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Hamilton looking for turnaround season

Hamilton did not win a game last season, but the Big Blue have a strong corps of talented seniors destined to turn the team around this fall.

Joey-Reece-Hamilton

Wide receiver and defensive back AShon Riggins, who can also play quarterback, committed to Indiana University and leads that Hamilton class of 2016.

The Big Blue also have senior quarterback Steve Cunningham returning this fall, and he is joined by experienced RB Isaiah Murph and WR Vince Sanford, giving the team a formidable group of skill position players.

Hamilton’s win total has dropped each year since 2010, as the Big Blue have won seven, four, three, one and finally zero games last year.

Coach Chad Murphy won his debut in 2013 but has dropped 19 straight games, but this team should break that streak sooner than later despite playing a tough out-of-conference opponents coupled with a grueling GMC schedule.

Division I, Region 2
2013 RECORD: 0-10.
COACH: Chad Murphy (1-19 in two seasons at Fairfield, 18-33 overall in five seasons).

HONOR ROLL
AShon Riggins, DB/WR/QB, Sr. – The do-it-all senior intercepted three passes last year, rushed for 219 yards and threw for 324 more. Riggins verbally committed to Indiana.

Steve Cunningham, QB, Sr. – Cunningham was 123 of 222 (55.4 percent) for 1,268 yards last season, and he also ran for 280 yards and four touchdowns. He had interception issues at times last season (12 overall), but threw just one the final three games.

Isaiah Murph, RB, Sr. – The top returning rusher from last season gained 388 yards on the ground and scored four TDs. He also caught 10 passes for 99 yards and returned kickoffs for a 17-yard average.

Eric Jackson, ATH, Jr. – Jackson was second on the team in receptions (43) and third in receiving yards (368) in 2014. As a rusher, he picked up 258 yards on 68 carries. Jackson forced a fumble at defensive back and returned several punts.

Vince Sanford, WR, Jr. – Sanford led Hamilton with 45 catches for 464 yards and will be a key to Hamilton’s passing success this fall.

Joey Reece, DL, Sr. – The 245 pounder recorded 2½ sacks and a forced fumble last season on a defense that returns seven starters.

Collin Martin, DL, Sr. – Martin recovered three fumbles last season, returning one for a touchdown, picked up a pair of sacks and forced a fumble as well.

OTHERS
Marviel Matthews, ATH, Jr. – Another athletic member of the Big Blue helping to hope his team snap its skid, Matthews should make an impact in his first varsity season.

Johnny Jones, ATH, So. – Just a sophomore, Jones should be a major contributor in multiple facets of the game for the next couple of seasons.

SCHEDULE
Hamilton will open with Milford again in 2015 but replaced Winton Woods in Week 2 with Findlay. The Big Blue plays Lakota East and Princeton in the GMC this year instead of Sycamore and Mason.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
Four appearances – 1994, 1997, 2001, 2010.

GETTING A PASS
Despite going winless last season, Hamilton was fifth in the GMC in yards per game (279.2) and second only to Lakota West in passing yards (1,592). Steve Cunningham was third in the league in yards (1,268).

RUNNING WILD
The Big Blue were last in the league in overall defense, giving up 399.9 yards per game, and they surrendered an average of 283.8 yards on the ground. Opponents rushed for 6.5 yards per carry in 2014.

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