GENEVA, N.Y. – Morrisville State football had three costly turnovers in the opening quarter in a road showdown with opponent Hobart College, falling by a final 62-24 in non-league action in Geneva.
Morrisville State struggled out of the opening gates, and gave Hobart their first possession minutes into the contest from the Mustangs own 37-yard line, where the Statesmen completed the eight-drive effort with a nine-yard strike to wide receiver Jake Catalioto for the early 7-0 lead.
Moments later, the Mustangs fumbled the kick off return attempt, an Hobart regained possession of the ball, where in one play, claimed the 14-0 lead after completing the 32-yard pass to Ray Conley.
On the following Morrisville State possession, Hobart forced a second Mustang fumble, and regained possession, only to collect their third touchdown in two minutes time, a 14-yard scoring pass play to Catalioto for the 21-0 host lead.
Morrisville State attempted to get their offensive game going on the following drive, but Andrew Koonz stepped in front of Brandon Gwinner's (Schenectady, N.Y.) pass to force a third straight Mustang turnover, which led to another Statesman score.
Darrel West (Syracuse, N.Y.) was able to get one back for the Mustangs early in the second, converting the seven-play, 48-yard drive with a one-yard rushing score, but Hobart responded on their following possession, converting the 23-yard field goal to extend their lead to 31-7.
The hosts added one final score before the half, a 49-yard scoring pass play to Catalioto for his third touchdown of the afternoon, and 38-7 halftime advantage.
Hobart added two scores in the third quarter before Alexander Stewart (Norwich, N.Y.) converted a collegiate best 39-yard field goal attempt with 2:33 to go, to break the Mustangs scoring drought.
Gwinner added a two-yard rushing score early in the fourth, and on the following Hobart possession, junior back Michael Bodnar (Miller Place, N.Y.) forced and recovered a fumble to return the ball for his first defensive touchdown, cutting the host lead to 52-24.
That's as close as the Mustangs would get, though, as Hobart added a 39-yard field goal midway through the final frame, and a final touchdown with under a minute to go to claim the win.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- With the loss, the Mustangs fall to 1-1 on the season.
- Senior Darrel West (Syracuse, N.Y.) led the Mustang ball carriers with 67 yards on 13 carries, adding a touchdown early in the second quarter.
- Brandon Gwinner (Schenectady, N.Y.) went 10-for-22 for 104 yards, adding seven yards in the running game for a score.
- Toure Hall led the receiving unit with 36 yards on three receptions, while adding 164 yards on seven kick returns.
- Alexander Stewart (Norwich, N.Y.) went 3-for-3 in PAT's and added a collegiate high 39-yard field goal late in the third quarter.
- Freshman Shamari Griffith (Valley Stream, N.Y.) posted a collegiate best eight tackles, including two for a loss of four yards, while recording a forced fumble in the Mustangs defensive efforts.
- Michael Bodnar (Miller Place, N.Y.) posted six stops, one for a loss of two yards, while forcing a fumble and recovering another 22 yards for a defensive touchdown.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- Morrisville State enters a bye week and will return to action on Friday, September 21 as they host St. Lawrence University at 7 p.m. under the lights on Drake Field in Morrisville. This will be the final tune-up before the Mustangs take on Alfred University in the Empire 8 opener the following week.
Morrisville State College's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.
The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2018 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2018 Best Colleges rankings. For more information about Morrisville State College, visit www.morrisville.edu.
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