Hobart Comes Back to Beat Utica, 20-17

It was a fast start followed by a frustrating three quarters, but we got a dramatic ending we almost didn't deserve. After jumping out to a 13-0 lead given two Utica turnovers, the Statesmen offense struggled on the afternoon, but Hobart won a big game against previously undefeated Utica (2-1, 0-0) to notch their first win of the season, 20-17, improving to 30-3 at Boswell Field under HC Kevin DeWall '00.

Not to say I was right, but the Statesmen pressured the Pioneers QB effectively and made enough plays to generate an early lead. While they didn't run the ball as well as I would have liked, the Statesmen did outgain Utica and averaged 3.5 YPR and called 33 rushing compared to 19 passing plays. Maybe the turnovers were part of the Boz's magic, which propelled Hobart to their 30th home win under Coach DeWall. 

You can read the HWSAthletics.com recap here. 

SO QB Jeremy Weiss came off the bench to go 4-6 for 74 yards, but it was the defense with four sacks, a FF/FR and INT that was the difference. The Statesmen rushed for 114 yards, 105 from JR RB EJ Taylor who scored all three of Hobart's (1-2, 0-0) TDs, in another clutch performance. 

End of the day, a win's a win, and the Statesmen needed one badly. With conference play starting in Week 4, this was exactly the boost of confidence Hobart needed to get ready to defend their LL title. Realistically this should be a 3-0 team, but with a combination of injuries and struggling on the offensive side of the ball, the Statesmen stumbled out of the gate.

They need to go on a seven-game run starting next Saturday. We're here for it.

Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!