On Saturday, October 11, Union College Football will play its third conference game against Hobart College. This weekend’s homecoming game will likely be critical for Liberty League standings. The team has seen a significant improvement from last year and hopes to continue its winning streak.
Last year’s 3-7 record and second-to-last Liberty League finish disappointed fans and players. However, Union has turned itself around this season. However, halfway through the season, the team boasts a 3-2 record and remains undefeated in Liberty League play. Notably, the team’s two losses come from top-ranked teams (Susquehanna and Cortland).
Last weekend, the team swept Buffalo State, 28-6. Union’s offense rushed for 241 yards, and running back DJ Wright ‘26 scored the first touchdown of his career. Defensive Back Ryan Grenier ‘26 and Linebacker John Droggitis ‘28 led the defense in 8 total tackles, and the defense caused Buffalo State to lose 56 yards on drives. Additionally, the defense recorded 5 total quarterback sacks for 43 yards, including an 11-yard sack from defensive lineman Michael Barnes-Pace ‘28 and a 10-yard sack from defensive lineman Peter Nizolek ‘28.
Hobart comes off a tough loss to RPI in its homecoming game, 36-10. Hobart’s defense allowed RPI to gain 400 yards, went 0-for-8 on 3rd down conversions, and turned the ball over on downs three times. Hobart was the Liberty League champion last year, but the team currently holds a 1-4 overall record with a 0-2 conference record.
It seems unlikely that Hobart will get back into the win column this upcoming weekend. Union has been the top team in the Liberty League on both sides of the ball; the team currently leads the conference in tackles for loss (8.6 per game), fewest tackles for loss allowed (4.4 per game), most sacks (14), and least sacks allowed (2). Additionally, quarterback Patch Flanagan ‘26 leads the league in rushing yards (452), overall yards (1,438), and yards per game (287.6). Defensive Lineman Daniel O’Leary ‘27 also ranks 6th overall in Division 3 football for tackles for loss (12.5).
However, Union will face offensive and defensive challenges from Hobart on the gridiron. Hobart linebacker #21 Mike McGhee ranks second in total tackles (49) in the Liberty League, and running back #35 E.J. Taylor ranks just second behind Flanagan in rushing yards (437). Union’s offensive and defensive linemen will have to overcome challenges from these players if they want to keep their winning streak intact.
Union currently ranks third overall in Liberty League rankings, behind Ithaca College and RPI; all three teams are undefeated in conference play. This weekend’s win would be crucial for Union to maintain its top-three position in the conference, and especially crucial to win a conference championship. In order to win a conference championship in Liberty League football, a team must generally be undefeated in conference play.
Kickoff for the homecoming game is set for 1 p.m. on Frank Bailey Field on Saturday. Fans will be able to enjoy food trucks on Garnet Hill, the location of the former Phi Delta Theta house. Expect a good matchup against these two Liberty League teams.
