Football falls to Utica

UTICA, NY - The Utica College football team scored nine touchdowns, seven offensive and two defensive, en route to a 64-7 victory over visiting Becker College Saturday. The 57 point win marks the largest margin of victory in program-history. Sophomore running back Zach Jones (Camden, NY) rushed for a career-high 105 yards and scored a team-high three touchdowns, while the Pioneer defense held Becker to just five yards of total offense in the first half to give UC a 43-0 halftime lead.

"Today's game was a great confidence builder for our guys," said second year head Coach Blaise Faggiano. "We knew we had a win like this in us because we have all worked hard to get the program to where it is right now."

The Pioneers dominated play on both sides of the ball, compiling 452 yards of total offense and allowing just 129 yards by the Hawks, as they improve their all-time record against Becker to 4-1. The UC defense caused seven turnovers, including three interceptions, while the offense converted on seven-of-eight red zone opportunities.

Freshman quarterback Andrew Benkwitt (Mamaroneck, NY) controlled the Pioneers offense, completing 12-of-17 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns as he proved he was the right man for the opening day job.

"The aggressive rushing attack really helped to take the pressure off of our freshman quarterback (Andrew Benkwitt)," said Faggiano. "Zach Jones was hitting the holes hard today, our receivers made a ton of nice catches, and the defense played absolutely phenomenal."

The Pioneers defense was led by senior preseason All-American Eric Kahl (Lockwood, NY) who tallied seven tackles and one interception, returned 31 yards and a touchdown, in the first quarter to give the Pioneers a 15-0 lead with 3:57 to go in the opening quarter.

Senior wide receiver Cody Elliot (Sloan, NY), a team captain, snagged six balls for 115 yards and one touchdown. His touchdown came by way of an 18 yard strike on a post route from Benkwitt to give the Pioneers a commanding 50-0 lead at the 8:50 mark of the third quarter.

"It is exciting to see that we could put it all together in week one," says Faggiano. "I am extremely proud of our guys and we now have great momentum headed into homecoming weekend next Saturday against Castleton State," said Faggiano.

Rome Free Academy graduate Jeremy Meier (Rome, NY) caught two balls for 29 yards including his first collegiate touchdown on an 19 yard pass from Benkwitt to give the Pioneers a 43-0 lead with 1:46 to go in the first half of play.

The Hawks will try and turn things around in their home opener next Saturday against Maine Maritime at noon.

-Utica Sports Information-