By: Kyle Relf
HANOVER, N.H. — Another week of spring practice is in the books as the Dartmouth football team readies itself to defend its Ivy League Title during the 2024 campaign. Fans can soon catch a glimpse of the Big Green in action by attending the spring game, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 4 at Memorial Field.
Last week was a period of development and recovery as the team stepped away from the gridiron to reevaluate their methods of improvement and injury prevention.
"Coming off last week, we want to see our guys correct mistakes they might have made over the last two weeks," said
Sammy McCorkle, Robert L. Blackman Head Coach. "We need to continue to see good competition, growth and maturity at every position. We're excited and feel that we have a mature team, but need to continue developing that."
The Big Green have a mature squad, indeed, welcoming back several All-Ivy contributors from the 2023 championship team, including second teamer
Josiah Green.
"Personally, I just need to work on being faster and more physical," Green said. "We have a lot of people coming back on the defensive side of the ball. Even those who didn't start last year still got a lot of playing time. We have a lot of guys who know the playbook well and are teaching the young guys."
2023 saw Dartmouth lead the Ivy League in sacks per game (2.60), as well as third down defense, allowing opponents to convert at just a .329 clip.
One of the veterans welcoming the challenge of mentoring younger players is another 2023 All-Ivy honoree,
Paxton Scott, who was one of only five receivers across the Ivy League to haul in at least 50 catches a season ago.
"We're bringing really good energy every day, as well as attention to detail, and I'm impressed by how the young guys have stepped up so far," Scott said. "As a fifth-year, I'm excited to come out here every day and work on something new. Right now, I have a little more perspective and can help the younger guys. I'm cherishing every moment of it."
Another area of excellence in 2023 was special teams. Dartmouth blocked three punts — only six other FCS teams rejected more — and Freshman All-America Team honoree
Owen Zalc proved to be one of the top kickers and Ivy League with a program-best 17 field goals, including game-winner from 37 yards out to take down Penn in the conference opener.
"We're looking to see what guys are made of and what they're capable of," said special teams coordinator
Joe Castellitto. "We want to see guys that can block punts and return punts, as well as guys who can protect. I'm excited to see the guys realize that special teams is all ball. It's offense and defense combined."
Fans can see how these phases of the game have come together for the Big Green throughout their recent practices when they host their spring game on Saturday, May 4.
Season tickets, starting as low as $45, are now on sale. Reserve your tickets early for a chance to win select prizes. The season begins Saturday, Sept. 21 at home against Fordham.