UTICA, NY - The Utica University football team looks to rebound from its first loss of the season with a local rivalry matchup this weekend. The Pioneers will clash with SUNY Morrisville in an Empire 8 Conference game on Saturday, October 29th at noon. The matchup will be held at Morrisville's Drake Field.
Follow Along: Live Video and Stats for the contest will be available. Live video will be posted at https://boxcast.tv/view/morrisville-football-vs-utica-university-ptjewwxvouxmmpxxzzwn, and live stats will be available at https://morrisvillemustangs.com/sidearmstats/football/summary.
Mirror Image: Both teams enter the matchup at 6-1 overall this week, with 2-1 records in the Empire 8 Conference. They are tied for second in the standings. Both teams have guaranteed themselves a winning season, regardless of any postseason results they may accumulate. This is Utica's seventh winning season in their varsity-level history.
Last Time Out: The Pioneers had their unbeaten start snapped by #13 SUNY Cortland by a 48-21 score at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. The Pioneers had 281 yards of total offense, while allowing nearly 500 in the loss. Brendan Belott (Rexford, NY/Shenendehowa) and Nate Palmer (Verona, NY/Vernon Verona Sherrill) each scored rushing touchdowns, while Travis Decker (Oneida, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) caught his second touchdown pass of the season. Anthony Fasano (Deer Park, NY/Deer Park) had a team-best eight tackles to spearhead the defense.
By The Numbers: The Pioneers are second among Empire 8 conference teams in scoring offense at 33 points per game. They are one of only three offenses in the conference averaging 20 or more points per game. The team is also second in the conference in total offense at 386 yards per game. Utica ranks sixth in E8 rushing offense, and second in passing offense among their conference peers. The team is fifth in E8 scoring defense at 23.4 points allowed per game, and seventh in total defense at 401 yards allowed per outing. The unit is seventh against the run and fifth against the pass.
The Palmer Show: Graduate wide receiver Nate Palmer (Verona, NY/Vernon Verona Sherrill) has been impressive this season. The Pioneers' resident receiving dynamo leads the conference with 905 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. He has three more receiving touchdowns than anyone else in the conference, and has eclipsed the 100 yard mark in five out of seven games this season. He is third in the nation in receiving yards per game with 129.3 per contest. His thirteen total trips to the end zone rank second in the conference as well. He needs just 95 yards to become just the second 1,000 yard receiver for a single season in program history. The program's single season record of 1,212 yards, set by Jeremy Meier, is also within reach.
Mr. Big Game: Senior wide receiver Travis Decker (Oneida, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) has made his presence known this season. He has a pair of touchdown receptions to his name, and both have conveniently happened in Utica's two games against nationally-ranked opposition this season, with one in the win over Union, and another against Cortland in last week's loss.
Keeping Them BZ: Senior quarterback Braeden Zenelovic (Ontario Center, NY/Wayne Central ) continues to put on a show this season. In his first year as the Pioneers' starter, he has completed 68 percent of his passes for 1,686 yards and fourteen touchdowns, and has thrown just three interceptions. He has already cracked the Program's top ten list for single season passing yards, and his fourteen touchdown passes rank tied for eighth in a single season in school history. His average of 240 passing yards per game ranks second among E8 quarterbacks, and 38th nationally. His current completion percentage would claim the school record for a single season.
The Ground Game: The Pioneers are led in their rushing attack by Matt Brantley (Rochester, NY/Eastridge) and James Salles (West Babylon, NY/West Babylon). Brantley has rushed for 288 net yards and three touchdowns this year, while Salles has 272 net yards and a score of his own. Sam Florio (Port Jefferson, NY/Port Jefferson) has rushed for three more touchdowns while participating in the offense in a hybrid back role.
Jimmie's Gonna Get You: Senior defensive end Jimmie Warren (Suffern, NY/Suffern) has been a terror for opponents to block this entire season. He currently ranks in a tie for 23rd nationally with seven sacks this season, and he has fifteen for his career. He is the E8's leader in sacks. He is also the team's leading tackler for the campaign with 59 total tackles, 10 of which are credited as tackles for loss. He has also broken up two passes and recovered a fumble this season.
The Law Firm of Anthony, Anthony, and Anthony: If you've watched a series with the Pioneer defense this season, there's a good chance a player with the first name Anthony made at least one tackle, as the Pioneers have a trio of linebackers with that name making their mark this season. Anthony Fasano (Deer Park, NY/Deer Park) has 44 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception that he returned for a touchdown against Hartwick. He is thirteenth in the E8 in total tackles. Anthony Novello (Mepham, NY/Mepham) has 39 tackles and has chalked up one interception as well. His sixteen solo tackles are the second-most on the team. Anthony McDonald (Huntington, NY/Huntington) has logged 35 total tackles this season.
The Swat Team: Jamel Smith (Spring Valley, NY/Avon Old Farms) and Terrance Toussaint (West Orange, NJ/West Orange) have been deflecting passes all season from their positions at cornerback. Toussaint has broken up seven passes while also adding an interception against SUNY Cortland this week. Smith has six pass breakups this season, and also nailed down an interception against Cortland.
Seeing Red: The Pioneers' continued dominance of the red zone has kept E8 teams on their toes this season. Utica has converted 83 percent of red zone trips into points this season, a figure that ranks third in the conference. Defensively, they have been especially tough to contend with. They are the conference's leading red zone defense at a 50 percent success rate. In 20 appearances, they have held opponents to seven touchdowns and three field goals when pinned inside their own 20 yard line. The Pioneers rank sixth in the nation as well in red zone defense.
About Morrisville: The Mustangs are 6-1 under second year head coach Ed Raby Jr. Pioneer fans may notice some familiar faces on Raby's staff, including former Utica assistant Walter Burks and former Utica quarterback and assistant coach Matt Rogers. Rogers is the team's offensive coordinator. In their most recent contest, Morrisville defeated Alfred 36-0. Senior linebacker Philemon Benjamin was named to the d3football.com team of the week for his performance in that game with nine total tackles, five solo tackles, and 2.5 tackles for loss. The Pioneers' local rivals from Madison County lead the conference in scoring defense at under ten points allowed per contest. Quarterback Steven Frerichs is a dynamic dual threat who is the Mustangs' leading rusher while also throwing for 962 yards and ten touchdowns.
What's Next: The Pioneers will host Alfred for Senior Day on Saturday, November 5th.
