Privateers Take ECFC Opener

SUNY Maritime scored on five of their six possessions in the 1st half as they opened up ECFC play with a 49-6 victory over Alfred State. 

The Privateers scored on two of their three possessions in the 1st quarter to jump out to a 14-0 lead. The Pioneers stopped Martime's second drive of the game when Austin Parker (Port Byron) intercepted a pass in the end zone. Maritime scored on all three of their possessions in the 2nd quarter including a score on the half's last play. 

Tanner Newman (Panama) forced and recovered a fumble on the first Maritime possession of the 2nd half but the Privateers scored twice more in the 3rd quarter to build their lead to 49-0.

The Pioneers put together their one scoring drive of the day in the early parts of the 4th quarter. Willerm Greffin (Brooklyn/South Shore) set up the drive with a 57-yard kickoff return. He then recorded a rush of 35 yards that got the Pioneers into the red zone. Three plays later Eli Frantz (Hubert, NC) connected with Jalen Long (Rochester/Bishop Kearney) on a four-yard pass play to get the blue & gold on the board.

Maritime (4-0) gained 601 yards on the day and held the Pioneers to just 83. Thomas Wright was 13 for 22 for 252 yards. Curtis Smith caught seven passes for 162 yards and a score while Devin Kenny led three rushers with over 50 yards with 76 yards on 10 rushes.

Parker led the Pioneers defense with 12 tackles (9 solo) and an interception. Brandon Davis (Lansing) had nine tackles and John Lauretti (Seaford) finished with eight.

Wesley Joseph led Maritime with 5 tackles and a sack. The Privateer defense recorded four sacks on the day.

The contest was the first Eastern Collegiate Football Conference game ever for Alfred State. They will host their first ECFC contest next weekend when Dean visits Pioneer Stadium. Opening kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.