Football Five: U of New England at Alfred State

The Pioneers return home to host the University of New England. Alfred State is looking for their first victory of the season while UNE is looking to build on their first victory of the season last week. Opening kickoff is slated for Noon.

• Meeting History: The Pioneers and the Nor'easters meet for the first time. The two teams are scheduled to meet in Biddeford, ME next year. This is UNE's first ever trip to play a team in New York.
• Last week: Alfred State lost a hard fought 28-27 decision at the University of Rochester while the University of New England won a 23-20 overtime affair at Bridgewater State.
  • Alfred State rallied and took a 27-21 lead in the 4th quarter at Rochester last week but the Yellowjackets put together a scoring drive that helped them regain the lead with just over two minutes left. The Pioneers moved the ball until an interception in the closing seconds sealed the victory for U of R. Aaron Jenkins finished 19 for 31 for 324 yards and two scores. Shy'rel Broadwater caught nine passes for 249 yards and two scores. Jeremiah Nixon led the Pioneer defense with 12 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. 
  • UNE trailed by 14 in the 4th quarter but rallied to force OT at Bridgewater State last week. A 39-yard field goal by Abe Ruelas Villasenor gave the Nor'easters a 23-20 advantage and the Bears field goal attempt to tie the game was blocked David Hutchison to seal the victory. Connor Sirois ended throwing 19-of-26 for 93 yards, and rushed for a team-high 58 yards. Jack Mahoney and Cam Mann added 53 and 39 yards. Defensively, on top of the blocked kick, Hutchison tallied a six tackles and forced BSU's other turnover earlier in the contest.
• Awards, Awards, Awards for Broadwater: After his big receiving day, Broadwater has collected a set of three accolades. He was named the ECFC Offensive Player of the Week, the ASC Athlete of the Week, and he became only second Pioneer to ever earn D3football.com Team of the Week honors. His nine catches tied an Alfred State NCAA DIII era record while his 249 yards is a new school record for the NCAA era.
• Game Notes:
  • The Pioneers have struggled in the 3rd quarter in their first two games. They have been outscored 29 to 7 in the 3rd. They have been most productive on the scoreboard in the 4th quarter with 21 of their 48 total points coming in the final 15 minutes. On the other sideline, the Nor'easters have only scored points in the 2nd and 4th quarters in their first two games. 
  • Connor Sirois has been a dual threat for UNE. He leads the team with 86 yards rushing and has passed for 153 yards. The Nor'easters have had three quarterbacks throw passes already this season.
  • Joel Smith leads ASC with 19 tackles followed by Rylie Van Fleet (17), Jeremiah Nixon (16), and Joseph Alvarado (16). The Pioneer defense has forced two turnovers (2 fumble recoveries).
• Game Details:
  • Opening kickoff is slated for Noon. Be aware that Alfred State will also be hosting a cross country race, the Gary Moore Invitational, on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. Athletes from a handful of colleges will be racing the upper fields above Pioneer Stadium starting at 11 a.m.
  • Tailgaiting will be allowed in the parking lots outside Pioneer Stadium - Tailgaiting Rules and Regulations 
  • Tickets: $5 for Adults, $2 for Seniors, Free for Alfred State Students/Faculty & Staff, and youth under 13
  • Live Stats * Live Video (no audio - just PA Announcements and natural sounds)