The Middlebury Campus

Issue date: 11/8/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Patrick Knise Eric Rostad '10 stretches out for a Donald McKillop '11 pass en route to a second quarter touchdown. It was one of McKillop's two touchdown passes, this one a 31-yard strike. [Click to enlarge]

The Middlebury football team played host to Hamilton on Saturday, Nov. 3, and earned a decisive victory over the Continentals, 28-0. Coupled with a Tufts loss, the win propelled the 6-1 Panthers into first place in the NESCAC standings and guaranteed Middlebury at least a share of the conference title. In the final home game of the year, the Panther defense, led by eight senior starters, dominated the Continentals and compiled its third shutout of the season.

"It was nice to win like this in our last home game," said defensive back Brian Young '08, who led the Panther defense with two interceptions. "It was just a great feeling to be out there on the field, having fun, surrounded by my best friends. Still, a share of the title means nothing. Next week is the seniors' last game ever and everything will be on the line for us."

Hamilton threatened on its first possession but was unable to score. Continental quarterback and punter Dan Hood, who threw for 217 yards but had five interceptions, led a drive down to the 21-yard line. Faced with fourth down, the Continentals elected to try for a field goal, but the Panthers' Bill Greven '10 blocked Hood's 38-yard attempt, and Middlebury took over on downs. This was about as close as Hamilton would come to scoring during the game. Being sacked five times and turning the ball over six times did not help matters.

The Panthers got on the board with 6:55 remaining in the opening quarter. Gary Cooper '08 capped a 14-play, 81-yard drive with a two-yard rush up the middle and into the end zone.

Set up by the defense, the Middlebury offense added to the score in the second quarter. Defensive back Nathan Shreve '08 intercepted a pass at the Hamilton 44-yard line and returned it 17 yards to the Hamilton 27. Panther quarterback Donald McKillop '11, who completed 14-of-27 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns, quickly capitalized on the favorable field position. On the third play of the drive, McKillop found Erik Rostad '10 for a 31-yard touchdown with 6:05 remaining in the half, giving the Panthers a 14-0 lead that they would take into halftime.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools