Wagner Seahawks
Overall Rank: #30
#1 NEC
Wagner Team Page
The 2012 campaign was a magical one for Wagner. The Seahawks lost their first three games, but did not lose again until the second round of the FCS Playoffs. Wagner cruised through the NEC after that and beat Albany 30-0 in a game that turned out to be for the title. In the playoffs, Wagner beat Colgate at home 31-20 before heading to Eastern Washington and falling 29-19.
2012 Record: 9-4, 7-1
2012 Postseason: FCS Playoffs
Coach: Walt Hameline (213-127-2 at Wagner, 213-127-2 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Tom Masella
Defensive Coordinator: Milik Hall
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Dominique Williams, RB, 1,328 yards
Passing: Kramer Berg, QB, 58 yards
Receiving: Anthony Carrington, WR, 491 yards
Tackles: Jarrett Dieudonne, CB, 48
Sacks: Yamir Ortiz, DE, 3.0
Interceptions: Jarrett Dieudonne, CB, 3
Other Key Returnees: DE Daevonte Barnett, OL Brett Buzzard, OL David Fredrickson, OL Matt McBride, OL Kevin Messier, WR Cody Morgan
Key Losses: OL Steve Ciocci, LB Theodore Clohessy, WR David Crawford, QB Nick Doscher, LB Mike Lombardo, LB Mike Milone, S Pat O’Connor, CB Torian Phillips, LB C.O. Prime, S Sidiq Soulemana
Strengths:
The Wagner offense will go through running back Dominique Williams. Last season he rushed for 1,328 yards and 13 touchdowns. More than ever the Seahawks will rely on his legs. The speedy back will need to endure more carries this season, but an experienced and talented offensive line can make it much easier. Four starters are back on the line and David Fredrickson, Matt McBride, Brett Buzzard and Kevin Messier are all big and strong players who are eyeing All-NEC honors. The Seahawks do not need to get a lot of production out of their passing game. In 2012 they were eighth in the conference with 174.77 passing yards per contest. But Nick Doscher threw just one interception to go along with his 13 touchdowns. Now he needs to be replaced and continuing to win the turnover battle will be key. Kramer Berg, a 6-3 senior, is the most experienced option and Matt Misley has been around for a couple years and is more of a rushing threat like Doscher has been during his time with Wagner. Coach Walt Hameline has also brought in a couple junior college transfers to throw into the mix. The touchdown to interception ratio may not be as impressive as it was in 2012, but Coach Hameline will be able to find a signal caller who can efficiently run the offense. Anthony Carrington is a big play receiver who had a breakout year as a sophomore, catching 27 passes for 491 yards and four scores.
Weaknesses:
The defense in 2012 was one of the most experienced units ever at Wagner. They ranked in the top 20 nationally in total defense and scoring defense. But the top seven tacklers, and a handful of others, are now gone. The defensive line has the most experience returning, led by ends Daevonte Barnett and Yamir Ortiz. Cornerback Jarrett Dieudonne is a great piece to build around in the secondary. He may find tougher matchups now without Torian Phillips on the other side of the field, but he is ready for the job. There is good news for the defense. It is not like the entire defense leaving was a big surprise. Coach Hameline has had some talent waiting in the wings and he has brought in plenty of experienced junior college transfers to help fill the holes. It may take some time for the unit to come together, but the defense is not going to completely fall apart.
The Bottom Line:
Wagner is not likely to receive an at-large bid to the playoffs, so the move of Albany to the CAA should be a big benefit for now. The Seahawks are the team to beat in the Northeast Conference and very well could be for the foreseeable future. Wagner will also get a nice test at Delaware to prepare them for the possible playoffs. The toughest conference game is probably going to be at Duquesne. Win that one and, barring a big rash of injuries or a big surprise team, Wagner should be able to win the conference title even with a loss down the stretch.
Projected Postseason: FCS Playoffs
2012 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 174.77 (37th in nation, 4th in conference)
Passing Offense: 147.77 (107, 8)
Total Offense: 322.54 (94, 7)
Scoring Offense: 22.46 (84, 7)
Rushing Defense: 142.69 (44, 3)
Pass Defense: 177.38 (19, 2)
Total Defense: 320.08 (18, 1)
Scoring Defense: 17.54 (9, 1)
Turnover Margin: 1.08 (8, 1)
Sacks: 1.77 (76, 5)
Sacks Allowed: 1.92 (52, 4)
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