UTICA, NY - The Alfred University football team continued Empire 8 competition with a 35-0 loss to Utica University on Saturday afternoon.
The Saxons relied on both
Matt Parker (Middletown, DE/Gilman School) and
Ian Harpster (Painted Post, NY/Corning-Painted Post) under center, with Parker getting the initial nod. Utica drove down the field as part of their opening drive, but a missed 26-yard field goal attempt kept the contest scoreless. In their following drive beginning around midfield, the Pioneers put together a six-play drive that resulted in a touchdown and the early lead. Following an interception in the second quarter, Utica capitalized with an additional touchdown, taking a 14-0 lead into halftime.
Harpster entered the game early in the second half for Alfred University, completing a nine-yard pass to
Cameron Lew (Suffern, NY/Suffern). Following a turnover on downs, Utica took over around midfield. On fourth down at the AU 24-yard line,
Jack Bestpitch (Buffalo, NY/St. Mary's of Lancaster) came up with a huge tackle to force a turnover. Later in the quarter, Utica relied on a fourth down quarterback sneak to pile into the end zone and extend the lead. The Pioneers scored 14 additional points in the final quarter to come away with the win.
Alfred University will next host Brockport next Saturday with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 PM. At halftime, the Alfred University men's lacrosse and softball teams will be coordinating a Teddy Bear Toss.
--Swords Forward Saxons--
