October 31, 2014
The Hamilton College football team came up short as the men tried to surpass a 21-point deficit on Oct. 25. With the 21-14 loss Hamilton falls to 0-6 while Williams improves to 2-4.
The Continentals began the game seemingly walking down the field on their first possession as they continued to rush the ball out of their wildcat formation. However, the momentum quickly shifted as they fumbled inside William’s 10-yard line. The wildcat package for Hamilton was hindered on this drive as Jeff Hopsicker ’15, who is a crucial element of this grouping, got injured on the opening drive.
The two defenses would hold their ground, almost shutting out opposing offenses for the entire first quarter. Williams however would score with 21 seconds left in quarter one with an 18-yard catch and run from Austin Lammen ’16 to Jean Luc Etienne ’15. Williams would extend their lead with 13:06 left in the second quarter on a 3-yard touchdown run by Alex Scyocurka ’15. The continentals went into the half down 13-0, as there was a missed point after attempt. In the third quarter Williams would score for the final time with a 14-yard pass from Lammen to Steven Kiesel ’15. The Ephs would then convert the two point try on a pass play (21-0).
Hamilton would not fold, responding at the beginning of the fourth quarter as Amman Weaver ’18 continued his productive season with a 10-yard touchdown run bringing the score to 21-7. Later in the quarter Chase Rosenberg ’17 shrunk the gap to 7 points rushing for a three yard touchdown (21-14). On the ensuing onside kick, Patrick Donahoe ’16 had a perfect kick that bounced over the Williams return team, but Hamilton was not able to recover amidst the scramble for the ball. The Continentals’ comeback was not halted by their will but rather the expiring time.
On offense, Hamilton amassed 194 rushing yards led by Lashawn Ware ’17 who ran for 116 yards on only 15 carries with an healthy 7.7 yards per carry. Ware also accounted for a team high 6 receptions. Pat Donadio ’15 had a team high 51 receiving yards. If they are able to hold onto the ball then they will put up good point totals. The Hamilton offense outgained Williams 341-279.
The Continental defense bounced back this week holding Williams to only 21 points and 1 of 10 on third down conversions. Junior linebacker John Phelan had a great day, as he was responsible for eight total tackles, three tackles for loss and even a pass breakup. Cade Larabee ’16 also made his presence known with eight total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and even an impressive interception, which he ran back to the Williams red- zone. All in all the defense played a solid game.
“We know we’re a good team and that these next two games are winnable as long as we play to our full potential,” said Vince DiCindio ’15. “There have been spurts of that throughout the season but we tend to match the level of our competition whether for better or for worse. We need to get past that and play our best no matter who lines up across from us.” It helps that these are two huge games coming up. aSaturday against Middlebury is Hamilton’s last home game, a rivalry game known as the Rocking Chair Classic. The season finale against Bates will be the Continentals’ last opportunity for their first road win since 2008.
For his part, DiCindio remains optimistic for the end of the season. “We are doing a great job of maintaining a high level of intensity and excitement in practice,” he asserted. “It’s refreshing to step on the practice field after a tough loss and see everyone focused on and excited for the next Saturday’s opportunity for a win.”
This weekend, the Continentals will have their final home game of the season against Middlebury. The Panthers are coming in 4-2 having also just broken Trinity’s 53- game home winning streak. The Continentals’ pass defense will need to step up this weekend, as Middlebury is renowned for its game through the air. The team currently sits second in pass attempts and passing yards in the NESCAC. It is also noteworthy that it will be senior day and the Hamilton community should come support the seniors especially for their final bought on Steuben Field.
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