart to a 34-7 advantage after the Hull point after. Strang finished the game a nearly perfect 15 of 18 for 233 yards with three passing TDs, one rushing TD and one interception.
Saint Lawrence would add one more late score and threatened again but the defense held giving Hobart a 34-14 win. Defensively SO DE Tyre Coleman had another big game and tied Dave Russell '97's TFL season record of 22, having three against the Saints to go with a pair of sacks. JR OLB Devin Worthington provided eight tackles as well.
Hobart will look to close out a first ever 10-0 regular season Saturday at home against Rochester (4-4, 3-3) in the annual Centennial Cup game. We'll chat with Statesmen Head Coach Mike Cragg tonight on ITH (www.inthehuddlle.com) at 7:30 pm about the SLU game, the halftime adjustments (kick in the ass perhaps?), being 9-0 and prepping for Rochester.
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