Lévis, Québec (May 25, 2014) – The Utica College football team topped host Levis Lauzon 47-3 Sunday in an international exchange game in Levis, Quebec. Utica freshman Jerred Beniquez (Port Ewen, NY/Kingston) was named the Pioneers most Valuable Player after recording eight catches for 125 yards.  Beniquez also added 36 yards in kick returns for a total of 161 all-purpose yards. 

Junior quarterback Connor Butkiewicz (Southington, CT/Southington) completed 20-of-30 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns.  Teddy Van Galen came on in relief of Butkiewicz and completed 11-of-12 passes for 63 yards and a touchdown. 

Junior tight end Mike Russo (Hicksville, NY/Holy Trinity), sophomore wide receiver Alex DeRusso (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa), running back Mike Cottle (Windsor, CT/South Windsor) and sophomore Cory Zervas (Newton, NJ/Kittatiny Regional) each caught a touchdown pass for the Pioneers. Cottle also carried the ball eight times for 42 yards.

Freshman running back Ryan Burnett (Mount Vernon, NY/Arch Bishop Stepinac) carried the ball 15 times for 79 yards and one touchdown, while classmate Nicodemus Gambill (Rochester, NY/East High) added six carries for 43 yards and a touchdown.

Sophomore safety Mike Sullivan (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) picked off two passes and added one tackle, while Frank DeNome (New Windsor, NY/Cornwall), Pat Carroll (Liverpool, NY/Liverpool), Jon Treen (Ilion, NY/Ilion) and Travis Kopet (Saint Johnsville, NY/Dolgeville) each added one sack.

The Pioneers jumped out to a 26-0 lead in the first half of play and never looked back as they rolled to the 44 point victory.

The weekend in Quebec included a walking tour of the city, and on Saturday the Pioneers practiced from 11 to 1 p.m. Both teams also had a reception with a press conference and a presentation of all the players on Saturday.

The trip provided student-athletes a unique cultural opportunity as well as a chance to experience a French speaking culture first hand.
 
The last time Pioneers participated in an international game they cruised to a 75-8 victory against the Saguenay Mercenaries in Saguenay, Canada (two hours north of Quebec City) on May 22, 2011. UC is now 3-0 all-time in international contests.