Special Teams Lead Hobart to Win in Season Opener

Andrew Fink recorded a game-high 12 tackles in the Devils' opener at Hobart
Photo by James Rasp

Boxscore

(Geneva, N.Y.) - The Dickinson College football team never seemed to get on track on Saturday, suffering a 38-7 loss at Hobart College in its season opener.

Special teams played a key role in the Hobart win, scoring twice on the afternoon. The Statesmen capitalized on an interception to put points on the board in the first half. Steven Web capped a 52-yard drive with a one yard plunge atthe 6:05 mark of the first quarter.

Conor Callahan converted a 30-yard field-goal with 8:13 to play in the second quarter to put Hobart in front 10-0. The Statesmen special teams would produce two more scores to stretch the lead to 24-0 early in the second half.

Drake Woodard returned a blocked punt for a scored with 3:35 to play in the half and Webb took the kick-off 90 yards for a touchdown to open the second half.

Hobart tacked on two more scores in the third quarter, including a 30-yard run from Webb to lead 38-0 at the end of three quarters of play.

Junior Ricky Martz (Pottsgrove, Pa./Pottsgrove) spoiled the shutout with a one-yard score to cap a 74-yard drive early in the fourth quarter. That touchdown snapped a streak of 11 scoreless quarters by the Hobart defense, dating back to last season.

Martz completed 6-of-10 passes for 75 yards while starter Jordan Kaufman (Somerset, Pa./Somerset) went 6-for-13 for 79 yards on the day. Junior Cam Di Fede (Miami, Fla./Palmer Trinity) caught three passes for a game-high 53 yards.

The Red Devil defense held Hobart to just 65 yards passing and 113 yards on the ground. Juniors Andrew Fink (Schuylkill Haven, Pa./Schuylkill Haven) and Scott Sullivan (Coatesville, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) each recorded a team-high eight tackles on the day.

Senior Pete Hamill (Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown West) added five tackles and had a 12-yard sack.

The Red Devils return home next week to host Franklin & Marshall under the lights on Friday night. The Centennial Conference opener will also have the Conestoga Wagon on the line. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm.