Although this year's 5-4 campaign fell below expectations, there were some positive aspects to 2010 for Hobart. That said, below is my “the Good, the Bad and the Ugly” for the Statesmen's 2010 season:
The Good:
The additions of FY's Steven Webb (783 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns) and Devin Worthington (LL Rookie of the Year).
A crowd of 4,000 strong at Homecoming (not to mention a brand new, state of the art, field turf Boswell Field) and the first ever night game in Hobart's 115+ year history.
The emergence of SO QB Nick Strang who threw for 405 yards and 5 touchdowns, including the game winning rushing touchdown to beat Union in 2OT.
Finishing the season #1 in the LL in scoring offense (31.3 PPG), pass offense (233.7 YPG), total offense (378.8 YPG and 35 TD), and red zone offense (24 scores in 30 tries).
Special teams – going a perfect 35-35 on PATs, #1 in kickoff coverage and punt returns.
Getting 18 players on All LL team.
The Bad:
In spite of the record crowd, Hobart simply played one of their worst games, if not the worst, against Saint John Fisher going 0 for 10 on third down and committing three turnovers.
The two picks in final minute vs. SLU to end the hopes of a Statesmen comeback.
Losing on last second FG to RPI (a game that also featured four Hobart turnovers)
Losing in 2OT to Rochester to end the season.
Finishing the season #1 in the LL in penalties (52.6 YPG average).
Only converting five of nine on field goals.
Hobart's worst reg season finish since 2003, worst overall since 1999.
The Ugly:
Finishing dead last in the LL with a -7 turnover margin (the worst for a Hobart team in well over 10 seasons). It's an understatement to say turnovers cost the Statesmen the LL title this season.
Looking to 2011:
Getting back to the positive – the Statesmen do return a large core of this season's team in 2011.
On offense the Statesmen bring back the vast majority of their skill position players and more than half of this season's offensive line. The returning offensive players includes:
QB - Doug Vella and Nick Strang.
FB - Juan O’Farrill, who backed up Matt Howard '10 appeared in all nine games this season and accounted for 126 rushing and one rushing touchdown is the likely starter for Hobart at this position for the next several seasons.
TB - Webb, Bobby Dougherty and Kyle Tritten.
WR - Junior Woodard, Garth Muratori and Yosh Karbowniczak (who also served as punter) meaning either Vella and/or Strang will have at least a couple of seasoned receivers to throw to in 2011.
TE - Hobart returns all their tight ends, although they were often rarely used, Matt Marsh (key catch in the Rochester game) and Greg Clifford (two touchdowns) each made big plays in 2010.
OL - Anthony Coletta (missed several games due to injury but appeared in four of Hobart's final six games), Art Garvey (starter and 2nd team All LL), Max Janoff (will compete for a starting role), Jarrid Blades (backed up Co-Captain Kelvin Cruz and is likely to take over at center in 2011), Kyle Sandy (started eight games) and Brendan Hatlee (unanimous first team All-LL selection).
DE - This is an area of concern as the Statesmen graduated both starters. There are several underclassmen that will vie for these open positions with a slight nod to Tim Murray (6' 4”, 225 lbs.) who appeared to have played the most snaps / made the most tackles as a back-up.
DT - Nick Auriemma, Dane Wilcoxen, Gianni Contro, and Jordan Sisti either started or had significant playing time this season so this should be a area of strength for Hobart in 2011.
OLB - The Statesmen lose several key players here but do return ROY Devin Worthington (really a strong safety). One player that did see some action in 2010 and should see more in 2011 is Bobby Marrafa.
ILB - Hobart always has fielded strong linebacker squads under Coach Cragg and 2011 looks like it won't be any exception with Andrew Klindera (had eight tackles vs. Rochester), first team All-LL Reggie Robinson and Nick Zapp (played in all nine games for Hobart at LB).
FS - Chad Dorrance played in seven games and started in place for Sr Co-Captain John Kelliher while he was out with a hand injury capably and is likely the starter at free safety for the Statesmen heading into 2011.
CB - Another strong suit for the Statesmen with unanimous All-League Drake Woodard as well as Connor Garrett (who pretty much started at CB for Hobart from the Union game on). Kevin Hearon will also compete for time at the CB position opposite Woodard.
On special teams Hobart returns pretty much all their specialists save for long snapper.
H - Vella
K - Conor Callahan and Reyes Guevara
P - Karbowniczak
PR - Junior Woodard
KR - Dougherty and Webb
All in all, Hobart looks pretty good on paper. Questions will remain around whether or not the Statesmen can cure the ills that hurt them this season, mainly turnovers and penalties.
It's a long off-season, so a long way to go until then, but until next year – go 'Bart and thanks for reading!
Happy holidays.....
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