The Hobart football team edged Rochester, 28-21, in overtime on Saturday to claim its 14th straight Centennial Cup victory and 17th in the last 18 meetings. The win at Fauver Stadium improved the Statesmen to 3-5 overall and 2-3 in Liberty League play.
Hobart built a 21-0 halftime lead behind a dominant rushing attack and steady defense. Junior running back E.J. Taylor powered the offense with a career-high 196 yards and a touchdown, including 130 yards in the first quarter. Sophomore quarterback Jeremy Weiss added two first-half touchdown passes, one to Rochester native Johnny Harding, who finished with seven catches for 133 yards, and another to senior tight end Luke Hescock.
Momentum shifted in the second half as Rochester (5-3, 2-3) capitalized on a Hobart turnover returned for a touchdown and added two more scores to force overtime at 21-21. In the extra period, junior quarterback Tru Styles connected with Marcus Peterson for a 15-yard touchdown to put Hobart back in front. The defense sealed the win when first-year linebacker Jeron Atwater Jr. broke up a fourth-down pass in the end zone.
Hobart’s defense allowed just 61 rushing yards and forced key stops late, while the offense surpassed 200 rushing yards for the second straight week.
The Statesmen will wrap up their road schedule next Saturday, November 8, at Hilbert, with kickoff set for noon.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.