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An Embarrassing Night in Easton
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 8, 2007
Columbia was overmatched in every phase of the game Saturday, falling 29-0 to three-time defending Patriot League champion Lafayette. With no running game to speak of and no protection for quarterback Craig Hormann, the Lions had no response as the Leopards’ offense hacked away at the Columbia defense.
Injuries on the Lafayette roster seemed to give Columbia the advantage on paper. Lafayette’s starting tailback, Maurice White, was injured after a loss to Princeton two weeks ago. His replacement, Anthony D’Urso, came out of the game with a sprained ankle in the first quarter, leaving DeAndre’ Morrow to shoulder the offense.
Both teams struggled to find momentum in the first quarter, but after a 23-yard field goal put Lafayette up early, Morrow—an untested sophomore—gave the Leopards a spark in the second quarter, setting up Lafeyette’s first touchdown with a play-action pass and two runs. Fullback Matt Ferber took the ball from four yards out and plowed over one defender after another on the way to the end zone.
Columbia got as far as the Lafayette 26 as the first half wound down, but a 43-yard field goal attempt by Jon Rochollwas deflected.
A pair of turnovers at the start of the second half gave Columbia two more chances to stay in the game. The first came when linebacker Matt Moretto intercepted a pass on Lafayette’s first drive. The Lions offense brought the ball as far as the Leopard three-yard line, but Lafayette’s Adrian Lawson intercepted a play-action pass by Craig Hormann on third-and-goal.
Lafayette brought the ball into the red zone, but was stymied again as defensive back Calvin Otis snagged yet another pick—the first of his career. Columbia’s offense failed to capitalize on the turnover, however, as a huge sack on Hormann forced a fumble, which Lafayette converted into a touchdown four plays later. Lafayette scored on its next two possessions to push the score to 29-0.
Columbia had one long drive in the fourth quarter, but its last good chance to avoid a shutout was quashed by a Leopard interception.
Lafayette quickly proved that they would not allow Columbia to run the ball. The Lions’ first two plays of the game—carries by Jordan Davis and Ray Rangel—were stopped hard at the line of scrimmage. And while Columbia has at times been effective with just a passing attack, Lafayette’s defense—the best in Division I-AA—was up to the task of stopping the Lions through the air as well. Hormann was sacked five times for a net loss of 29 yards, and when he did have time to throw, he was frequently off-target, overthrowing the ball in the face of defensive pressure.
“Our offensive line put us in a bad position, and that’s my fault,” said head coach Norries Wilson. “We’re probably going to have to make some changes there.”
Hormann was 21-41 with two interceptions. Wide receiver Austin Knowlin was the standout on offense, catching eight passes for 99 yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions had a poor game tackling, according to linebacker Drew Quinn, but he attributed this to fatigue on the part of the players.
“The defense was on the field longer than it has been in any game this season,” Quinn said. “Coach Wilson said the unit did as well as they could considering the offense’s inability to stay on the field.”
“The defense played a pretty good first half, probably the best half they’ve played,” Wilson said. “Second half, they got put on a short field two or three times in the third quarter. They did all they could do. They were out there a long time.”
Columbia returns to action on Saturday for the annual Homecoming game against Penn.
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I've always admired those high school coaches who seem to win league championships year after year although the only players they can field are those who live in the towns in which they play.
A brilliant coach recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of each player and his genius (if one can call it that) is to put a team together where the weaknesses of each player are minimized and the strengths magnified. Easily said than done, of course.
Perhaps it is time for a real shakeup in the team's composition. Is there a better passer than Hormann who might be called upon in those situations where a good passer might get better results? A scrambler, who can turn a botched passing opportunity into an important ground gainer?
If the offensive line is unable to protect the passer, then perhaps the answer is to try a new quarterback who is better able to perform under those trying circumstances - if, of course, one is available. I know that Hormann does his best and I hesitiate to suggest his replacement, but the team depends on the offense to win and cant win if the defensive squad is on the field most of the time.
"You play to win the game" Columbia's coaching staff should think about that the next time they call plays that produce nothing!
I think you meant to say Lafayette's defense is the best in Division I-AA, not I-A.
Columbia's Offense is too conservative and is trying to highlight q'b capabilities and not scoring when it is necessary. Columbia's Offensive Coordinator should try asking John Madden Playstation for some durable play tips.
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