By Andrew Knoblauch
Hofstra University celebrated senior day in style by defeating the Northeastern University Huskies 42-14. The Pride's high-octane offense paced itself behind the legs of sophomore Everette Benjamin and freshman Brock Jackolski. The two running backs combined for 218 yards, part of the 523 yard offensive display put on by the Pride.
Benjamin's performance was nothing new to the Huskies defense, which saw the Massapequa native run for 93 yards last year. He finished the game with a touchdown. Jackolski hit pay-dirt twice, with two touchdown tallies on just nine carries. Adding to the rushing tallies were Steve Probst and Ray Bennet, who scored his first career touchdown on senior day in front of the hometown fans.
Probst finished the game 16 of 22 with 181 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first 500-yard performance for the Pride in two seasons. The first touchdown pass came on a two-yard dumb to Aaron Weaver who scooted into the end-zone. Weaver finished with two touchdowns, while Mike Denimarck, who recorded his first catches of the season, led the team with 47 yards receiving.
Defensively, the Pride held strong against Northeastern's attack. Anthony Orio, quarterback of the Huskies, recorded just 66 yards and threw two interceptions. Luke Bonus led the Pride defense with 10 tackles and a forced fumble. The Pride offense capitalized on the stinginess of the defense, converting three Husky turnovers into three touchdowns.
The story, and possibly greatest improvement of the Pride, was the special teams play and particularly that of Roger Williams. Williams converted a 54 yard field goal early in the first quarter. The kick tied a school record, set twice by Dave Ettinger who played for the Pride in 1995 and 1996. Williams was named CAA Special Teams Player of the Week following the victory. He also went three of four in point after touchdown attempts.
Among the senior day festivities, Hofstra was able to honor one of its own, alumnus Dave Fiore. Fiore played for the Pride from 1992 to 1995 and went to the NFL where he played for the San Fransisco 49ers. He received the NFL Unsung Hero award in 2001. His number 74 jersey was retired during a ceremony at halftime, which was followed by the recognition of seniors on the dance team, cheerleading squad and pep band.
He was not the only part of the NFL in attendance. New England Patriots' linebacker Jerrod Mayo was present to watch his younger brother Deron, who recorded two solo tackles and a key interception.
The Hofstra Pride will conclude the 2008 campaign at the University of Massachussets at 2:30 pm on Saturday. The game will be televised live on the YES Network.