Fifteen years ago today: Lafayette

Fifteen years ago today, the Flying Dutchmen traveled to Fisher Field and made Lafayette pay for its pregame shenanigans.

Editor’s note: “Fifteen years ago today…” is a feature we’ll be running all fall at Defiantly Dutch as we look back on how the unforgettable 1994 football season unfolded. I’ll add quotes to note and other random memories of the games as well. Our first entry, in which we reflect on the games against Butler, Bucknell and Fordham, can be found here. Today: A recap of the 27-6 win over Lafayette Sept. 24.

Sept. 24, 1994

Hofstra 27, Lafayette 6

QB Carlos Garay, back in the starting lineup after missing a game with a separated left shoulder, threw for 184 yards and two TDs and RB Hayward Cromartie rushed for 166 yards and a score as the Dutchmen came back from an early deficit to trounce Lafayette in Easton, PA. Garay’s nine-yard TD pass to Michael Wright gave the Dutchmen the lead for good at 7-3 late in the second quarter. A 35-yard TD pass to Wayne Chrebet shortly before the half increased the lead to 14-3. Cromartie’s nine-yard TD run in the third quarter gave the Dutchmen a 21-6 lead. It was the third straight 100-yard game for Cromartie, who entered the season with two 100-yard efforts in his first two years. Freshman Jeff Yeakel racked up 112 yards on six returns (three punt returns, three kickoff returns).

Quotable: “Everything started to click. Everybody got the feel of what was going on. We got the momentum.”—Garay

“[The Dutchmen are] a damn good football team.”—Joe Gardi

Other random memories: I didn’t cover this game—I was home that weekend for my birthday, I think—but Nick Renzetti’s game story in The Chronicle alludes to some funny business perpetuated by Lafayette coach Bill Russo, whose decision to hold a practice at Fisher Field the day before the game forced the Dutchmen to get to Easton hours earlier than they’d anticipated. “There was a lot of foreplay involved before that game,” Gardi said. Thanks for THAT visual, Joe.

With the win, the Dutchmen “moved” to no. 43 in the I-AA poll with 13 votes. Not to play spoiler or anything, but I’m willing to bet you they got a lot more votes a week later.

Next game: vs. New Hampshire, Oct. 1 (Homecoming)

Email Jerry at defiantlydutch@yahoo.com or follow Defiantly Dutch at http://twitter.com/defiantlydutch.