GAME INFORMATION

Hilbert College Hawks (0-9, 0-6) vs Utica University Pioneers (3-5, 1-4)
Saturday, November 9th | 2 PM | St. Francis High School | Hamburg, NY
 
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THE OPPONENT
After opening the season 3-1, the Pioneers have dropped to 3-5 with four consecutive Empire 8 defeats. At 1-4 in the conference, Utica currently sits one spot ahead of the Hawks in seventh place. Despite their 1-4 Empire 8 record, the Pioneers have a positive point differential in conference games, scoring 142 points to their opponents' 138.

Quarterback Brett Fuller leads an offense that scores almost 30 points a game. The junior signal caller has completed 160 of his 265 pass attempts (60.38%) for 1640 yards and 16TDs and six interceptions. Fuller spreads the ball out well with five Pioneer receivers hauling in multiple touchdown grabs this season. On the ground, fifth year running back Matt Brantley handles the bulk of the work as he as totaled 672 yards on 112 rushes while adding on seven scores.

Defensively, Darius Johnson leads the unit with 71 total tackles from his linebacker position. John Stroughn and Doug Simmons pace the team in sacks with 5.5 and 4 respectively, while Eli Douglas leads the way in the secondary with four interceptions.

Blaise Faggiano has been the head coach at Utica University since 2008. In 2023 he led the Pioneers to their second most successful season in school history, capped off with an ECAC Clayton Chapman Bowl victory over Hobart College, finishing the season 9-2.

In 2022 the Pioneers had their most successful season in school history, highlighted by a 10-2 record and a second-round appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament. He has the most coaching victories in program history and has led the Pioneers to five ECAC Bowl Appearances.

LAST GAME

Last time out, Hilbert fell to SUNY Morrisville to drop to 0-6 in the conference. In the 38-8 loss to the Mustangs, the Hawks' defense posted their best outing of the season, holding the Morrisville offense to 268 yards with just 109 passing yards.

Hilbert dominated time of possession (41:24 to 18:36) but Morrisville took advantage of short fields and capitalized with touchdowns on three drives that began in Hilbert territory.

INDIVIDUAL STATS VS MORRISVILLE

• Brody Hopkins completed all four of his pass attempts for 56 yards and a score.
• Jon Whitaker's fourth-quarter touchdown was the first reception, and touchdown of his collegiate career.
• Bryce Robinson made three grabs for 46 yards while adding 29 yards in the return game.
• Matt Bertke tallied eight total tackles, with two for a loss, while Taivaugh Roach recorded seven tackles and one for a loss.
• Scotty Winchell, Imari Jenkins, Evan Willett, and Reynaldo DeJesus each broke up a pass.

 
STATS

The Hawks lean on the ground game heavily, with 410 rushes and just 24 passing attempts. Mike Hanlon, Bryce Robinson, Deven Perry, Jon Whitaker, Shemia Clark, and Brody Hopkins each have at least 30 carries on the season with Hanlon's 446 yards on 119 attempts leading the way. Hanlon and Clifford Zeigler have a pair of rushing scores each, while Robinson has also found the endzone on the ground.

On just 18 attempts, Hopkins has an impressive 136.93 QB rating  as the junior QB has completed nine passes for 147 yards with a touchdown and no picks.

On the other side of the ball Taivaughn Roach continues to lead the Hawks in tackles with  67. Roach has also tallied 4 tackles for a loss and one sack in nine games. Da'von Cockrell has been all over the field for Hilbert, recording 36 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, one sack, an interception, and a pass breakup. As a unit, the Hawks have forced five turnovers on the season on four interceptions and a fumble.

COACHING STAFF

Ted Egger returns for his second year leading the football program at Hilbert after stops at Hocking College, Pearl River Community College, Concordia University, Adams State University, Lock Haven University, Ferris State University, and Northwood University.

Egger is joined by John Noel, Aron Aydelott, Henry Baxter, Terry Szucs, and Justin Mott on the sidelines.