Heading into Saturday afternoon's season opener, the football team would like nothing more than a repeat of last year's first game, when Tufts cruised to a 21-10 victory over the Hamilton Continentals on Ellis Oval. In that game, quarterback Anthony Fucillo (LA '11) threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns, and then-sophomore cornerback Sam Diss provided the highlight of the defense's season with a 74-yard interception return for a touchdown. However, the game proved to be just the start of a long, tough season for both squads, as Hamilton and Tufts were the only teams to finish 1-7 in the NESCAC last year.
Much of Tufts' offensive production in that game came from players who have since graduated, including running back Pat Bailey's (LA '11) 52-yard touchdown catch and wide receiver Billy Mahler's (LA '11) two-yard touchdown reception. On defense, the top four Tufts tacklers in that game have either graduated or left the team, as have all the players responsible for the three Tufts sacks in the contest.
This season, Tufts is relying on a new head coach, new starting quarterback and numerous defenders in new roles to help it earn another 1-0 start, this time on the road.
Beating the Continentals won't be easy. Hamilton did only win one game last season, but it was a landslide win over Bowdoin, 31-10, on the same field the Continentals will play on Saturday. Hamilton returns some offensive firepower, including its leading passer and runner from last season: senior quarterback Jordan Eck and sophomore running back James Stanell.
"They're a well-coached team, and they have great kids who play hard," interim head coach Jay Civetti said. "And I don't think just win-losses at all dictates how Hamilton shows up to play, even when I used to play in the NESCAC. Hamilton's always been a team that plays good, hard football."
Saturday's game will begin to answer the myriad questions that surround this year's Tufts squad. Jumbos fans will get their first glimpse at the revamped defense, which features several former defensive backs who are moving up to the linebacker position, including the Jumbos' leading returning tackler from last season, Nick Falk.
Tufts' new West Coast offense will also be on display, with senior quarterback Johnny Lindquist at the helm in his first collegiate start. It's also Civetti's first game as head coach, after spending three seasons as offensive coordinator under former coach Bill Samko.
The Jumbos will make the nearly five-hour drive to Clinton, NY tonight in order to be well-rested for the 1:00 p.m. kickoff. Tufts will likely be playing in a very hostile environment, as Hamilton is celebrating its bicentennial this weekend.
"Road games give us more time to collect, figure out what we want to do," junior wide receiver/punter Marty Finnegan said. "It's far, but it's just your team, traveling together, no distractions. Obviously we love playing at home, but in terms of how far away the game is, it doesn't matter."
Civetti is confident that his team can remain levelheaded and that if the game is close in the fourth quarter, the Jumbos will come home with a victory — an area Tufts struggled with last year, often fading in the second half of games.
"We're working hard to play smart, fundamentally sound football, and to be mentally and physically strong," he said. "We want to take the game to the fourth quarter with an opportunity to win, and win in the fourth quarter. That's how this program is going to be run."
For up-to-the-minute updates on Saturday's contest, visit blogs.tuftsdaily.com/thescore. The Daily will tell you if the game is being webcast, as well as provide the usual statistics and analysis.
