Box Score GENEVA, N.Y.(Oct. 28)—The Hobart College football team rode a dominating performance by its defense to a 19-0 victory over visiting Ithaca College. The win is the first for the Statesmen over the Bombers since 1983, and just the second in the 24-game history between the two regional rivals, while the shutout is the first of Ithaca in its last 79 games.
The Hobart defense was the difference in this game limiting Ithaca (5-3) to just 147 yards of total offense, including a stiffling opening 45 minutes. Through the first three quarters, the Bombers had managed just 44 yards on 43 plays. Ithaca rushed for a total of 14 yards due to 16 tackles for a loss by the Statesmen, including six sacks. Sophomore defensive end Matt Daley (Bridgeton Academy/Rutland, Vt.) led the charge with six tackles, including three sacks. His final sack of the afternoon proved to be the biggest, as his hit jarred the ball from the quarterback’s hands. Daley picked up the loose ball and rumbled 24 yards for Hobart’s final touchdown with 1:33 remaining in the third quarter.
Sophomore linebacker Tim Booth (Waterloo/Waterloo, N.Y.) registered a team-high nine tackles. Four other Statesmen recorded five tackles, including first-year defensive back Patrick Lester (Williamsville South/Williamsville, N.Y.) and senior linebacker Mike Amodeo (Springville Griffith/West Valley, N.Y.), both of whom added an interception.
Through the air, Ithaca gained just 133 yards, as both Bombers quarterbacks—senior Billy Feldmaier (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) and junior Greg Sheeler (Gloversville, N.Y.)—struggled to find open receivers. The Statesmen broke up 14 passes, led by senior defensive back Eric Newsome (Albion/Albion, N.Y.) with four. Ithaca’s quarterbacks finished a combined 11-of-41 with two interceptions.
Offensively, Hobart (6-1) got off to an auspicious start, fumbling on its third play from scrimmage, one of just two Statesmen turnovers in the game (Ithaca turned the ball over five times). Hobart got on the board with its third possession of the game, a textbook march that covered 84 yards in 11 plays (6 rush, 5 pass) and ended with a spectacular fingertip catch by sophomore wide receiver Henry Leeper (Jamestown/Jamestown, N.Y.). The 15-yard pass from senior quarterback Dan Birdsall (Southampton/Water Mill, N.Y.) was Leeper’s second of the season. The extra point was blocked, leaving Hobart a 6-0 lead.
In the second quarter, the Statesmen had opportunities to extend their lead, but had a field goal blocked, missed another wide left, and failed to convert a fake field. Hobart appeared to be headed to the locker room at halftime with a 6-0 lead, but senior running back Tommy Giorgio (Holtsville, N.Y.) fumbled in Ithaca territory as the Bombers attempted to run out the clock with 32 seconds remaining in the half.
Birdsall, who finished 13-of-26 for 152 yards, dropped back to pass and was sacked for a 9-yard loss on first down. On second down, he was chased out the pocket and threw the ball away to avoid the sack. The game clock stopped with .3 seconds remaining in the half.
The Hobart coaching staff, not content with a 6-0 lead against one of the top programs in Division III football, opted for a Hail Mary pass. Birdsall’s 39-yard heave was tipped by Leeper into the waiting arms of Newsome, who was called into service offensively for the first time this season. The reception was the first offensive TD of his career (he has three interception returns for touchdowns).
Senior running back Keith Brandon (Northfield-Mt. Hermon/Jamaica, N.Y.) helped the Statesmen dominate time of possession (36:32-23:28) with 97 yards rushing, while senior wide receiver Scott Yoder (Wyoming Seminary/Kutztown, Pa.) tied the Hobart record for consecutive games with at least one catch (26) with a diving 2-yard pick up on the first play from scrimmage in the fourth quarter.
Defensively for Ithaca, junior Mark McDonough (Liberty Corner, N.J.) finished with a game-high 18 tackles.
Hobart returns to action on Sat., Nov. 4, at St. John Fisher. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
—HWS SPORTS—
