Football rocks Hamilton

Author: Geoff Homer

The Panthers made their last road trip of the season worthwhile: after boarding their bus to travel to Clinton, N.Y. to take on Hamilton in the annual Old Rocking Chair Classic on Saturday the 4th, the Panthers were able to enjoy the four-hour trek back to Vermont following a 10-0 shutout victory. The victory was Middlebury's 11th straight win over Hamilton, dating back to 1995.

On a relatively warm fall day on Steuben Field, defensive lineman Kevin Ryan '07 had a day for the record books as he recorded three sacks, which vaulted him into first place in the NESCAC single-season sack record. Ryan broke the previous record of 12 sacks, held by Colby's Ryan Aldrich and Williams' Bobby Walker, with his new record of 13.5 sacks. Ryan also recorded a team high eight tackles.

When asked about the record, Ryan said, "I am not really concerned with records. I am more concerned with having fun in playing the game."

Kicker Steve Hauschka '07 also had a record setting day. Hauschka booted a kick through the uprights for the ninth time this season, tying him for first for the Middlebury single-season record. The 19th field goal of his career also kicked him into first place on the career record, breaking Jon Peterson's 1985 record.

"I really didn't even know I broke the record until I heard after the game. It's a great honor, and I am proud to be part of Middlebury football history," Hauschka revealed. But he noted, "I try not distract myself with things like that because it's not going to help me make the next kick."

Hauschka, while pleased that he broke the record, admitted that it will be broken in the future, especially since the senior has only played for three years. "The players are more skilled each year and as soon as there is a kicker with four solid seasons it will be broken," the senior kicker said.

In securing the Hamilton victory, the Panthers rallied towards the end of the first quarter as quarterback Tiger Lyon '07 connected with Evan Beilin '09 for a 20-yard touchdown pass. The scoreboard had limited activity until the end of the third quarter, when Hauschka kicked a 24-yard field goal to put the Panthers up 10-0.

Co-Captain Jamie Staples '07, who was second on the team with five receptions for 58 yards, revealed that the offense did not play as well as hoped. "The high risk-high reward defense by Hamilton combined with our sub-par offensive performance meant we weren't able to score as many points as we would have liked," he said.

Despite the seemingly limited offensive output, ten points was more than enough for the Panthers as the defense played spectacularly once again. The Continentals were limited to five first downs and only managed 138 yards of total offense. After Ryan's eight tackles, Nate Clancy '08 added seven of his own, while Co-Captain Scott Secor '07, Alex Buggy '07 and Erik Woodring '08 added six each.

The defense has carried the Panthers this season, said Ryan. "This year has been a special year for me because our defense has the kind of attitude I like playing with. Everyone wants to bring the hit stick."

"Our linebackers did an exceptional job of rerouting the Hamilton receivers, helping to disrupt the passing game," said cornerback Mac Conn '07.

Secor added, "I think Mac and Nate Clancey had great games on Saturday. Both have been somewhat of unsung heros all year with how good Woodring and K-Ry have been. Mac had a huge touchdown saving tackle in the fourth quarter. He has done a great job locking down receivers all year and is probably our most reliable player on defense."

At 5-2, the Panthers are guaranteed to finish the season above .500 for the first time since 2000. Middlebury concludes its season on Saturday when they face Tufts at Alumni Stadium. The seniors will be especially motivated because it will be their last football game. According to Secor, "The last game of the year is always very emotional. It is all about how you want to send the seniors out."

"We've done a very good job the last few years of staying focused and concentrating on honoring the seniors with how the team finishes the year off. This year we are hoping to do the same," he said.