Long Eclipses 1,000 Yards as Pioneers Close Season

Jalen Long (Rochester/Bishop Kearney) caught seven passes for 103 yards and became the first 1,000 yard receiver in Alfred State history as the Pioneers closed out the 2018 season with a 21-3 loss at Castleton.

With his seven receptions and 103 yards this afternoon, Long finishes the season with 56 catches for 1,020 yards. He is now the single season leader in yards as he eclipsed the previous record held by Mark Wolfe. Wolfe had 927 yards receiving in 2002.

Mitchell Caron got the Spartans on the board on the first play of the 2nd quarter when he dove in from one-yards out. They made it 14-0 heading into halftime when Moe Harris dashed 92-yards with 2:20 remaining.

The Pioneers got their lone points of the game on their first drive of the 2nd half. Ryan Shipherd (Randolph) capped a 12-play drive with a 33-yard field goal. Alfred State stopped Castleton in the next four drives but couldn't get any closer. The Spartans put the game out of reach following a Pioneer turnover when Jared Brockway scored on a rush from 13-yards out with 7:55 remaining.

Carter Harman (Liberty) passed for 139 yards while Kiegan Brown (Cortland) led the team with 77 yards rushing on 23 carries.

Harris carried the ball 20 times and finished with 184 yards and a score while Caron was 9 for 14 for 68 yards.

John Lauretti (Seaford) had a monster afternoon for the defense finishing with 16 tackles and was part of five sacks (3.5 sacks). Being part of five sacks tied the most in a single game in Alfred State history (Jonathan Norman - 9/23/2000). Brandon Davis (Lansing) added eight tackles while Michael Zimmerman (Canandaigua) and Joe Gibson (Hornell) each had six tackles.

Chris Rice led Castleton with 11 tackles and a sack while Grant Cummings added eight tackles and an interception. 

Castleton held a slight 266 to 252 yard advantage in the game. The Spartans won the turnover battle with an interception and a fumble recovery.

The Pioneers open up the 2019 season on September 7, 2019 with a trip to UMass Dartmouth.