October 18 , 2005

GENEVA, N.Y.—The Hobart football team hopped up three spots to No. 11 in the latest AFCA Coaches Poll. The Statesmen also took over the top spot in the Upstate New York Division III Football poll and debuted at No. 24 in the D3football.com media and sports information directors poll.

Hobart began the season at No. 23 in the first coaches poll which was released on Sept. 20, moving up at least one spot in each of the past four weeks. The Statesmen had been either third or fourth in Upstate poll—a survey of the 14 Upstate New York schools that sponsor football—all season until leapfrogging into the catbird’s seat this week. Hobart had been knocking on the door of the D3football.com top-25 all season, receiving votes in the first seven editions of the ranking.

Hobart improved to 6-0 last Saturday with a 27-9 victory over Kings Point. Junior running back Doug Blakowski (Iroquois/Elma, N.Y.) had another exceptional afternoon, rushing for 149 yards and three touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, the Statesmen limited the Mariners to minus 10 yards rushing. Senior linebacker Jimmy Gradis (Elwood John Glenn/Greenlawn, N.Y.) turned in a game-high 10 tackles, while senior defensive end Zach Young (Midlakes/Phelps, N.Y.) wreaked havoc in the Kings Point backfield, finishing the day with eight tackles, including five for a loss and having a hand in four of the team’s six sacks.

The Statesmen return to action at 1 p.m., on Oct. 22, when the St. Lawrence Saints visit Boswell Field. The game will be broadcast live by WEOS-FM (89.7/90.3 in Geneva, 88.1 in Ithaca). Internet browsers can access live statistics and streaming audio via the Hobart football schedule page.