I have to admire Hartwick's aggressive and at time questionable play calling last night. However, it seemed they wanted the win more then the Fisher coaching staff. The Fisher fans can go on and on about how the Hartwick's coaching staff tried to give the game away, however, in the end the Fisher coaching staff gave away the game.

Last night's win came down to Hartwick coaching staff, players, and fans wanting the game more. Not only does the win give Hartwick fans bragging rights and eye candy. It gives the Hartwick coaching staff tremendous recruiting fire power in the coming months. 

Next week's game Hartwick @ Alfred is going to be HUGE. While I give Alfred a razor thin edge, I think Hartwick has the confidence, skill, and momentum to beat Alfred on the road.

If I am a Alfred football fan I would be a little nervous heading into next weeks game. Why? Number One: It is a huge distraction being undefeated on the season. Number two, Alfred hasn't truly been tested yet this season by anybody so far.

If I am a Hartwick football fan, I would be very excited right now. However, at the same-time I would be a little nervous about Hartwick being able to produce on the road. However, given the success of the Hawks the past three weekend the WNEC lose is becoming more and more of a fluke. Having some monumental success early in the season is a huge confidence builder for both the coaching staff and the players.

The outcome of tonight's team came down to the coaching staffs having confidence in their teams. In tonight's game Coach Vosburgh and his staff got out coached. Not many top 5 coaching staffs lose complete confidence in their team's ability. Let alone enough to opt out of doing the safe play and go to OT with the momentum on your side.

I have to hand it to Hartwick. Week 1 they have a bad loss at WNEC. They came back, regrouped, and knocked off a powerful Ithaca squad. Last weekend they proved the previous week wasn't a fluke. In tonight's game they controlled for the majority of the game against the #5 team in the nation and won in the end fair&square.

Hartwick football is no longer a push over football program like in years past!

Lastly, Hartwick wasn't lucky tonight nor did they do any cheating.  

It is safe to say that Coach Vosburgh will have to lots of explaining to his AD, alumni, boosters, college president/board of trustees. Coach Vosburgh got gready, rather then do the staff play and go to OT. Instead, his program left Wright Stadium with their first loss and lots of embarrassment. If I was a senior on the Fisher team, I would be pissed that the seasons undefeated status is gone and my last game against Hartwick ended in a loss.



Sounded like Hartwick came to play 110%. Judging from listening to the game they wanted the game more and so did Hawk Nation. Not only did Hartwick upset a top 5 nationally ranked team, they did it without trailing 1 second of the game.



The Hartwick athletic program has definitely had their challenges over the course of the last several years, between being competitive in recruiting/financial aid and athletic facilities/resources. Tonight's win is without a doubt a major step in the right direction towards re-establishing the tradition of winning at Hartwick. 



I am glad I am not on the Fisher bus heading back to Fisher tonight



At least the Fisher women's soccer team won in double OT against Hartwick. 



Tonight, I officially nominate Coach Mark Carr for Coach of the Year and Jason Boltus for E8 Player of the Year.

Looks like everyone is pumped for Round 1 tomorrow! You can find exclusive coverage of Springfield and St. John Fisher's road to Salem on my Empire 8 blog: www.empire8zone.com

Predictions for this weekend are posted.

Enjoy

Welcome to a new season everyone! Looks like everyone is pumped for the start of the season.

I have been so pumped that I have created an Empire 8 blog for all of your enjoyment throughout the season:

It can be found at: http://www.empire8zone.com and on Facebook: Group; Empire 8 Zone.

I have made predictions for the various games tonight and tomorrow!

Enjoy!