HAMBURG, N.Y. – Hilbert College Football hosted Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute this afternoon at St. Francis High School in Liberty League action.

Christian Hamilton Jr recorded a pair of rushing touchdowns, the first two scores on the ground against the RPI defense all season, but the Hawks fell 69-14 to the Engineers.

Hilbert answered RPI's opening kickoff return touchdown with a scoring drive of its own just minutes later. After a 21–7 first-quarter deficit, Hamilton Jr. provided an early spark when he broke loose for a 67-yard touchdown run on the Hawks' opening possession to tie the game at 7–7.

RPI's offense struck back quickly, scoring three times in the first quarter behind quarterback Anthony DeMatteo, who connected on touchdown passes of 23 and 52 yards to give the Engineers a 21–7 lead after the opening frame.

In the second quarter, RPI extended its advantage with four more touchdowns — including two short rushing scores by Kayden White and a 20-yard touchdown strike to Chris Ahle — to take a 49–7 lead into halftime.

Hilbert regrouped in the third quarter and capitalized on a takeaway to find the end zone again. Damonte Malone forced and recovered a fumble deep in RPI territory, setting up the Hawks at the 20-yard line. Three plays later, Hamilton Jr. powered in from four yards out for his second touchdown of the day, cutting the deficit to 52–14 midway through the third quarter.

RPI added a late passing touchdown, two field goals, and a rushing score in the fourth quarter to seal the 69–14 final.

Hamilton Jr led Hilbert's offense with 80 rushing yards and two touchdowns on seven carries, while Darrion Montgomery (40 yards) and Mike Hanlon (35 yards) added balance to a running game that totaled 230 yards — outgaining RPI on the ground.

Defensively, Da'von Cockrell paced the Hawks with eight total tackles, while Efrain Colon, Brody Hopkins, and Xavier Johnson each recorded tackles for loss. Hopkins also notched a sack, and Malone's forced fumble and recovery led directly to Hilbert's second touchdown.

RPI was led by DeMatteo, who finished 13-of-20 for 182 yards and four touchdowns through the air.

Hilbert controlled possession for 37:45 and earned nine first downs, all via the run game.
 
UP NEXT:
The Hawks return to action next week when the team heads to Schenectady, NY to take on Union College on Saturday, November 1^st at 1 pm.