Hackett Breaks University TD Record, Saints Drop WPI 24-21

Nov. 14: The St. Lawrence University football team finished the 2009 season in style on Saturday, as the Saints used a dynamic running attack that totaled 261 yards and three touchdowns to hold off WPI 24-21 in Worcester, MA.  Senior co-captain Connor Hackett put the finishing touches on a record-breaking career as well, scoring his 27^th career touchdown to break the University's record that had stood since 1978.

Though Hackett set a new benchmark for career touchdowns on Saturday, totaling 42 yards on 23 carries, it was classmate Eric Jones that hurt WPI.  The Watertown, NY native ran for 179 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown, while sophomore Marcus Washington added another 42 yards on three carries and a score.  Meanwhile, the St. Lawrence defense was tested by the passing attack of Mike Swanton, but came up with three interceptions including senior Gerard Bryant's first of his collegiate career on his final game with the Scarlet and Brown.

"Our seniors provided some great leadership all season, and it culminated today with stand-out performances," said head coach Chris Phelps.  "Connor (Hackett) and Eric (Jones) were played big out of the backfield and Gerard (Bryant) delivered another strong outing.  I'm proud of this team for making a statement in its final game of 2009."

Though a St. Lawrence turnover led to the home team building an early lead, the Saints bounced right back to tie the game at 7-7.  Junior Michael Baraldi was intercepted on the third play of the game by Todd LeClerc and gave WPI the football at the visitor's 13-yard line.  On the first offensive play, Swanton rushed for a 13-yard score to give his team the early 6-0 lead.  Cody Beckel added the extra point to put the Engineers ahead 7-0 only 1:21 into the game.

Jones would help the Scarlet and Brown rebound, as his 62-yard rush on the first play of the ensuing drive gave his team the ball at the WPI 12-yard line.  After a personal foul on the Engineers, Hackett rushed the ball seven yards down to the 1-yard line before Coach Phelps called his number again and the Bronxville, NY native crossed the goal line for his 27^th collegiate touchdown.  The score, which was followed by an extra point by Matthew Dodge, leveled the game at 7-7 only 3:24 into the first and broke John Crandall's University record set 31 years ago.

Hackett's touchdown would cap the first quarter scoring, though St. Lawrence held the ball for 9:42 in the frame.  The Saints would grab their first lead at 10-7 when Dodge connected from 32 yards out for his first collegiate field goal.  The kick capped an impressive 10-play, 72 yard drive that would give the Scarlet and Brown a lead they would not relinquish.

Bryant would make his presence felt midway through the second quarter as WPI began a drive at its own 29-yard line.  On 2^nd down, Bryant was able to get to Swanton for a sack and forced the quarterback to fumble.  The Saints would not only recover on the WPI 21 yard line, but would score on the first offensive play in the ensuing series when Washington scampered into the end zone with 7:08 to play in the first half.  Dodge's extra point gave St. Lawrence a 17-7 halftime cushion.

The Saints' special teams unit would help set up the squad's final touchdown of 2009 midway through the third quarter.  After St. Lawrence failed to score despite starting at the WPI 25-yard line, the Engineers had to punt after the Saints' defense allowed only one first down.  However, sophomore Ramon Mignott would block the WPI punt and give his offense the ball back at the WPI 38-yard line.  After a one-yard loss on first down, Jones would make the big play, as he scored from 39 yards out to give the visitors a 23-7 cushion with 6:51 left in the third.  Dodge would add the extra point for a 24-7 lead.

The Engineers kept their hopes alive thanks to a 7 play, 64-yard touchdown drive following Jones' score.  Ernie Mello picked up a big 21-yard rush on the drive, then Swanton completed a pass to Nick Bean down to the St. Lawrence 8-yard line.  Mello would then score from 1-yard out following a pass interference call, and Beckel's extra point cut the Saints' lead to 24-14 with 3:57 left in the third.

However, Coach Phelps' defense would prove to be the difference in the fourth quarter.  Bryant and senior Tom Lagos sacked Swanton on the first drive of the fourth, then Bryant intercepted the QB to halt a potential scoring drive at the 50 yard line.  WPI would force a three-and-out and cover 86 yards in 14 plays, but came up with no points as the Saints' defense stuffed the Engineers in a goal line stand.  Sophomore Christian Bianchi would then all but seal the win with his second interception of the game at his team's 7-yard line with 3:23 left in regulation.

Swanton and the WPI offense would add a touchdown with one second remaining in the game, as Swanton completed a pass to Bean to cap a 6-play, 51 yard drive.  Beckel's extra point brought the Engineers to within three at 24-21, but when the Saints recovered the onside kick, they were able to celebrate a narrow win over WPI in Liberty League play.

WPI finished with a 21-12 advantage in first downs and out-passed St. Lawrence 230-92.  However, the Saints put up 261 yards of rushing compared to the Engineers' 97 which proved to be a difference in the game.  Senior Rick Stepien was impressive punting the football for St. Lawrence, as he averaged 34.2 yards per kick including three inside the 20 and one kick of 53 yards.  Stepien also caught a pass for a career-high 63 yards.

Defensively, Brant forced a fumble, added an interception and had 2.5 sacks while making a team-high eight tackles.  Sophomore Trevor Saunders also made eight tackles for the Saints, while classmate Brendan McCarthy made seven stops and recovered a fumble.  Jack Mulhern led WPI with a game-high 12 tackles including a sack.

The Saints close the 2009 season with a 3-7 record and 2-5 in Liberty League action while the Engineers close with a matching 3-7 mark but 0-7 in conference.