Football eats Hamilton Continentals for breakfast

Author: Benji Thurber

The Middlebury football team played host to Hamilton on Saturday, Nov. 3, and earned a decisive victory over the Continentals, 28-0. Coupled with a Tufts loss, the win propelled the 6-1 Panthers into first place in the NESCAC standings and guaranteed Middlebury at least a share of the conference title. In the final home game of the year, the Panther defense, led by eight senior starters, dominated the Continentals and compiled its third shutout of the season.

"It was nice to win like this in our last home game," said defensive back Brian Young '08, who led the Panther defense with two interceptions. "It was just a great feeling to be out there on the field, having fun, surrounded by my best friends. Still, a share of the title means nothing. Next week is the seniors' last game ever and everything will be on the line for us."

Hamilton threatened on its first possession but was unable to score. Continental quarterback and punter Dan Hood, who threw for 217 yards but had five interceptions, led a drive down to the 21-yard line. Faced with fourth down, the Continentals elected to try for a field goal, but the Panthers' Bill Greven '10 blocked Hood's 38-yard attempt, and Middlebury took over on downs. This was about as close as Hamilton would come to scoring during the game. Being sacked five times and turning the ball over six times did not help matters.

The Panthers got on the board with 6:55 remaining in the opening quarter. Gary Cooper '08 capped a 14-play, 81-yard drive with a two-yard rush up the middle and into the end zone.

Set up by the defense, the Middlebury offense added to the score in the second quarter. Defensive back Nathan Shreve '08 intercepted a pass at the Hamilton 44-yard line and returned it 17 yards to the Hamilton 27. Panther quarterback Donald McKillop '11, who completed 14-of-27 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns, quickly capitalized on the favorable field position. On the third play of the drive, McKillop found Erik Rostad '10 for a 31-yard touchdown with 6:05 remaining in the half, giving the Panthers a 14-0 lead that they would take into halftime.

According to Shreve, the Panthers' defensive success was a result of great preparation by the coaching staff. "We have a great defense, and it all starts with Coach Mandigo," said Shreve. "We had great play calling today. Our coverage scheme was very effective and our front seven did an excellent job of putting pressure on the quarterback."

After the intermission, the Panther defense set up the offense for another score. Middlebury's Tyler Owens '09 blocked Hood's punt attempt and linebacker Erik Woodring '08, who also had 10 tackles and a sack, recovered and returned the ball 21 yards, down to the Hamilton six-yard line.

McKillop again took advantage, finding receiver Andrew Matson '09 for a leaping catch in the far corner of the end zone with 5:19 remaining in the third quarter. It was Matson's seventh touchdown catch of the season. Jack Britton's '08 third extra-point kick gave the Panthers a 21-0 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Middlebury tacked on seven more points on a three-yard scoring rush by running back David Randolph '08, making the final margin 28-0.

Linebacker Eric Black '08, who had two tackles for a loss, was happy to celebrate a decisive win in his final home game, but remained focused on this weekend's finale at Tufts.

"Sending the seniors out on top here was great, but it doesn't mean a thing now," said Black. "We want to be 1-0 in our next game. That mentality has worked all season, and we can use it again to earn the full title."

Middlebury travels to Tufts on Saturday and, with a win, could earn sole possession of the NESCAC title.