The Hobart College football team opened its season with a hard-fought 28-23 loss at Alfred College on Saturday evening. Despite outgaining the Saxons 361-241 yards, turnovers and penalties proved costly for the Statesmen.
Junior running back E.J. Taylor led the Hobart offense with 102 rushing yards and three touchdowns, marking his fifth consecutive 100-yard game and third straight three-touchdown performance. Junior wide receiver Marcus Peterson recorded a team-high five receptions for 85 yards, while sophomore quarterback Aidan Conrath went 13-of-28 passing for 184 yards.
On defense, senior linebacker Noah Chachere led the team with 10 tackles, including a sack, and senior linebacker Mike McGhee added seven stops. First-year defensive back Blake Minsterman posted his first collegiate interception in the second quarter.
Key Stats
- Hobart turned the ball over three times, with two converted into touchdowns by Alfred.
- Penalties hampered the Statesmen, totaling seven for 63 yards, compared to Alfred’s four for 30 yards.
Game Summary
Alfred struck first on a 6-yard TD pass from Chris Kelly to Carmine Hoag, but Hobart answered in the first quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run by Taylor. Minsterman’s interception later set up a 24-yard field goal from Luke Monteyne, giving Hobart a 10-7 halftime lead.
The third quarter shifted momentum to Alfred. A roughing-the-passer penalty nullified a Hobart interception, leading to a series of scores including a 15-yard touchdown pass to Tommy Nyquist and two defensive scores by Thomas Welch — a 48-yard interception return and a fumble recovery — helping Alfred build a 28-10 advantage.
Hobart rallied late with two long scoring drives, both capped by Taylor touchdowns, but an unsuccessful onside kick with just over two minutes left sealed the Saxons’ victory.
Up Next
Hobart will hit the road again in Week 2 to face Brockport on Saturday, September 13, at noon. The Statesmen and Golden Eagles will meet for the first time since 2019, when Hobart won 33-7. Hobart is aiming for its first win in Brockport since 2016.
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