SPRINGFIELD, MA - The Pioneer football team had its first winning streak ever, which featured a 9-7 upset of No. 17 RPI two weeks ago, halted by Empire 8 conference newcomer and nationally-ranked opponent Springfield College on Saturday afternoon at Benedum Field in Springfield, MA.

Springfield, a team that relies heavily on the ground game, easily dismantled Utica on three touchdown runs by Tim Lutgens (1-, 2-, 6-yards), a 15-yard touchdown dash from Chris Sharpe, and a 48-yard end zone sprint from Andre Clayton. Quarterback Ryan Sylvia tossed his second touchdown of the season from 13 yards out to receiver Jim McCarthy to account for the team's only passing touchdown of the day. All six Springfield touchdowns were followed by successful point-after attempts by Ryan Boyd.

The Pride's other four points came on first-half Pioneer safeties, which occured at the 6:45 mark of the first quarter and with 3:18 remaining in the opening half.

The Utica offensive effort accumulated 27 yards rushing and 59 yards through the air, while Springfield generated 384 yards on the ground and 100 yards passing.

Senior defensive back Anthony Venturino (Utica, NY/DeSales) set the Pioneer's single-game record for tackles with 23 total (20 solo) to highlight the team's difficult outing. Other top defensive performers for Utica included sophomore linebacker Jim Tedesco (Staten Island, NY/Moore Catholic), who finished with 15 tackles (10 solo) and one fumble recovery on the afternoon, and sophomore defensive back Marcus Maroney (Utica, NY/Lockport), who managed 14 tackles (10 solo) in the loss.

Sophomore quarterback Nick Martin (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) threw for 59 yards, completing 11-of-19 attempts, and sophomore running back Tyrell Robinson (Middletown, NY/Middletown) took 16 carries for a net of 40 yards on the ground to pace the Pioneers offensively. Freshman receiver John Slopnick (Mohawk, NY/Mohawk) caught four passes for 23 yards.

Junior Jeff Muha (Boonville, NY/Adirondack) averaged 31.9 yards per punt, sailing eight punts for a total of 255 yards, including a long of 40 yards.

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