Apprentice (2-2) vs. Alfred State (0-4)

Saturday, October 1, 2016 * 1 p.m.

Alfred, NY - Pioneer Stadium

7th meeting: Series tied at 3-3 (Apprentice leads 3-2 in NCAA DIII Era)

Last meeting: 2015 - Apprentice 44 Alfred State 13

2016 Averages:         

ASC Offense: 10 points per game, 205.5 ypg (69 rushing & 136.5 passing)

ASC Defense: 45.5 points per game, 441.2 ypg (235.8 rushing & 205.5 passing)

APP Offense: 23.8 points per game, 363.5 ypg (219.8 rushing & 143.8 passing)

APP Defense: 26.8 points per game, 347.5 ypg (178.3 rushing & 169.3 passing) 

Players to watch:

Game Notes:

• Alfred State and Apprentice battle for the 7th time. The home team has won every meeting of the series except for last year when the Builders earned a 44-13 victory. Last year, the Pioneers scored first but the Builders scored the next 38 points to take control of the game. The Builders finished with 381 yards rushing and had three players finish with over 100 yards and two scores. The Pioneers scored early on a 19-yard run by Ben Wilkerson and scored late in the game on a 82 yard kickoff return by Romiio Littlejohn. John Garbowski led the Pioneers with 14 tackles (six solo) on the day while Michael Scott and Ryan Ransom both had five each for Apprentice. 
• In Maine last week, the Pioneers could not get anything going in a 35-0 loss to Husson. The offense was held to just 43 yards and forced to punt 11 times. Steven Hubick and Brandon Davis led the defense with 13 tackles each while Michael Zimmerman chipped in 10.
• Apprentice fell 38-7 to Brevard (FL). The Builders were slowed down by six turnovers (three interceptions and three fumbles). Ryan Ransom led the defense with eight tackles and a sack.
• The offense performed their best work of the season the last time the Pioneers played at Pioneer Stadium. The team collected 394 total yards and had 18 1st downs in the contest vs. the University of Rochester. The defense also forced three turnovers that led to 17 points. The offense will try to get Hezekiah Williamson and Khris Greggs going this week. The two offensive leaders were held in check last weekend.
• Apprentice relies heavily on the run with the duo of Fred Hendrieth (48 carries, 419 yards, and 4 scores) and Brandon Jones (34 carries, 173 yards, and two scores) leading the way. QB Brenden O'Neil is a dual threat as well passing for 318 yards and two scores and rushing for 91 yards and two scores. O'Neil and Terrence Sudberry have both seen action at QB in all four of the Builders games.
• Ryan Ransom has had an impressive start to the 2016 season. He has 22 solo tackles (34 total), 12.5 tackles for a loss, and 5.5 sacks. He has 13 more tackles than any other Builder. A pair of Builders, Deveron Lucas and John Jackson have two interceptions on the year.
• Steven Hubick and Brandon Davis have led the Pioneer defense all year. Both have 44 tackles. The defense will look to force more turnovers to add to their one interception and three fumble recoveries on the season.
• Special teams could play a big role in the game. Zack Goodwin had a huge day two weeks ago with a pair of field goals and an impressive kickoff day. Last week Dominiq Bouska was called on 11 times and 375 yards of punting. Also look for Josh Ashley and Khris Greggs in the return game as both have the explosiveness to change the field position battle.

Tickets/Stats/Radio/Game Day Information:

• Tickets: $5 - for adults, $2 - Senior & Students (13-18), Free - 12 and under, Alfred State Students, & Alfred State faculty and staff.
• Locals students K-12 grade will be admitted free into the game.
• Live Video: https://boxcast.tv/view/football-vs-apprentice-566975
• Live Stats: http://www.alfredstateathletics.com/sports/fball/2016-17/boxscores/20161001_zl40.xml
• Game will broadcasted on WCKR 92.1

Up Next:

• Alfred State heads to Dean College next weekend for a Noon (please note new time) kickoff with the Bulldogs.
• Apprentice is at Williamson Trade next weekend.