UTICA, NY - Mount Ida quarterback P.J. Matthews threw for 248 yards, completing 18-of-31 attempts, and netted 127 yards rushing to rally the Mustangs back from a 21-7 deficit en route to claiming a 28-24 win over the Pioneers on Saturday afternoon at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.

Matthews, who delivered three fourth-quarter touchdown passes over a seven-minute span, orchestrated a four-play, 62-yard drive that ended with the game's winning touchdown in the closing seconds of regulation. Matthews connected with receiver William Smith on two occasions, and tossed the heartbreaking game-winner to Corey Doe with four seconds remaining on the clock.

The Pioneers, who held a 21-7 advantage heading into the early stages of the fourth quarter, were led by Nick Martin's (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) three touchdown passes. Martin's first touchdown came on an early first-quarter 73-yard pass to receiver Anwaar Muhammed (Elmhurst, NY/Continental), and was followed by a seven-yard pass to junior tight end Brian Barth (Greene, NY/Greene Central) late in the first quarter, and a 41-yard fourth-quarter end zone pass to freshman receiver John Slopnick (Mohawk, NY/Mohawk).

Utica kicker Michael Blanchfield (Hoosick Falls, NY/Cambridge), who was questionable for today's contest, capped off a 10-play, 64-yard drive with a successful 31-yard field goal that lifted the Pioneers to a 21-24 lead with only 47 seconds remaining. Mt. Ida's game-ending 62-yard drive, however, diminished all hope of a Pioneer win.

Martin led the Pioneer offense, completing 20-of-39 passing attempts for 281 yards. Sophomore running back Tyrell Robinson (Middletown, NY/Middletown) highlighted the ground game with 68 yards rushing on 21 carries, while Barth managed seven receptions for 73 total yards and Muhammed secured five passes for 125 yards to pace the aerial attack.

Sophomore lineman Marco Rubino (Utica, NY/Thomas R. Proctor), who accumulated 10 tackles, including three for a loss, and gathered one fumble recovery, led the Utica defensive effort. Other top defensive performers for UC included senior defensive back Anthony Venturino (Utica, NY/DeSales), who tallied 10 tackles, and senior defensive end William Vooris (Rensselaer, NY/Rensselaer), who had 10 tackles, including three for a loss and an assisted sack. Senior defensive back Dominic Tripp (Utica, NY/New Hartford) finished the afternoon with nine tackles and 44-yard interception return.

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