Box Score
Alfred 48, Utica 31 - Empire 8 Football Final

UTICA, NY (November 9, 2013) – The Alfred University football team posted 526 yards of total offense on its way to a 48-31 victory over Utica College in Empire 8 Conference action at Merrill Field on Saturday afternoon. UC (3-6) jumped out to a 10-7 lead in the first quarter -- but the Saxons outscored UC 24-7 in the final 18:12 of the first half -- and although UC threatened again in the second half, the home squad was able to put the game away by scoring the final ten points of the contest.

Utica freshman running back Ryan Burnett rushed for a career-high 114 yards on 30 carries and he also punched in two touchdowns, while classmate Jerred Beniquez caught a game-high seven balls for 97 yards and a touchdown. UC junior quarterback Connor Butkiewicz (Southington, CT/Southington) completed 25-of-39 passes for 264 yards, but he also threw three interceptions. Senior wide receiver Sean Jones (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) also had a nice day for UC catching seven balls for 84 yards, including a season-long 44 yard catch.

Senior linebacker Dana Christofferson (Richford, NY/Dryden) made a team-high 13 tackles for Utica, while classmate Joe Giametta (Seaford, NY/MacArthur) made seven stops. Sophomore Nick Woodman (Utica, NY/Proctor) made six tackles and also added a sack for UC.

The Pioneers outscored the home team 10-7 in the first 8:07 of the contest behind a 14 yard touchdown run from Burnett and a 30-yard field goal from sophomore kicker Thomas Woodburn (West Islip, NY/West Islip).

Both teams exchanged touchdowns in the next 10:17 of the contest and the Pioneers led 17-14 after a one yard touchdown plunge for Burnett with 11:42 to go in the first half of play.

Unfortunately for UC the Saxons were able to rattle off three unanswered touchdowns before the end of the first half to take a 31-17 lead into the locker room at the half.

UC's Connor Butkiewicz (Southington, CT/Southington) got the Pioneers on the board first in the second half when he snuck in a one yard touchdown run to put the visitors within striking distance, 31-24, with 7:35 left in the third quarter.

Alfred answered with a score of its own late in the third to push its lead back to 14 points. The Pioneers would not go down easy, as Butkiewicz and Beniquez connected on a 23 yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter to make the contest a one score game once again, 38-31, with 12:51 to go in regulation.

Although UC threatened, the Saxons were able to put the contest away by scoring the final ten points of the game, as the final horn sounded with Alfred on top by 17 points. AU improved to 7-2 overall on the year.

Alfred running back Calvin Bain scored a game-high four touchdowns on the afternoon for the Saxons, while quarterback Tyler Johnson completed 19 passes for 342 yards and two touchdown throws.

Utica's Rob Alexander (Dobbs Ferry, NY/Dobbs Ferry) added eight tackles, while junior safety James Lenahan (Mahopac, NY/Mahopac) posted seven tackles and broke up one pass.

The Pioneers will host Empire 8 Conference foe Hartwick College next Saturday for senior day at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. The contest is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.