Pioneers Close out Non-Conference Schedule

Nichols evened up their record at 2-2 with a 43-7 victory over Alfred State on Saturday afternoon. The contest was the final non-conference game of the season for the Pioneers.

Alfred State put together an impressive opening drive but the Bison held the Pioneers off the board. They responded with a 80-yard scoring drive and never trailed the rest of the way. Nichols scored touchdowns on their next two drives and kicked a field goal with under two minutes left in the half to lead 23-0 at the intermission.

A pair of long scoring plays added insurance points early in the 3rd quarter for Nichols. Late in the 3rd, the Pioneers got on the board when Darrius Nichols (Brooklyn/South Shore) connected with Jacey Jakubczak (East Aurora) on a five-yard pass play to cap a 73-yard drive. Nichols added another score early in the 4th to cap the scoring.

Kiegan Brown (Cortland) led the Pioneers with 81 yards rushing on 18 carries while Ronnie Clark (Philadelphia/Indian River) rushed for 61 yards on 19 carries. 106 of the Pioneers 182 total yards came on the ground.

Michael Pina was 15 for 22 for 256 yards and three scores for the Bison. Jake Wood caught two passes for 89 yards and two scores while Eric Mooney caught five passes for 62 yards and a score. Jacob Duffrene had a 82-yard rushing touchdown and Xavier Hackett finished with 74 yards rushing on six carries.

John Lauretti (Seaford) had six tackles while Kyle Backert (Lancaster) and Brandon Davis (Lansing) each had five tackles.

Chris Lawrence led Nichols with 12 tackles and a sack while McCoy Scott collected 10 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. Princewell Iwejuo intercepted two passes.

Nichols finished with 501 total yards, forced four fumbles, and recorded six sacks. Alfred State collected 19 first downs but was only 4 of 12 on 3rd down conversions.

The Pioneers begin ECFC play next weekend when they battle Dean College in Franklin, MA. Opening kickoff is at Noon.