Hobart football relied on a strong defensive effort and a late touchdown drive to secure an 18-12 Liberty League victory over Union on Saturday at Boswell Field.
The Statesmen improved to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play, while Union dropped to 3-3 and 2-1. Hobart held the Garnet Chargers to 32 rushing yards, recorded three sacks and scored a defensive touchdown on an interception return.
First-year linebacker MJ Wells led the defensive effort with 12 tackles, a sack and a 42-yard interception return for a touchdown on Union’s opening possession. First-year linebacker Nate Bush added seven tackles.
Hobart took a 10-0 lead in the second quarter on a 31-yard field goal from Owen McNulty. Union answered with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Evan Anderson to Gil Rivera, cutting the deficit to 10-6 before halftime.
Neither team found much offensive rhythm in the third quarter, but Union took its first lead early in the fourth. Luke Sheehan connected with Rivera for a 44-yard touchdown, giving the Garnet Chargers a 12-10 advantage. Junior Trey Dillabough blocked the extra-point attempt to keep Hobart within two points.
The Statesmen responded with an 11-play, 64-yard drive. Senior running back E.J. Taylor capped the possession with a five-yard touchdown run with 52 seconds remaining. A successful two-point conversion pass to Johnny Harding extended Hobart’s lead to 18-12.
Union reached the Hobart 49 on its final possession, but Xavier Aviles broke up a third-down pass before defenders Vos and Billy Brosko combined for a fourth-down sack to seal the victory.
Taylor rushed 24 times for 119 yards and a touchdown while adding four receptions. Quarterback Jeremy Weiss completed 17 of 23 passes for 148 yards.
Following a week off, Hobart travels to Canton to face St. Lawrence University on Saturday, October 24, 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.
