Box Score Utica College sophomore quarterback Nick Martin (Rome Free Acad/Rome) was named the Empire 8 conference Offensive Player of the Week and ECAC Co-Offensive Player of the Week after setting Pioneer football program single-game records for touchdowns (5) and yards passing (408 yards) in a 46-24 win over Husson College on Saturday, September 11.
Martin's day also consisted of completing 24-of-36 passing attempts with no interceptions. In fact, the Pioneers offensive thrashing of Husson, which consisted of the team tallying a record 602 yards of total offense, resulted in the program's first offensive turnover free performance and first victory away from home since joining the intercollegiate varsity ranks in 2001.
Assisting the Utica College offensive explosion was freshman wide receiver James Proniewych (Pat-Med/Medford), who managed a Pioneer single-game best three touchdown receptions. Proniewych finished the afternoon with five receptions for 136 yards, including a long reception of 69 yards on the team's opening drive.
The Pioneers' offensive onslaught also featured noteworthy performances from junior fullback Paul Hart (Oriskany Central/Whitesboro), who found the end zone on a 26-yard run and on a 66-yard reception, and freshman receiver John Slopnick (Mohawk/Mohawk), who caught a 20-yard touchdown delivery from Martin. Sophomore Tyrell Robinson (Middletown/Middletown) took 14 carries for a team-high 98 yards rushing to lead the Pioneer ground game.
The defensive effort featured a school-record 20-tackle performance from sophomore linebacker Jim Tedesco (Moore Catholic/Staten Island), and an 18-tackle outing from senior defensive back Anthony Venturino (DeSales/Geneva). Tedesco also had a forced fumble and recovery on the afternoon, while Venturino was credited with two pass deflections.
Sophomore kicker Michael Blanchfield (Cambridge/Hoosick Falls) highlighted the Pioneers' special teams production, generating the most points from the UC kicking game in program history. Blanchfield went 4-for-4 on extra point attempts, and successfully kicked field goals from 25-, and 35-yards out.
The Pioneers will look to post their first winning streak ever, when they welcome RPI for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, September 18.
