Pioneer football team earns victory in Hawsey's coaching debut

Max Hawsey's career as Grinnell College's football coach couldn't have gotten off to a better start. Max Hawsey's career as Grinnell College's football coach couldn't have gotten off to a better start. Hawsey's Pioneers battled non-conference foe Cornell College toe-to-toe the entire way before pulling out a 26-25 victory Saturday afternoon in Mount Vernon. Mike Bogard '12 (pictured), known mainly as being the Pioneers' new quarterback, did just as much damage with his foot as he kicked four field goals in the contest. He also scored the team's opening touchdown while rushing and passing for more than 100 yards each (114 yards rushing and 181 yards passing while completing 18-of-29 aerials). It took Grinnell just seven plays to drive 69 yards on its opening series before Bogard ran in from a yard out. He had a 46-yard run during the drive, while C.J. Moore '09 had a 20-yarder. The extra point kick by Scott Koenning '10 was good, making it 7-0 with 11:37 left in the first quarter. Travis Hardman came right back for Cornell, though, by bringing the ensuing kickoff 93 yards for a score. But again the Pioneers put together a big drive, going 65 yards on 12 plays to score again. Bogard has passes of 11 and 14 yards to Joey Snyder '10 on the drive and a 15-yarder to Moore, who capped the drive with a 3-yard run for the touchdown. Koenning's kick made it 14-7 with 5:56 left in the period. Cornell answered the call again with a touchdown, but missed the extra point to leave Grinnell with a 14-13 lead at the end of the initial period. The entire second period scoring consisted of three field goals, one by Cornell that put the hosts up 16-14 and two by Bogard that put Grinnell ahead 20-16 at the half. The first was a 32-yarder with 1:18 to go in the half. The Pioneer defense held strong and forced a punt by Cornell that went just 16 yards. After three plays, Bogard booted a 36-yarder with no time on the clock to send the Pioneers into the locker room with a four-point edge. A 7-yard touchdown run by Garrett Hepker put Cornell on top 23-20 by the end of the third period. Grinnell's defense held strong at the start of the fourth period and forced a Ram punt. An 11-play drive ensued that included runs of 18 and 13 yards by Bogard and 12 yards by Mike McLeran. That drive eventually led to a 21-yard field goal by Bogard to tie the game with 10:18 left. Cornell's next drive was also halted, and Grinnell was helped even more when Ryan Fletcher '11 blocked the Rams' punt to give the Pioneers' excellent field position. Seven plays, including a 23-yard run by Moore, put Grinnell in field position for Bogard to attempt a 25-yard field goal. It was good, making it 26-23 with 6:16 to go. Cornell had a shot to tie the game with 1:10 to go, but Don Bladt missed a 47-yard field goal. The Pioneers then ran out the clock and eventually took a safety to preserve the win. Besides Bogard's big contribution, other offensive statistical leaders included Moore (68 rushing yards and 44 receiving yards), Snyder (69 yards on seven catches), Robert Seer '12 (45 receiving yards). Brett Maloney '09 and Ryan Boehm '10 each had 11 tackles, with Maloney coming up with eight solos alone, and Fletcher had eight stops. Jake Thompson '10 forced a fumble and Chris Chavez '10 had a recovery. The 1-0 Pioneers open up conference play on Sept. 13 at St. Norbert College. Grinnell's first home game is the following Saturday against Carroll College. Cornell is now 0-1.