Hillsdale College
Record: 8-3 overall, 8-2 GLIAC
Overview: Hillsdale College enjoyed a championship season in 2011, but the Chargers went from the high of winning the conference to the low of not earning a bid to the NCAA Division II playoffs. This season, head coach Keith Otterbein and his squad are determined to challenge again for the league title and possibly make it back to the NCAA tournament. Winning the GLIAC regular season championship last year represented a first outright title for the program since 1988. The team returns with ample firepower to score points, led by one of the nation’s best running backs in Joe Glendening and an experienced quarterback in Anthony Mifsud. Defensively, Hillsdale returns with a solid defense that should make life tough on opponents throughout the season. Fullback Cam White and Glendening were named preseason first-team Beyond Sports Network Preseason All-Americans.
Offense: Joe Glendening, first-team All-American, Harlon Hill trophy semifinalist, and All-GLIAC First Team in 2011, is back to power this offense. He broke school records last year with 1,604 rushing yards and 31 total touchdowns, including 27 on the ground. The guys up front making it happen for Glendening return with experience. The four returning starters for the Chargers are D.J. Loy, Patrick Ryan, Tim Hornak, and Nick Landry. Anthony Mifsud is back for his second season as the starting quarterback. He completed 66 percent of his passes and was ranked fourth in the GLIAC with more than 2,500 passing yards. A number of Misfud’s targets are returning, including Andrew Mott (39 receptions, 587 yards), Evan Bach (16 receptions, 164 yards), Evan Sassack (12 receptions, 153 yards), Lou Cangelosi (11 receptions, 157 yards), and Brett Miller (11 receptions, 134 yards). Some up-and-comers, including redshirt-freshmen John Haley and Nick Chapel, could play a role this season after successful spring campaigns.
Defense: The Chargers’ defense is spearheaded by a strong group of returning junior starters at linebacker in Brett Pasche, Devin Moynihan, and Steven Embry. Pasche was tied for second in the GLIAC with 15 tackles for loss a year ago and was a first-team All-GLIAC pick. Moynihan led the team with 96 total tackles, while Embry tied with Pasche for a team-high 4.5 sacks. The defense has gained experience, which should lead to improved depth. Leading that list of players who gained experience are sophomore Butch Herzog and redshirt-freshman Justin D’Agostino. On the line, Hillsdale has depth, with as many as eight players potentially in the mix. Returning starters up front include Skyler Davis, Bryan Siegert, Nathan Bundy, and Zach Cherocci. If the depth is tested, Hillsdale might feel comfortable inserting younger talent in Joe Snyder, Ian Sheldon, and Roger Stewart as well.
Special Teams: An experienced group returns in special teams, as placekicker Colin McGreevy is a third-year starter and Matt Eltringham is in his second season as punter.
Coaching: Keith Otterbein was named the 2011 GLIAC “Coach of the Year.” One change to this year’s coaching staff is the addition of 2010 Hillsdale College graduate Brad Otterbein, son of Keith, as quarterback coach. Another son, Steve, is in his second season as wide receiver coach.
Key Dates: This year’s schedule has a new look, as the GLIAC has added Notre Dame College (OH), Malone, and Walsh in football. Malone will be Hillsdale’s second game at home on September 15. To begin the season, however, the Chargers open against one of Pennsylvania’s top programs, California, on the road on a Thursday night. Homecoming and Senior Day will take place at the same time this year, with the marquee matchup against Grand Valley State University slated for October 27.