Touchdown-fest in Football Win

Author: Sally Hartman

When asked if he was anxious about the impending football game against Hamilton early last week, linebacker Rich Decembrele '05 philosophically quoted Van Wilder, "Worrying is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do but it doesn't get you anywhere."

Decembrele's wisdom paid off on Saturday as the two teams met in what is more affectionately termed the annual "Rocking Chair Classic," whereby the winning team earns the right to take home the wooden rocking chair that bears a plaque recording the previous results between Middlebury and Hamilton football. Created by alumni from both schools to increase competition and rivalry, the bragging rights for this year's game went to the Panthers after crushing Hamilton 55-31.

Offensively, the Panthers both dominated the immediate opposition and smashed two long-standing school records. Quarterback Mike Keenan '05 completed five touchdown passes to lead his team to victory as well as set the school mark in that category. In addition, the offense collectively rushed for 611 yards. Backed by kicker Andy Bohlin '05 who was seven for eight in extra-point conversion attempts, the cooperation and teamwork demonstrated on Friday between the offense and defense was described by an enthusiastic fan as "a well-orchestrated symphony."

Led by the seniors on the team who competed in their last home game this weekend, the football symphony began early in the first quarter as senior Charley Howe caught two of Keenan's passes to put Middlebury firmly in the lead. Despite a touchdown late in the first from Hamilton's Sean Thorsen '05, the Panthers were not discouraged. Early in the second quarter, Keenan connected with Tom Cleaver '04 from 15 yards to up the ante and push Middlebury into the lead by 15. Hamilton would score twice again but not without an emphatic response from the Panthers. In the final seconds of the first half, Middlebury drove 62 yards in 41 seconds capped off by a six-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Armstrong '06.

The third quarter ended with a score of 49-18 in favor of the Panthers after scoring three times on consecutive possessions.

Although Hamilton attempted to regain lost momentum late in the game, the Middlebury defense remained characteristically strong. Senior Brian Erb caught an interception early in the first half after being temporarily out of action for six games with a pulled hamstring. In addition, powerhouse James Galuchie '05 denied a two-point conversion attempt in the first quarter by intercepting the intended pass. Galuchie's teammate Scott Secor '07 also made an interception and led the defense with a total of nine tackles.

At the end of the day, Keenan had completed 22 of 32 attempted passes for a gain of 343 yards and five touchdowns. Matt Wolf '04 scored a touchdown and rushed for 83 yards on 16 carries. Cleaver scored twice after catching a total of 10 passes and 156 yards. Howe's contribution included four catches, three touchdown and 67 yards.

This outstanding performance last weekend was one for the record-books as it tied Middlebury's third highest offensive output in the history of the school with a total of 32 first downs. Overall, the exceptional display put on by the football team this weekend was undoubtedly a perfect way for the departing seniors to play the last home game of their careers.