GAME INFORMATION

Hilbert College Hawks (0-1) at Buffalo State Bengals (0-1)
Saturday, September 14th | 12 PM | Coyer Field
 
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THE OPPONENT

Like the Hawks, the Bengals are looking for their first win of the season after a week one shutout at the hands of an Empire 8 opponent. Buffalo State took on SUNY Brockport in the I-90 bowl last Thursday, September 5th, falling 27-0 to the Golden Eagles.  Bengals' quarterback Noah Kimble completed 13 of 33 passes for 161 yards and two interceptions in the loss, while running backs Ale Wilson and Cody Phillips each rushed the ball ten times, gaining 27 and 11 yards respectively. Mikai Johnson was Kimble's main target on the day, hauling in five catches for 80 yards. Defensively, seven Bengals made at least five tackles, with Kenneth Mosley leading the way with nine.

The Bengals are led by head coach, Lazarus Morgan who is in his third season at the helm of the Buffalo State football program in 2024 after being appointed as the sixth football coach in Buffalo State history in January 2022. 

In his first season as head coach, Morgan guided six student-athletes to Liberty League All-Conference selections, as well as seven All-Academic team winners. In 2023, the team saw nine All-Conference picks and six All-Academic winners.

HISTORY VS THE BENGALS

The Bengals will be the first opponent the Hawks see for a second time, as the two teams squared off last year at Coyer Field in what was a 44-12 Buffalo State victory. Hilbert jumped out to a 6-0 lead in last year's contest, but 24 consecutive Bengal points helped the hosts cruise to victory. Taivaughn Roach posted 13 total tackles, including a career-best eleven solo tackles in the game.

LAST GAME

Hilbert suffered a 76-0 defeat to nationally ranked (#2 on D3football.com) Cortland last Saturday, September 7th. The Red Dragons scored touchdowns on their first eight offensive possessions of the first half, before adding three trips to the endzone in the second half for the decisive week one victory. Freshman running back Mike Hanlon ran the ball 25 times, totaling 27 yards in his collegiate debut, while Shemia Clark and Bryce Robinson each picked up three yards on the ground.

Defensively, Taivaughn Roach and Scotty Winchell led the way with twelve tackles each. Santawan Stackhouse and Takhi West recorded pass breakups and Neven Dermady blocked an extra point attempt.
 
STATS

Running back Mike Hanlon and wide receiver Bryce Robinson will look to lead the offense against the Bengals. Hanlon accounted for 44 of the 60 yards the offense gained a week ago. Robinson is looking for his first reception after bringing down 32 catches for 310 yards and a touchdown last season.

On the other side of the ball, the Hawks are led by Taivaughn Roach who has led the team in tackles in each of the last two seasons, including 100 total tackles last year that saw him lead Division III in tackles per game with 12.5. Clifford Zeigler and Matt Bertke lead the defensive line for Hilbert, combing for three sacks a year ago.
 
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 has added Aron Aydelott, Henry Baxter, Terry Szucs, and Justin Mott to the fold since the conclusion of last season.