Lehigh Football: Family
11/27/2015 11:04:00 AM | Football
By: Justin Lafleur, Lehigh Sports Media Relations
Saturday's 49-35 victory over Lafayette was important on many accounts. The Mountain Hawks snapped a two-game losing streak against the Leopards in convincing fashion, they ended the season with a winning record and sent off their senior class in grand style.
What a difference a year makes.
"We are 360 degrees from last year at this time," said Lehigh head coach Andy Coen during Saturday's postgame press conference. "From where I was leaving Yankee Stadium, I was probably the lowest I'd ever been in my coaching career. This turnaround is what you look for in coaching. You have an opportunity to help take a group of guys back to success. It's not me; I have a great group of coaches and a great bunch of seniors."
After a three-win season in 2014 which ended with a loss to Lafayette in Yankee Stadium in the 150th meeting of the most-played rivalry in college football history, the Mountain Hawks were determined as ever to turn things around in 2015. They did just that, under the leadership of the senior class.
The seniors helped the Mountain Hawks get back to a fundamental level - truly getting to know each other.
"Our motto was family," said senior Derek Knott, who began Saturday's game with a 34-yard reception on Lehigh's first offensive play from scrimmage. "We wanted to make sure this was a tight, close-knit group. One of the seniors, Grant Jamgochian, mentioned that when he looks around, he doesn't even see class. He feels like everyone is the same age; everyone has their minds on the same thing."
In 2015, the Mountain Hawks were truly one team, through good times and bad, with their eyes on a Patriot League Championship. Lehigh was one win from that coveted title, a pretty remarkable turnaround from last season. And even though the Mountain Hawks fell just short, the seniors' legacy will last well into the future.
"I'm really going to miss (offensive linemen) Matt Ford and Matt Cohen up front," said junior quarterback and Lafayette Game MVP Nick Shafnisky. "I told them, we were one touchdown away from a ring this year (49-42 loss at Colgate). For coming from sixth place in the league last season, we really showed that we're a talented team."
Despite an October loss to Fordham, Lehigh defeated Georgetown and Holy Cross in convincing fashion to set up a showdown at Colgate. The teams traded touchdowns all game, literally, with no team leading by more than seven points. In the end, the Mountain Hawks were stopped in the final minute, just five yards away from the tying score.
Even though it was a disappointing loss, Lehigh took out its frustration on the Leopards Saturday, taking a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter and quickly erasing much doubt.
"I told the guys, it's tough to lose the opportunity for the league championship, but we're blessed to have this game next week (Lafayette)," said Coen. "If you win this game, you won't even remember what happened at Colgate. I'm pretty sure all those seniors would corroborate that today."
The Lafayette contest was the cherry on top of a season, and especially stretch run, to get excited about. The Mountain Hawks eclipsed 40 points in four of their last five games, with several young players leading the way. Freshmen and sophomores enjoyed success due to the family, welcoming atmosphere and the positive culture within the team.
"I feel like as seniors, we did a really good job of embracing the freshmen because a lot of the freshmen played big roles," said Knott. "We embraced them and tried our best to get everybody on the same page and become closer as a family."
"One of the main things we wanted to do in the offseason was to really get to know each other," said Coen. "A lot of times, seniors on a football team don't even know the name of the third string freshman. I wanted the guys to really make sure to know their teammates. The freshman is equally as important as the senior. Our seniors got everything going, which is what I'm most proud of."
Saturday's game was indicative of Lehigh's growth. The Mountain Hawks came out aggressive, compiling 337 yards of offense in the first half, including 248 through the air. Lehigh played with a determination that wasn't always there when the team was struggling in 2014. One example came in the first quarter when Shafnisky literally threw Lafayette DB Matt Smalley aside on one of the quarterback's runs.
"That play didn't start the fire," said Knott. "I think the fire was already going before that play, but that got us fired up even more."
Shafnisky played with a determination and swagger on Saturday, which was indicative of the entire Lehigh football team.
"Honestly, this may be one of my best days of my college career," he said. "I watched so much more film this week than I probably ever have. I remember being out there diagnosing everything Lafayette was doing. Everyone had a hand in today's win. You look at all of our weapons; we have five or six receivers who can do pretty much anything out there. We have three running backs who never saw collegiate action prior to this season. It just makes my job so much easier."
Everyone had their moments Saturday, including Dominick Bragalone who became the first-ever freshman in program history to rush for 1,000 yards. His 44-yard fourth-quarter scamper gave him 1,008 yards for the season and erased any doubt. It proved to be Bragalone's last carry of the season, a fitting ending to a historic rookie campaign.
"Boy, he's a complete player," said Coen. "That catch early in the game to set up one of the scores was impressive, and he does a great job in pass protection as well. He's a pretty complete back as a freshman. I look forward to him getting bigger, stronger and faster over the next couple years."
The defense did its part, especially early, forcing a punt on two of Lafayette's first three possessions and a long 48-yard field goal attempt on the other, which was missed. Sophomore Tyler Cavenas also forced a third-quarter fumble, which junior Brandon Leaks scooped and ran 84 yards the other way for a touchdown to make it 42-14… all but ending Lafayette's hopes.
Saturday was the culmination of a successful season that wouldn't have been possible without family.
The Mountain Hawks are a family, and have each other's backs.
"When I'm out there, I feel as protected as ever," said Shafnisky. "Matt Cohen is a guy who, if I get hit late, he's on that defensive lineman. Matt Ford is the heart of our offensive line, our leader and a guy who pulls along younger guys at practice. One of my best friends on the team, Chris Ruhl, is one of the most fundamental guys you will ever meet. I think he should be a football coach. He catapulted this offense a lot this year, even though it doesn't look like it on paper."
The seniors didn't garner a championship ring, but they are champions in their teammates' eyes, helping put the Mountain Hawks right back on the map after a short one-year hiatus.
"We return so much talent, but I don't want to think about next season yet," said Shafnisky. "You have no idea how much I love this senior class."
"When we come to winter and spring workouts, we'll realize these seniors aren't here," said Coen. "Then we'll really feel it."
What a difference a year makes.
"We've had some really good seasons here, but I'm very, very fond of this group of kids, this group of seniors," said Coen. "Our seniors did a great job helping us turn our football program around from where it was a year ago, and they've been great examples for our younger players. They've really helped us get this program right back where it needs to be."
Saturday's 49-35 victory over Lafayette was important on many accounts. The Mountain Hawks snapped a two-game losing streak against the Leopards in convincing fashion, they ended the season with a winning record and sent off their senior class in grand style.
What a difference a year makes.
"We are 360 degrees from last year at this time," said Lehigh head coach Andy Coen during Saturday's postgame press conference. "From where I was leaving Yankee Stadium, I was probably the lowest I'd ever been in my coaching career. This turnaround is what you look for in coaching. You have an opportunity to help take a group of guys back to success. It's not me; I have a great group of coaches and a great bunch of seniors."
After a three-win season in 2014 which ended with a loss to Lafayette in Yankee Stadium in the 150th meeting of the most-played rivalry in college football history, the Mountain Hawks were determined as ever to turn things around in 2015. They did just that, under the leadership of the senior class.
The seniors helped the Mountain Hawks get back to a fundamental level - truly getting to know each other.
"Our motto was family," said senior Derek Knott, who began Saturday's game with a 34-yard reception on Lehigh's first offensive play from scrimmage. "We wanted to make sure this was a tight, close-knit group. One of the seniors, Grant Jamgochian, mentioned that when he looks around, he doesn't even see class. He feels like everyone is the same age; everyone has their minds on the same thing."
In 2015, the Mountain Hawks were truly one team, through good times and bad, with their eyes on a Patriot League Championship. Lehigh was one win from that coveted title, a pretty remarkable turnaround from last season. And even though the Mountain Hawks fell just short, the seniors' legacy will last well into the future.
"I'm really going to miss (offensive linemen) Matt Ford and Matt Cohen up front," said junior quarterback and Lafayette Game MVP Nick Shafnisky. "I told them, we were one touchdown away from a ring this year (49-42 loss at Colgate). For coming from sixth place in the league last season, we really showed that we're a talented team."
Despite an October loss to Fordham, Lehigh defeated Georgetown and Holy Cross in convincing fashion to set up a showdown at Colgate. The teams traded touchdowns all game, literally, with no team leading by more than seven points. In the end, the Mountain Hawks were stopped in the final minute, just five yards away from the tying score.
Even though it was a disappointing loss, Lehigh took out its frustration on the Leopards Saturday, taking a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter and quickly erasing much doubt.
"I told the guys, it's tough to lose the opportunity for the league championship, but we're blessed to have this game next week (Lafayette)," said Coen. "If you win this game, you won't even remember what happened at Colgate. I'm pretty sure all those seniors would corroborate that today."
The Lafayette contest was the cherry on top of a season, and especially stretch run, to get excited about. The Mountain Hawks eclipsed 40 points in four of their last five games, with several young players leading the way. Freshmen and sophomores enjoyed success due to the family, welcoming atmosphere and the positive culture within the team.
"I feel like as seniors, we did a really good job of embracing the freshmen because a lot of the freshmen played big roles," said Knott. "We embraced them and tried our best to get everybody on the same page and become closer as a family."
"One of the main things we wanted to do in the offseason was to really get to know each other," said Coen. "A lot of times, seniors on a football team don't even know the name of the third string freshman. I wanted the guys to really make sure to know their teammates. The freshman is equally as important as the senior. Our seniors got everything going, which is what I'm most proud of."
Saturday's game was indicative of Lehigh's growth. The Mountain Hawks came out aggressive, compiling 337 yards of offense in the first half, including 248 through the air. Lehigh played with a determination that wasn't always there when the team was struggling in 2014. One example came in the first quarter when Shafnisky literally threw Lafayette DB Matt Smalley aside on one of the quarterback's runs.
"That play didn't start the fire," said Knott. "I think the fire was already going before that play, but that got us fired up even more."
Shafnisky played with a determination and swagger on Saturday, which was indicative of the entire Lehigh football team.
"Honestly, this may be one of my best days of my college career," he said. "I watched so much more film this week than I probably ever have. I remember being out there diagnosing everything Lafayette was doing. Everyone had a hand in today's win. You look at all of our weapons; we have five or six receivers who can do pretty much anything out there. We have three running backs who never saw collegiate action prior to this season. It just makes my job so much easier."
Everyone had their moments Saturday, including Dominick Bragalone who became the first-ever freshman in program history to rush for 1,000 yards. His 44-yard fourth-quarter scamper gave him 1,008 yards for the season and erased any doubt. It proved to be Bragalone's last carry of the season, a fitting ending to a historic rookie campaign.
"Boy, he's a complete player," said Coen. "That catch early in the game to set up one of the scores was impressive, and he does a great job in pass protection as well. He's a pretty complete back as a freshman. I look forward to him getting bigger, stronger and faster over the next couple years."
The defense did its part, especially early, forcing a punt on two of Lafayette's first three possessions and a long 48-yard field goal attempt on the other, which was missed. Sophomore Tyler Cavenas also forced a third-quarter fumble, which junior Brandon Leaks scooped and ran 84 yards the other way for a touchdown to make it 42-14… all but ending Lafayette's hopes.
Saturday was the culmination of a successful season that wouldn't have been possible without family.
The Mountain Hawks are a family, and have each other's backs.
"When I'm out there, I feel as protected as ever," said Shafnisky. "Matt Cohen is a guy who, if I get hit late, he's on that defensive lineman. Matt Ford is the heart of our offensive line, our leader and a guy who pulls along younger guys at practice. One of my best friends on the team, Chris Ruhl, is one of the most fundamental guys you will ever meet. I think he should be a football coach. He catapulted this offense a lot this year, even though it doesn't look like it on paper."
The seniors didn't garner a championship ring, but they are champions in their teammates' eyes, helping put the Mountain Hawks right back on the map after a short one-year hiatus.
"We return so much talent, but I don't want to think about next season yet," said Shafnisky. "You have no idea how much I love this senior class."
"When we come to winter and spring workouts, we'll realize these seniors aren't here," said Coen. "Then we'll really feel it."
What a difference a year makes.
"We've had some really good seasons here, but I'm very, very fond of this group of kids, this group of seniors," said Coen. "Our seniors did a great job helping us turn our football program around from where it was a year ago, and they've been great examples for our younger players. They've really helped us get this program right back where it needs to be."
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DL
/ Football
WR
/ Football
DB
/ Football
TE
/ Football
QB
/ FootballMHT EP6 - Football
Thursday, November 20
Brown & Flight - Episode 4
Friday, November 14
Football Blitz
Friday, October 31
Brown & Flight 2025 - Episode 3
Friday, October 17
