Hampton football learning from narrow losses

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, September 20, 2018 | 9:30 PM

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Every scoreboard tells a story. In the case of Hampton football thus far, the Talbots haven’t been able to find a happy ending since a Week 1 win over Knoch.

The Talbots (1-3, 0-2) finished a tough two-game stretch against two larger schools, Shaler and North Hills, losing by a combined four points.

Still, coach Jacque DeMatteo sees good things from a team that has struggled with final results since the state shifted from four to six classifications in 2016. Hampton is one of the smallest schools in Class 5A.

“There’s a lot of positives things we try to look for,” DeMatteo said. “But the bottom line is the scoreboard tells a story. We still need to figure out ways to keep fighting and get on the scoreboard.”

The team’s offense flourished against Shaler, with running back Vinny Schmitt running for more than 200 yards and quarterback Max Obenrader tacking on 100 more on the ground in a 29-28 loss.

Conversely, the defense played stout against North Hills, but the run game was stifled all night and senior kicker Harper Cook missed two field goals in a 3-0 defeat.

“You’re talking about the longevity of the game and season,” DeMatteo said. “It takes a toll on the body. They trust each other, the system and the coaches, and I think that’s why they’re hanging in there. We’re four points away from being a 3-1 team.”

The team has found itself sticking to a run game when it’s able, but Obenrader’s throwing ability has opened up the downfield game — it just needs to connect.

He finished 7 for 20 for 107 yards against North Hills.

“The O-line had more trouble this week,” senior wideout Brandon Stephany said. “The run game wasn’t there for Vince. As long as we connect on those passes we’ll score a lot more points, and hopefully get more wins.”

DeMatteo is working with what he has to keep defenses off balance, even if the personnel and opponent calls for a different game plan.

“I’d love to play smash mouth. … You have to look at the personnel, size and skill to do that. Max is a good thrower and he has some receivers to throw to, and they can make plays. It’s something we have to keep in mind. But play action doesn’t work if you’re not running the ball effectively.”

The team has seen uneven performances, though the arrow on defense is pointing up after holding an undefeated North Hills team to three points.

“The (realignment) has helped some schools but here we are,” said DeMatteo, whose team lacks the depth and size of many larger schools it plays.

“We’re not going to whine about it. We’re going to do what we need to do. When we lose a player, it’s like losing two. It creates a ripple effect. … We don’t have the ability to platoon.”

After going into halftime tied against Armstrong in Week 2, the Talbots were outscored 22-8. Against Shaler the following week, they gave up three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to lose by one point.

“This year, the cramps have been killer for us,” said Stephany, who starts at defensive back and wide receiver. “One play we’re fine, the next we’re subbing in inexperienced guys. I like playing both sides of the ball, but you do come out more tired in the second half, so that’s tough.”

Still, the team has avoided blowouts that were common in years past, and the overarching feeling and message is the program is on the right track — and the season is far from over.

“We’re taking a lot of good out of it,” said Stephany of the tough losses. “We’re definitely improving this year in the bigger division … losing the last two weeks by four points, that’s the difference between 1-3 and 3-1. We’re just trying to stay positive.”

Devon Moore is a freelance writer.

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