FB: Liberty League

[dewcrew88]

Hey! We only have about a week till the season, and nobody's talking football? Has ANYBODY read my capsules for the LL? Maybe I should have put some LLPP references in there...


"RPI's Jimmy Robertson is gonna pull a Gro this year and drop it like it's hot..."

[PBR...]

talkin about kickin it old school....pbr is streaming a philly radio station at work and just heard ac/dc's new song called "rock 'n roll train" off their new forth coming album black ice...it is just like old ac/dc and angus just kickin it

[labart96]

Hey! We only have about a week till the season, and nobody's talking football? Has ANYBODY read my capsules for the LL? Maybe I should have put some LLPP references in there...


"RPI's Jimmy Robertson is gonna pull a Gro this year and drop it like it's hot..."

Here's a capsule for ya:

It's that time of year again.

If it's August and over 80 degrees in Geneva, NY (with 75-100% humidity), you know that pre-season football camp is just around the corner.

Last season Hobart enjoyed a successful 8-2 regular season (6-1 in the Liberty League) that earned the Statesmen a share of the league championship and an at large bid into the NCAA tournament (their fourth invitation in the past six seasons). Unfortunately, the post-season ended with a dramatic thud with a 24-7 loss against East Region powerhouse, St. John Fisher College (who ultimately fell 52-10 in the Regional Finals to NCAA Division III Championship runner up, Mount Union College).

In 2008 Hobart will again focus on winning the Liberty League (and the accompanying NCAA Automatic Qualifier), but with a shortened (nine game) schedule. Hobart will maintain their out of conference rivalry/ opener against the Dickinson Red Devils as well as have a re-match against Carnegie Mellon which was one of the more exciting games from last season.

Key league showdowns against perennial powerhouses Union and RPI loom in October and November, respectively. The RPI game will be the last contest to be played at the '86 field in Troy, NY. The regular season culminates on November 15, when Hobart hosts Rochester in the annual Centennial Cup game. The Statesmen are looking to even the series that began in 1892 (Rochester leads 47-46-7). The showdown with the Yellow Jackets will also be the final contest on the natural grass of legendary Boswell Field.

Following the 2008 football season, extensive renovations will begin on the old "Boz" stadium. The new facility is expected to include new artificial surface, lighting, expanded locker rooms, and a new grand stand and press box (so you alums and football fans – get out your check books!).

Although the Statesmen will have some significant holes to fill on offense, defense and special teams, Hobart will welcome several returning lettermen back to camp:

• #1 Ryan LiDrazzah SR WR – The San Diego, CA native was the leading all purpose yards gainer for the Statesmen in 2007. He finished second in receptions to James Wright '08, with 59 grabs for 840 yards (14.2 avg) and scored 9 TDs. Ryan also added 348 and 73 yards in kick-off and punt returns, respectively.
• #4 Rich Doyle SR QB – The understudy to All-ECAC and Hobart single season record setting QB Andy Strom '08 will take the reins of the offense this fall. Although seldom used in 2007, Doyle appeared in nine games last season in relief of Strom – most notably in the season opener against Dickinson when Strom went down with a leg injury. Doyle kept the Statesmen in the game completing five of nine for 63 yards including a critical fourth quarter drive - the key play being a 26-yard completion to WR Tyler Vincent getting Hobart to the Dickinson 19 to set up a 36 yard field goal which forced overtime. Doyle's first Hobart career passing TD was also to Vincent during the 55-9 rout of the Maritime Academy. Doyle was elected as one of three co-captains by the team for the 2008 season.
• #5 Tyler Vincent JR WR – Another key to Hobart's passing attack, Vincent was a go-to possession receiver who should step into a starting role with the graduation of James Wright '08. Tyler had 27 receptions in 2007 racking up 321 yards and four TDs.
• #7 Andrew Marlier SO RB – The Illinois State transfer had a strong freshman campaign gaining 304 yards on 90 carries and six TDs. Marlier also caught six passes for 83 yards and played a key role on special teams running back 19 kicks for 402 yards (with long of 36). You can expect this Chicago native to see at lot of playing time, in tandem with SR RB Anthony Hobaica, in the Hobart backfield this fall.
• #9 Jeff Sanders SR ILB - Sanders is preparing for his third season as a team captain for Hobart. He was forced to take a medical red-shirt after suffering a season-ending injury in the 2007 opener against Dickinson. In 2006 Sanders played in all 10 games and recorded 59 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and two interceptions. The three-time All-Liberty League pick begins the 2008 campaign with 180 career tackles.
• #11 Ryan Robinson JR OLB – Robinson is a key returning member of the Hobart linebacker corp. Last season Robinson tallied 32 solo and 18 assisted tackles (fourth overall on the Hobart defense). He had six tackles for losses (TFLs) totaling -15 yards. Strong in pass coverage, Robinson even had one interception (INT) which he returned for 28 yards as well as a fumble recovery.
• #12 Denis Avdic JR PK – Avdic should resume the place-kicking duties he once held during the 2006 season with the graduation of Dominic Ancona '08. In 2006, Denis was good on 6 of 11 attempts (with a long of 39 yards). If Avdic struggles, expect back-up QB PJ Overdorf to step in to handle the kicking duties.
• #14 Alex Keyes SR CB – Like his hometown Oakland Raiders, Keyes will bring a commitment to excellence when it comes to defending the pass in the Hobart Secondary. Keyes tallied 15 tackles and four pass break ups last season as one of the Statesmen starting corners.
• #15 Matt Duliba SR TE – Primarily a run-blocker as a freshman and sophomore, Duliba broke out in 2007 as a legitimate receiving threat. One of Strom's favorite targets (fourth on the team in receiving); Matt hauled in 26 catches for 254 yards and one TD. Expect more TDs for this TE in 2008. Matt will serve as a team captain in his fourth and final season as a Hobart Statesman football player. Backing up Duliba will be #86 David Degan JR TE. Degan tallied two receptions, one for a TD for 18 yards in 2008.
• #16 PJ Overdorf JR QB – Although he appeared in five games in 2007, PJ has yet to make a pass attempt as a Statesman QB. Aside from his backing up Rich Doyle, Overdorf will look to contribute on special teams. Last season he filled in for PK Dom Ancona '08 on kick-off and punting duties racking up 298 yards (49.7 yards average) on six kicks as well as 37 yards on one punt.
• #20 Lance Boyington SR FS – Another seasoned veteran of the Hobart Secondary, what Lance lacks in size (5-4, 165) he makes up in speed and having a nose for the football. Boyington had 32 tackles (21 solo) in 2007 including six pass break-ups while also tallying two INTs. Although listed as a CB, Lance played as a FS last season and will likely stay in the same position in 2008. Understudy #2 Dan Pembroke JR FS will likely come in nickel packages. Pembroke tallied eight tackles and one INT last season.
• #23 Anthony Hobaica SR RB – After splitting carries last season with Don Gilardi '08, Hobaica will be looked upon to be the feature back in the Hobart offense in 2008. Last season Hobaica was Hobart's leading rusher gaining 605 yards (net) on 147 carries and scoring six rushing TDs. A reliable receiver out of the backfield, Hobaica also caught 12 passes for 103 yards.
• #26 Orlando Patterson SR OLB – After serving as a reserve to Mike Kaplun '08, Patterson will likely start at OLB opposite Ryan Robinson in 2008. Last season Patterson tallied 13 tackles (10 solo) and recovered 2 fumbles.
• #27 Rob Nieves JR FB – Blocking for Hobaica and Marlier will be Nieves who last season backed up starting FB Dan Spinella '08. Although a reserve, Nieves actually gained more yards rushing (92 on 18 carries including one TD) than Spinella. Rob also had one catch for eight yards. 2
• #31 Chris Szymanski JR CB – Another key member of the Hobart Secondary, Szymanski will likely assume the starting CB position abdicated by the graduation of 3rd team All-American CB James Alexander '08. Chris added 12 tackles (11 solo) and one pass break up in 2007.
• #39 Kyle O'Laughlin SO ILB – One of Hobart's impact freshman from last season, Kyle earned All-Liberty League honorable mention and ranked sixth on the team with 48 tackles. He recorded six tackles for a loss, 2.5 QB sacks, two interceptions, and forced two fumbles. O'Laughlin made a season-high eight tackles against RPI and was named the Liberty League Rookie of the Week after producing four tackles, forcing a fumble and making an interception at Union.
• #40 Justin Hager SR ILB – A preseason All-American at ILB, Hager led the Statesmen with a Liberty League-high 114 tackles, marking the most tackles by a Hobart player since 1995 and the third highest total in the program's 114 seasons. Hager posted a season record 67 solo stops among his 114 tackles in 2007. He recorded 11 or more tackles in six games, including a single game record-tying 19 against both Carnegie Mellon and Rochester. Heading into his senior season, Hager has 154 career tackles.
• #51 Tony Siravo SR ILB – Making the most of the opportunity to start in 2007, Siravo will likely return to a reserve role or compete for a starting OLB position against Robinson and/or Patterson in 2008. Siravo tallied 32 tackles (16 solo) last season and recovered one fumble.
• #54 Mike Faracca JR DT – Faracca had 28 tackles, four for -20 yards including two QB sacks in 2007. He along with classmates #94 Mike Arduini and #93 Anthony Shaw will compete for the starting DT spot opposite #75 Ryan Aruck.
• The Hobart OL – Losing only 1 SR OL to graduation (starting LT Phil Perkins '08), Hobart returns a big and experienced offensive line in 2008 that deserves a great deal of credit for the 2007 team's 4,732 yards of total offense:
o # 76 Mike Condon SR OL (6-2, 275) and #61 Brian Monaco JR OL (6-2, 285) will return as the starting right tackle and guard with back-ups # 79 Angelo Catalano JR OL (6-3, 275) and # 64 Kevin Cruz SO OL (6-0, 295) at the ready if needed.
o On the left side, Hobart returns starting guard #50 Andy Miller JR OL (6-1, 265). Taking over left tackle will likely be big #66 Donald Lappe JR OL (6-7, 265 – although I bet this kid arrives even bigger to camp this fall). #71 Steve Paladino SO OL (6-1, 250) will also be in the mix.
o The anchor of the line is returning center, #78 Rick Riggi SR OL (6-5, 285).
• #75 Ryan Aruck SR DT – Aruck, who served as a team captain in 2007, was second on the team in tackles with 59, including five for a loss. He produced a career-high 12 tackles in Hobart's NCAA Tournament game vs. St. John Fisher. Aruck counted a pair of sacks among his four tackles at Union earlier in the fall. In 32 career games, he has 180 tackles, including 16.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. The biggest Hobart player on offense or defense at 6-2 and 305 lbs, Aruck will continue to be the key to Hobart's defensive front four in 2008.
• #89 Zach Schultz SR WR – Schultz is likely to transition from being a situational player to competing for a starting position in 2008 opposite Ryan LiDrazzah. In 2007 Schultz tallied 22 receptions for 284 yards while also serving as Hobart's primary punt return specialist (13 returns for 75 yards). Although Zach only returned one kick-off all season, it stood as the longest return (57 yards) of the year.
• #90 Kwame Lovell JR DE – A big and fast pass rusher, Lovell tallied 39 tackles (27 solo – including seven for -20 yards) with four QB sacks. Lovell will likely start with the other starting DE position being decided between #52 Tony Guidetti JR DE (eight tackles, one QB sack) and #97 James Rayhill SO DE (six tackles, four QB sacks).

[PBR...]

tgp, any idea how Ryan LiDrazzah  ended up at hobart? just wondering how a dood from san diego, ca ends up at hobart? did he live there at one point in life or has family there? talk about shock if he lived in san diego the for his entire life and the first winter at hobart had to feel like living at antartica

[labart96]

tgp, any idea how Ryan LiDrazzah  ended up at hobart? just wondering how a dood from san diego, ca ends up at hobart? did he live there at one point in life or has family there? talk about shock if he lived in san diego the for his entire life and the first winter at hobart had to feel like living at antartica

He ended up at Hobart via the Kent School in CT (hence he'd been prepped to freeze his nuttz off during the winters already).

The other CA guys though (now graduated) Andy Strom from Novato and Alex Keyes did go to high school in CA.  Last year must have been the first ever for a Hobart team with 3 starting native Californians.

[dewcrew88]

TGP: I wish I had had that before I did mine!
That's really good stuff...

[57Johnnie]

SRT, GRO -- MAVENS of MONKEYSHINES

Between the Engineers and Johnnies last year, I believe there were 10 Monkey Stomps.  8)

What is your predicition? Can we top that in '08

[K-Mack]

One of the several benefits of living in LA is that you can often catch random shows at smaller clubs on Sunset.

For instance, a couple of weeks ago TGP's buddy and guitarist invited TGP to see the reunion of the "Lynch Mob" at the Key Club (cap 200).  The original singer, George Lynch (note to George, plastic surgery and steroids don't mix) on guitar, Ozzy's old bassist and Fred Coury (Cinderella) on drums.  

It was shredderiffic.  After the gig TGP had cocktails with Billy Sheehan (DLR, Mr Big, basically one of the most bad ass bass players ever).

Only in LA.

For a second there, K-Mack thought you meant the Lench Mob was back together.

But would Ice Cube really take a break from movies to give JD, Sir Jinx and Chilly Chill some more work? (has no idea if those are the right guys or not; please someone on the LLPP represent for 1990 hip-hop)

[K-Mack]

Todays TOTD.

JT wishes he was a lollipop right about now.

LOL

...and RT's 2nd favorite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUcBvGscpwo&feature=related

That video was awesome. (or awesomely bad) ... completely not my cup of tea, but very compelling. HOT ISH!

[PBR...]

One of the several benefits of living in LA is that you can often catch random shows at smaller clubs on Sunset.

For instance, a couple of weeks ago TGP's buddy and guitarist invited TGP to see the reunion of the "Lynch Mob" at the Key Club (cap 200).  The original singer, George Lynch (note to George, plastic surgery and steroids don't mix) on guitar, Ozzy's old bassist and Fred Coury (Cinderella) on drums.  

It was shredderiffic.  After the gig TGP had cocktails with Billy Sheehan (DLR, Mr Big, basically one of the most bad ass bass players ever).

Only in LA.

For a second there, K-Mack thought you meant the Lench Mob was back together.

But would Ice Cube really take a break from movies to give JD, Sir Jinx and Chilly Chill some more work? (has no idea if those are the right guys or not; please someone on the LLPP represent for 1990 hip-hop)

believe it twas....Ice Cube,Shorty, T-Bone, Maulkie and former member J-Dee.

EDIT: forgot to mention sad news the other day w/ dr. dre's son found dead at home in bed

[PBR...]

pac man reinstated by the nfl he was quoted as saying "to celebrate my reinstatement to the nfl i will be hosting a party at hooters then moving onto deliliah's den later in the evening...."

[labart96]

One of the several benefits of living in LA is that you can often catch random shows at smaller clubs on Sunset.

For instance, a couple of weeks ago TGP's buddy and guitarist invited TGP to see the reunion of the "Lynch Mob" at the Key Club (cap 200).  The original singer, George Lynch (note to George, plastic surgery and steroids don't mix) on guitar, Ozzy's old bassist and Fred Coury (Cinderella) on drums.  

It was shredderiffic.  After the gig TGP had cocktails with Billy Sheehan (DLR, Mr Big, basically one of the most bad ass bass players ever).

Only in LA.

For a second there, K-Mack thought you meant the Lench Mob was back together.

But would Ice Cube really take a break from movies to give JD, Sir Jinx and Chilly Chill some more work? (has no idea if those are the right guys or not; please someone on the LLPP represent for 1990 hip-hop)

here's an interesting article from the LA Times that covered Ice Cube and his take on the 20th anniversary of "Straight Outta Compton":

http://www.latimes.com/theguide/music/la-et-compton16-2008aug16,0,3973647.story

['gro]

One of the several benefits of living in LA is that you can often catch random shows at smaller clubs on Sunset.

For instance, a couple of weeks ago TGP's buddy and guitarist invited TGP to see the reunion of the "Lynch Mob" at the Key Club (cap 200).  The original singer, George Lynch (note to George, plastic surgery and steroids don't mix) on guitar, Ozzy's old bassist and Fred Coury (Cinderella) on drums.  

It was shredderiffic.  After the gig TGP had cocktails with Billy Sheehan (DLR, Mr Big, basically one of the most bad ass bass players ever).

Only in LA.

For a second there, K-Mack thought you meant the Lench Mob was back together.

But would Ice Cube really take a break from movies to give JD, Sir Jinx and Chilly Chill some more work? (has no idea if those are the right guys or not; please someone on the LLPP represent for 1990 hip-hop)

Representin right here K-mack... "gorillas in da mist" was a must own album.  I think every teenager with a columbia house account had it in the 90's.

what a joyus time it was when that 1st columiba house shipment came with those 10-12 cd's. little did you know you had just been scammed.

[Regulator]

One of the several benefits of living in LA is that you can often catch random shows at smaller clubs on Sunset.

For instance, a couple of weeks ago TGP's buddy and guitarist invited TGP to see the reunion of the "Lynch Mob" at the Key Club (cap 200).  The original singer, George Lynch (note to George, plastic surgery and steroids don't mix) on guitar, Ozzy's old bassist and Fred Coury (Cinderella) on drums.  

It was shredderiffic.  After the gig TGP had cocktails with Billy Sheehan (DLR, Mr Big, basically one of the most bad ass bass players ever).

Only in LA.

For a second there, K-Mack thought you meant the Lench Mob was back together.

But would Ice Cube really take a break from movies to give JD, Sir Jinx and Chilly Chill some more work? (has no idea if those are the right guys or not; please someone on the LLPP represent for 1990 hip-hop)

Representin right here K-mack... "gorillas in da mist" was a must own album.  I think every teenager with a columbia house account had it in the 90's.

what a joyus time it was when that 1st columiba house shipment came with those 10-12 cd's. little did you know you had just been scammed.

Yeah....what is up with columbia house and their house of scam? Reg is thinking about a startup using iphones or something. 
1 cent iphone if you buy 9 paperclips within the next 3 years.  Noone freaking tells you that each freaking paperclip costs you $235 bucks each!

[labart96]

LL news flash
Fisher alum joins Hobart coaching staff:

GENEVA, N.Y.—Hobart College Football Head Coach Mike Cragg recently announced the addition of Jim Ryan to the Statesmen coaching staff. Ryan will mentor the Hobart receivers.

"Jim will be an excellent addition to our staff," Cragg said. "His knowledge as a former player, coupled with his coaching experience, makes him an exceptional mentor and role model for our student-athletes."

Ryan brings seven seasons of coaching experience to Hobart, including the past two as the receivers coach at Morrisville State. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Cato-Meridian High School, working with the receivers, outside linebackers, and special teams in 2001. Ryan spent the next three seasons coaching at Bishop Grimes High School. In addition to assisting with the varsity, he also served as the head coach of the Cobras' junior varsity and modified teams.

In 2000, Ryan graduated from St. John Fisher with a bachelor's degree in education. A four-year member of the Cardinals' football team, he started at wide receiver during his junior and senior seasons. In 1999, he was second on the team in receptions and third in receiving yards.

A graduate of Victor High School, Ryan was a two-time Finger Lakes All-League selection in football.