In its second-to-last season of play on the historic ’86 Field, RPI is once again looking to capture a bid to the NCAA playoffs. Last season, high hopes were dashed and the team ended up tied for fourth in the Liberty League with an overall record of 7-3, 3-3 in the conference. This year, there is renewed confidence for a strong start to the season as the team opens with a non-league game against Endicott at 1 pm on September 8 here on the ’86 Field.
The Engineers, lead by Head Coach Joe King, have had plenty of luck over the past few years—including perfect seasons in 1999 and 2001, and NCAA playoff appearances in 1999, 2001, and 2003, capped by a trip to the national semifinals in Minnesota in 2003. King is currently the winningest coach in the 120-year history of the program, with a career record of 125-47-2.
The Engineers had 15 players graduate, including All-Americans Jay Bernardo and Adam LoGiudice. Without last year’s stacked lineup, the team will rely on new faces for several positions.
Many starters are returning, however, with five on the team’s offense, led by the experienced third-year quarterback Jimmy Robertson. With an overall record of 14-5, Robertson sported a 58.3 percent completion ratio last season, with 2,160 yards for 16 touchdowns and just six interceptions. His 216-yard average and 135.5 efficiency rating placed him among the nation’s best. Behind him, the offense averaged 31.3 yards with ranked them 25th in the nation.
Backing him up are both senior Josh Chiappone and sophomore Will Gottschalk.
In front of Robertson, the offensive line has just one returning member, senior Grant Sanville played left guard last season. Along with him, sophomore Brian Hall, seniors Dave Dillen, Dave Lutian and James Porambo.
With the graduation of Jay Bernardo, the running backs are looking for a replacement between junior Isaac Williams and sophomore Jason Sgarlata at tailback. Williams was second to Bernardo last season with 184 yards for two touchdowns on 44 carries. Sgarlata rushed for 104 yards and scored twice in his single varsity appearance last year. Sophomore Kyle Blackman, a member of the JV team will also be in the mix.
Juniors Mike Giacoia and Justin Heafy will provide much needed experience at the fullback position. Although Giacoia was injured last season, he will look to return to form and help out the offense any way he can.
The wide-outs will force on the team this year, with senior Brendan McGowan out in front. A team-best 767 yards on 61 catches, he also had five touchdowns last year. His 6.1 receptions per game placed him 26th nationally. Over his career at RPI, he has accumulated 2125 yards for 17 touchdowns. Named the team’s most improved played on the offense, junior Eren Savasli had 426 yards on 27 receptions, leading the team with his 16.1 yards per catch. Chris Graef, a senior, had 185 yards on 21 catches last season. Backing them up are both senior Drew Utschig and sophomore Mike Fil.
Senior Jason Reed is holding down the tight-end position as the team’s top blocker last year. He will have some large shoes to fill, last year Jon Branche set a Division III record for career receptions as a tight-end. Sophomore Colton Hill, a former fullback will also see time at the spot.
As opposed to the offense, the defense will rely on experience or seven returning starters and knowledge that last year they kept the opposition to just 17.6 points and just 90.8 rushing yards per game.
Leading the big D is Senior Vince Scicchitano, as well as juniors Nick Casale and James McLaughlin. With 43 tackles, six for lost yards and two sacks last season, Casale led the linemen. Scicchitano made 38 tackles, forced two fumbles, one safety and had seven sacks. McLaughlin’s nine sacks last season were the most on the team, he also made 40 tackles and was ranked 21st in sacks per game at .9.
Senior Tom Rayhill, who had 74 stops, is the team’s top tackler and heads the linebackers this season. Behind him are eight tough but inexperienced athletes including senior Anthony Casale, juniors Koby Green, Mark Sangiorgi, and sophomores Colin King and Tom Montano.
The defensive backs are led by captain John Tesiero who made 22 tackles and led the team with four interceptions and three pass-breakups. The secondary is composed of three returning starters.
Graduate student Brett Perron made 36 tackles, 21 of which were unassisted and had two interceptions for an impressive 71 return yards. Perron also had four pass-breakups. Last year’s Rookie of the Year, sophomore Tim Acker had 34 takcles and an interception for a 40-yard return.
Once the team plays Endicott this weekend, they compete in another non-league game against Utica also played at home. The Engineers will have a chance to play Susquehanna, a newcomer to the league, on September 29 at 1:30pm. Once again, every game is covered by WRPI 91.5.
