Pioneers Capitalize on Turnovers to Down Erie

In the final chapter of a 13-year rivalry, Alfred State scored 10 points in the final quarter to rally for a 10-3 victory over Erie CC on Saturday evening. Both scoring drives for the Pioneers were keyed by Kats turnovers.

Erie took a 3-0 lead with 13:41 remaining in the 1st half when William Brazill connected on a 30-yard field goal.

Alfred had numerous chances to put points on the board but could not crack the scoreboard until the 4th quarter. After a botched punt that was recovered by Edward Harrell (Syracuse/West Genesee), Ben Wilkerson (Buffalo/Fayette-Ware) capped a short 18-yard drive with a one-yard score to give the Pioneers the lead.

Carl Williams (Rochester/Greece Olympia) intercepted a screen pass on Erie's next possession and set up a short field. Keegan Phalen (East Aurora) made it a seven point advantage, 10-3, with a 35-yard field goal with 8:04 remaining in the contest.

Alfred's defense forced Erie to punt the ball on their next possession and was able to run out the final 6:37 of the clock without allowing the Kats to run another offensive play.

Rasheed Williams (Swedesboro, NJ) led the offense with 139 yards rushing on 34 carries. He now has rushed for over 100-yards in each of the Pioneers six games.

Alfred State was just 7 for 23 passing on the day for 82 yards while Erie quarterbacks were 8 for 18 for 83 yards. Roman West led Erie with 71 yards rushing on 12 carries.

Nick DePofi (Union Endicott) led the defense with 12 tackles while Marlon Hernandez (Evander Childs) added seven. Calvin Felker (Clyde Savannah) and Williams each had five tackles. Felker added a sack and a fumble recovery.

Ramone Elkins led Erie with nine tackles while Debray Williams, Ryan Johnson, and Jason Vranic had eight tackles each.

The contest featured three fumbles lost (two by Erie & one by Alfred), two interceptions (one each), two Erie botched snaps on punts, and 19 penalties. Erie was just 1 for 13 on 3rd downs and Alfred had the ball on offense for over 38 minutes. Alfred out-gained Erie 247 to 116 on the damp and cool evening.

The contest marked the 18th contest between the two rivals. Alfred State finishes the series winners of the last two meetings.

The Pioneers play their final home game of the season next Saturday when they host St. John Fisher at 1 p.m.