While technically this ties the 2010 season as far as the worst W/L record from the last two decades, I wouldn't say this year was a bad one. In fact, it was quite the opposite, as Hobart took on a demanding schedule (actually the highest SOS in the nation) that featured a several teams that appeared in the Top 25. While we all know the Statesmen weren't able to compete with #3 Brockport (11-0) in Week 1; by the latter half of the season, Hobart was literally plays away from knocking off two eight win teams and got the better of a seven win Union squad.
With only 10 SR players graduating, the future looks bright for the Statesmen as 14 of 18 (the most of any team in the LL) players who earned All-Conference recognition should be back in 2019, not to mention a couple of players who's seasons ended prematurely because of injury.
We saw some historic offensive performances, including the incredible 118 points scored in the Week 2 and 3 wins over SUNY-Morrisville (6-5) and Shenandoah (5-5). In the five wins the Statesmen had this season, the Hobart offense averaged over 48 PPG. JR QB Ryan Hofmann struggled with injuries a bit this year, but he still finished with the highest efficiency rating (149.2) and was second in the LL for passing TDs (19), completion percentage (61.6) and YPG (242.3).
JR WRs Jake Catalioto and Ray Conley combined for 80 catches for 1,279 yards and 14 TDs. JR RB Brian Haeffner finished fourth in the LL with 431 rushing yards and six TDs. Overall the Statesmen were the highest scoring offense in the conference, averaging 33.2 PPG.
Hobart also had the two best special teams players in the conference, with SO PK Kyle Hackett having a nearly perfect season, going 38-39 on PATs and 9-9 on FGs. He's 19-19 for FGs in his career and one away from setting the program record. JR WR John DelliSanti led the LL in net punting with a 37.3 average.
Defensively JR OLB David McCarthly finished first on the team and fourth overall in the LL with 75 total tackles. SR DE Al Smith and JR DE Collin Hudgins finished tied for a team leading four sacks. SO OLB Emmett Forde really came into his own this season, finishing second on the team with 52 tackles and 6.5 TFL. SO CB Jared Leake had a great season as well, leading the team with eight pass breakups to go with 36 tackles and one INT. Hudgins, Hackett and JR DB Andrew Koonz were added to the 2018 Google Cloud Division III Academic All-District 3 Team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) as well. Koonz switched from WR to S and did a nice job in the seven games he played in, adding 38 tackles and a a team-leading three INTs.
The difference between being 5-4 and 9-1 ultimately was ending up on the short end of three closely contested games. Hobart lost these games by a combined 17 points. They showed a lot of heart and could have won all three, but unfortunately, just had some bad luck (e.g., the forward pass as a fumble call in the Ithaca game, unsportsmanlike penalty on the final Endicott drive and the failed onside kick in the RPI game) which didn't help.
As these younger players begin to buy into Coach DeWall's disciplined approach, I think we'll see continued growth (and by extension, more wins) in the very near future. While I'm still not sold on the dual FS / two-three DL fronts, I am willing to be open-minded. The LL is becoming a more pass-heavy offensive league, but Hobart may want to consider going back to their traditional 4x4, with pressure coming from the DEs and OLBs which was so successful in past seasons (but it also obviously dependent on the available personnel).
I am anxious to start seeing in the new recruits that'll be coming in as part of the Class of 2023. Early decision letters will be mailed pretty soon. In the meantime, I hope everyone enjoys a happy and healthy holiday season.
See you in 2019!
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