Blue & Gold Fall in Opener

William Paterson scored 22 unanswered points in the 2nd quarter to build on their one touchdown lead en route to a 43-13 victory over Alfred State in the season opener for both teams.

James Waldron threw two touchdown passes to Malcolm Robinson (6 and 45 yards) to give William Paterson the early lead. Dashon Turner (West Genesee) connected with Jason Gordon (Uniondale) on a 3-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the 2nd quarter to cut the lead to 14-7. Gordon caught a 80-yard pass earlier in the drive.

WP took control of the game in the final 5:08 of the 2nd quarter. Waldron threw 11-yard touchdown to Anthony DiMarsico to cap seven-play drive. After a long punt return (71 yards) by Robinson, he ran in from three-yards out with 39 seconds remaining to add to the lead. Two plays later the Alfred State turned the ball over and William Paterson scored the very next play when Taheem Jackson scooped the ball up after a WP offensive fumble after a sack and went 40 yards for the score to make it 36-7 at the half.

The Pioneers forced a three and out to start the 2nd half and the offense got back to work. Jacob Wims (Rochester/John Marshall) rushed in from 33-yards out to make it 36-13. On the next William Paterson possession Isaiah Diaz-Mays rushed in from 26-yards out to cap the scoring for the day.

Turner finished the day 12 for 21 for 130 yards and one score in his collegiate debut. Gordon led the wide receivers with two catches for 83 yards and a score while Wims rushed eight times for 54 yards.

Waldron was 10 for 14 for 130 yards and three scores while Robinson caught eight passes 110 yards and two scores. Diaz-Mays led all rushers with 76 yards on 11 carries.

Brandon Davis (Lansing) led the defense with 14 tackles while Steven Hubick (Fountain Hills, AZ) chipped in 11 tackles.

Taheem Jackson led William Paterson with 10 tackles while Tyler Gross had eight tackles and 2.5 sacks.

William Paterson outgained Alfred State 340 to 190. WP was 6 of 11 on 3rd downs while Alfred State was 5 of 14. The home team collected five sacks, an interception, and recovered a fumble.

The Pioneers begin the home portion of their season next Saturday when they host Brockport. Opening kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. at Pioneer Stadium.