The Hamilton College (0-7) football team was defeated by Middlebury College (3-4), 41-21 on a cold and snowy day in Clinton, New York. Middlebury broke the game open with a trio of touchdowns to start the third quarter. Middlebury retains the "Old Rocking Chair" for another year.
The first half was a hard-hitting, tightly contested half. On Hamilton's second possession the Panthers forced a fumble at Hamilton's 15 yard line. Middlebury's Mike Keenan hit Denny Smith from 15 yards out, making it 7-0 Middlebury. Hamilton answered right back with an 11 play, 69 yard drive culminated by a 14-yard pass from Brandon Holtslag to an outstretched Charles Gorra. Pete Simon's extra point was good, tying the game at 7-7. Each team exchanged possessions throughout the second quarter as both defenses came up with big plays. The Panthers defense held Hamilton on fourth down and one from the Middlebury 48 yard line with 3:53 remaining in the half. Middlebury marched down the field in nine plays and was rewarded with a 17-yard pass from Keenan to Smith. Mike Frissora's PAT attempt was good, making it 14-7 Middlebury at the half.
The third quarter was all Middlebury as they scored four touchdowns. The first came on the first drive of the half. Bill Lazzaro took the handoff from Keenan and marched down the left sideline 64 yards for the touchdown. On Hamilton's next possession Brandon Holtslag tried to pitch the ball to Elijah Huling. The ball was jarred loose and picked up by the Panther at the Hamilton 25 yard line. On the very next play Keenan hit Tom Cleaver from 25 yards out, making it 27-7 Middlebury. On Hamilton's next possession the Continentals were set up first down and 10 from the Middlebury 15 yard line thanks to a 65-yard run by Elijah Huling. However, the very next play Craig Schuette intercepted Holtslag and returned it 77 yards to the Hamilton 13 yard line. Bill Lazzaro ran it in from 13 yards out, making it 34-7 Panthers. Middlebury added another touchdown late in the third, giving the Panthers a 41-7 lead going into the fourth.
Hamilton scored twice in the fourth quarter. The first came with 9:57 remaining when Charles Gorra caught his second touchdown of the day from Greg LiVigne, capping off a five play, 33 yard drive. With 3:35 remaining in the fourth Sean Thorsen caught a 19 yard pass from LiVigne, making it 41-21 Middlebury.
Elijah Huling led Hamilton with 67 yards rushing on 13 carries. James Trummer added 48 yards on 14 carries. Brandon Holtslag completed seven of 14 passes for 66 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. Greg LiVigne came in and completed eight of 18 passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Charles Gorra caught six passes for 61 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Ragnar Gearhart caught three balls for 38 yards. Defensively Hamilton was ked by junior Sam Bowlby who made nine tackles.
Mike Keenan led Middlebury as he completed 10 of 23 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns. Denny Smith caught seven passes for 113 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Tom Cleaver had two catches for 30 yards. Bill Lazzaro led Middlebury with 145 yards rushing on 12 carries. Rich Decembrele led Middlebury with 10 tackles.
Hamilton will close their season next weekend when they travel to Bates College for a Noon kickoff.
