Video presentation
The Trenton State College football team put together arguably the greatest season in Lions’ gridiron history. The team captivated a campus, town, and state by winning 10 of 11 games before falling to Hofstra University at Lions’ Stadium in the national quarterfinal match. They were the first football team at the College to qualify for and compete in the NCAA championship tournament.
The opening act that season was a battle against Division II Southern Connecticut College. After defeating the Owls 27-21, they faced three straight unbeaten teams. The Lions defeated Upsala, and William Paterson before falling to Glassboro State (now Rowan University) 10-3. From there, TSC surged forward on a run of sheer dominance.
After devouring FDU-Madison 48-3, the Lions shut out five consecutive opponents. For five games, the defense did not allow a touchdown or field goal, special teams did not permit a score or good field position, and the offense didn’t allow points off turnovers . From the FDU-Madison win through title-clinching 9-0 triumph over Ramapo College, TSC outscored its opponents 156-3. They rose as high as number six in the national poll and had the top-rated defense in the country.
With their win over the Roadrunners under horrendous weather and field conditions, the Lions claimed the NJAC title and a bid into the NCAA championship tournament. TSC would travel to Ithaca College for their first-round game, a prolific program that had won a national championship in 1988 (and would win another the following season in 1991).
In a hard-fought and emotional battle, the Lions defeated Ithaca 24-14. The offense put up 21 points in the opening half, while the defense forced six turnovers and held the Bombers scoreless in the second half. The victory punctuated an exceptional season for TSC, but even more important, solidified their standing as one of the top Division III football teams in the country.
Following the game, head coach Eric Hamilton had this to say about his squad.
“Before the Ithaca game, we believed we belonged in NCAA Tournament play. Now, we know we belong. Words can’t describe how proud I was of the way we played. It was so important that we came out strong. I don’t believe we could have played a better first quarter, taking a 14-0 lead and controlling the football. After giving up two second quarter touchdowns, the defense certainly took over.”
The victory earned the Lions a trip to the Eastern Regional final game, which they hosted in Lions’ Stadium. TSC battled an undefeated Hofstra team (11-0) and the Flying Dutchmen topped the Lions two days after Thanksgiving, putting an end to their storybook season.
