Hobart football came within yards of a signature win but fell just short in a 13-7 loss at Ithaca on Saturday afternoon, despite a determined defensive effort and multiple fourth-down conversions late.
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The Statesmen (2-2, 0-1 Liberty League) controlled long stretches of the game, holding Ithaca to a missed field goal and only two touchdowns. Hobart’s defense repeatedly stalled drives, including a key fourth-down stop in the second quarter, and forced the Bombers into several punts.
Jeremy Weiss delivered Hobart’s lone touchdown, a 12-yard strike to Johnny Harding just before halftime to tie the game 7-7. The Statesmen had driven inside the Ithaca 5-yard line earlier in the quarter but came away empty on downs.
Trailing 13-7 in the fourth, Hobart mounted a potential game-winning drive starting at midfield. The Statesmen converted two fourth downs to keep the push alive but were stopped on a third fourth-down attempt at the Ithaca 16-yard line with under four minutes remaining.
Despite limiting Ithaca to just 263 total yards, Hobart’s offense managed 222 yards and struggled on third downs but excelled on fourth.
The Statesmen now turn their focus to RPI, hosting the Engineers at Boswell Field on October 4 at 1 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.