(Geneva, N.Y.) – The Dickinson football team had a tough outing in its season opener at #12-ranked Hobart College, falling 33-21, on Saturday afternoon.

The Statesmen put points on the board early, scoring on their fourth play from scrimmage as Dominique Ellis broke free and raced 53 yards for the first touchdown of 2014.

The Devils capitalized on a penalty on fourth down, but were unable to convert on their first possession. The Defense came up big to stall Hobart behind a Mark Manganaro (Horseheads, N.Y./Horseheads) interception at the eight yard line.

Hobart regained possession on a punt and stretched the lead to 10-0 on a 29-yard field-goal from Sean Kirshe. The teams traded punts before the Statesmen struck with another big play to pull in front 17-0, with 8:05 to play in the half as Patrick Conlan connected on an 86-yard strike to Elvin Souffrant.

The Red Devils put together a solid drive to find pay-dirt, going 65 yards on 11 plays. Senior Cole Ahnell (Rockville, Md./Walter Johnson) found Brent Scardapane (New York, N.Y./Xavier) for an 11-yard touchdown.

Junior Jake Meluskey (Coopersburg, Pa./Southern Lehigh) had a solid series at tailback, combining with Ahnell to move the Devils into Hobart territory.

Hobart closed out the half with a 39-yard field-goal to led 20-7 at the break.

Sophomore James Ward (Hatfield, Pa./Lansdale Catholic) opened the second half with a 21 yard kick-off return, putting the Red Devils on their own 30 yard line to start the drive. Ahnell connected with first-year tight-end Darrion Bunce (Kelowan, B.C./Gunnery School, Conn.) for a 19-yard pass, and led the Devils to the Hobart 15 yard line.

The Hobart defense held and blocked a 39-yard field-goal attempt. They put together a 12-play drive, capped by a one-yard score from Ellis. Following a penalty, the Red Devils held on a two-point conversion attempt, making the score 26-7.

Hobart tacked on a 27-yard touchdown from Connor Hartigan to start the fourth quarter. Dickinson capitalized on another strong kick-off return to set up another score of their own. Junior Anders Overhaug (Yarmouth, Maine/Yarmouth) put the Devils on the 42 yard line with a 27-yard return.

Overhaug hauled in a 46-yard pass from Ahnell to put Dickinson on the doorstep at the one yard line. Ahnell scored on the keeper to cut into the deficit, 33-14.

Dickinson forced a punt and first-year Lex Lauletta (Woodstock, Ga./Sequoya) came on at quarterback for the final drive. He broke free for a 30-yard rush and connected with Ward for a 28-yard touchdown pass, making the score 33-21 with 41 seconds remaining in the game.

Junior Cedric Madden (Norristown, Pa./Chestnut Hill Academy) led the Devils in rushing with 63 yards while Lauletta covered 40 yards on four carries for the day. Ahnell completed 14-of-20 passes for 163 yards as Overhaug made three catches for 56 yards and Scardapane finished with 44 yards on the day.

Ward finished with 114 yards on five kick-off returns to go with his 28-yard touchdown catch.

Manganaro led the defense with seven tackles and an interception. Jack Margavitch (York, Pa./Dallastown) and Mitch Helmandollar (Glenolden, Pa./Interboro) each added six stops as well.

Conlan threw for 217 yards to lead Hobart while Hartigan finished with 103 yards rushing.

The Red Devils open Centennial Conference play next Saturday, traveling to Juniata College for a 1:00 pm start.