Dutchmen begin 2018 on Saturday vs Husson
his Weekend The Union College Dutchmen kick off the 2018 season hosting Husson on Saturday, Sept. 1, at 1 p.m. It will be just the second meeting between the two program. Media Coverage Andrew Santillo will have the call on Saturday, and fans can watch for free at UnionAthletics.com/vidoe, or listen for free at UnionAthletics.com/audio. Beginning in 2018 all Union home football games will be streamed for free on UnionAthletics.com. Who's Back The Dutchmen return 74 letterwinners from last season's squad, including 2017 All-Liberty League First Team honorees Jack Reilly (line backer) and Griffin Beal (wide receiver). Union also returns four Second Team All-Liberty League honorees in Ryan Ehrets (offensive line), Vincent DiCaterino (defensive line), Bobby Law (defensive line), and Tucker Newman(defensive back). Look for Union's defense to be a strength during the 2018 season, as nine of the 11 positions will be filled by returning veterans. Behind Center After Nick Cascione exhausted his eligibility at the end of the 2017 season, the major question for the Dutchmen this fall has been, who will be the starting quarterback? Two sophomores have emerged as the leading contenders for the position: Will Bellamy and John Germinerio. Both took snaps during last week's scrimmage against Utica, but head coach Jeff Behrman said he probably won't name a starter until the night before the Dutchmen take on Husson. Last Season vs Husson Union opened the 2017 season at Husson, dropping a 20-7 decision to the Eagles. It was a defensive battle for most of the game, as a 13-yard TD by Ryan Hanney tied the game at 7-7 toward the end of the third quarter. The Eagles unfortunately scored twice in the fourth quarter to take the opening win. Saturday's contest at Frank Bailey Field will be just the second meeting between these two teams. In the Back Field In addition to finding a new quarterback, Union will also have a new starting running back after the graduation of Connor Kinzelmann. Sophomore Travis Demby is the returning tail back with the most experience, having ran for 200 yards during the 2017 campaign. First year Ike Irabor also saw time during last week's scrimmage at Utica.