Pioneers Fall at Ohio Northern

Ohio Northern scored twice in each quarter as they defeated Alfred State 55-0 in the season opener for both teams.  The contest was the debut of the Pioneer program as a NCAA DIII member.

Both teams started slow but the Polar Bears put together a 80-yard drive midway through the 1st quarter to get on the board.  William Bodden scored on a 24-yard scamper to make it 7-0.  

Less than two minutes after a Pioneer three and out, Ryan Malone returned the ensuing punt 61-yards to make it 14-0.  

In the 2nd quarter, ONU scored on two interception returns.  Ryan Reid scored a 35-yard pick six and Adam Best scampered in from 38-yards after an interception three minutes later.

The Polar Bears put together four scoring drives in the second half.  Bodden scored from 22-yards out (6:18 - 3rd), Justin Magazine scored on a 47-yard run (1:48 - 3rd), Connor Devine dove in from two yards out (12:31 - 4th), and Connor Devin connected with Matt Craven on a 17-yard pass play (3:42 - 4th).

ONU gained 341 yards and held the Pioneers to 140.  The Polar Bears won the turnover battle with three interceptions compared to one takeaway for the blue & gold.

Bodden finished with 102 yards and two scores on 12 carries for ONU.  ONU finished with 232 yards rushing on 39 carries.  The passing offense was 7 for 17 for 109 yards on the day with Bert Marks leading the way with two catches for 52 yards.

Rasheed Williams (Swedesboro, NJ) rushed 23 times for 55 yards to lead the Pioneers.  Alfred was only 3 for 16 passing on the day.

Rory Spain (Tully) led the defense with eight tackles (seven solo) and a sack.  Daniel Monachino (Oakfield) and John Garbowski (Mohegan Lake) each had five tackles.  Thomas Daniels (Bronx) recorded a sack while Ray Onabanjo (Staten Island) picked off a pass to end Ohio Northern's first possession.

Cody Cox led ONU with nine tackles while Dillon Kwiat recorded eight.  Ryan Reid picked off two passes.

Keegan Phalen (East Aurora) punted 11 times for an average of 39.5 yards with a long of 61.

The blue & gold are on the road again next weekend when they travel to Concordia (MI) University.  The game is slated for a 1 p.m. kickoff at Eastern Michigan University.