Winning on Saturday was a must for the Johns Hopkins and McDaniel football teams.
Entering last weekend?s games, the area?s two Division III squads shared identical 1-3 overall records (and 0-1 conference marks). Both, though, grabbed wins in the second week of Centennial Conference season. Hopkins defeated Franklin & Marshall, 14-7, and McDaniel put Gettysburg away, 17-14 ? both improving to 2-3, 1-1.
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The Blue Jays? victory could not have come at a better time, as they dispensed the Diplomats during homecoming. Coach Jim Margraff said this year?s start is similar to 2005.
“Every game has come down to the last seconds,” Margraff said.
That was the case against Franklin & Marshall, as Hopkins senior Chris Chauvin intercepted his second pass in the end zone to seal the win for the Blue Jays. Chauvin?s two interceptions were part of five turnovers forced by Hopkins.
“We are starting to come together now, and we are still trying to answer some questions,” Margraff said.
Injuries have taken a toll on the Blue Jays, who finally got sophomore quarterback Adam Waddell back after a concussion he suffered in the first half of the season opener sidelined him for the next three games.
“The defense did an extraordinary job last weekend,” said Waddell, who was 14 of 24 for 132 yards and a touchdown.
Waddell said that Hopkins? offense needs to capitalize on turnovers and get the ball in the end zone.
Turnovers have also a problem this season for Hopkins? conference rival, McDaniel, which has recovered six but given up seven. McDaniel suffered two fumbles and an interception against Gettysburg, but thanks to performances by defensive back Drew Abbamonte and kicker Jay Leonard, the Green Terror still won.
For their efforts, Abbamonte and Leonard were named the Centennial Conference defensive and special teams players of the week, respectively. Abbamonte, a senior, led the team with 19 tackles (15 solo), which gave him 36 total in McDaniel?s first two conference games. Leonard provided the game-winning field goal, nailing a 46-yarder with 2.7 seconds left. The kick was his first this season and his longest career field goal.
Hopkins and McDaniel each have four games remaining in the schedule before they face each other at Hopkins? Homewood Field on Nov. 11 to close the regular season.
BLUE JAYS, GREEN TERROR
» Hopkins will travel to Gettysburg Saturday for a 1 p.m. game. McDaniel will be at home, hosting Dickinson at 1 p.m.
» Hopkins has had terrible luck with turnovers this year. The Blue Jays have lost each of their nine fumbles.
» The McDaniel defense has intercepted five passes so far but has only recovered one of nine fumbles by opponents.
