ROCHESTER, NY - The Empire 8 released its list of football award winners and all-conference honorees on Thursday afternoon. Sitting atop the list as the Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Year is quarterback Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute), who became the fourth Pioneer player to be recognized with an Offensive or Co-Offensive Player of the Year honor. In total, Pioneer Football had 16 players receive recognition for their play in the 2025 season, with seven players getting a first team nod, four players being recognized on the conference's second team, four players being named to the third team, and an 16th Pioneer achieving a Tomorrow's Leader Team nomination, which is given out to one player on each team. In addition, Logan Frederick (Little Falls, NY/Little Falls) took home the 2025 Empire 8 Football Torchbearer Award as the student athlete with the highest cumulative GPA out of the two top teams in the standings.
 
Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Year/All-Conference First Team - #18 Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) | Senior | Quarterback - Szalkowski had a legendary campaign during his debut season for the orange and blue, dominating the conference's passing charts as he topped numerous categories including completions (249 - 94 more than 2nd), passing yards (3,281 - 1,363 more than 2nd), passing touchdowns (30 - eight more than 2nd), completion percentage (69.6% - 2.5% more than 2nd), passing efficiency (170.8 - 13.7 more than 2nd), and passing yards per game (328.1 - 136.3 more than 2nd). Szalkowski broke the single-game passing yards program record in his first-ever matchup for the Pioneers, racking up 528 yards in the first game of the season against Washington and Jefferson. He kept up this pace throughout the entire campaign, recently breaking the single-season passing yards program record during his last matchup. He also has a chance to surpass the single-season passing touchdowns record (31) and the single-season completions record (255) in this weekend's bowl game against Rowan. Szalkowski, a three-time Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week honoree, and a one-time D3football.com Team of the Week and D3football.com Game Ball recipient (all in 2025), joins three other Pioneer talents who earned at least a Co-Offensive Player of the Year award (Nate Palmer - 2022, Anthony Acevedo - 2013 - Co, Andrew Benkwitt - 2012). Szalkowski has the chance to wrap up an all-time campaign in stellar fashion on Saturday against a tough Rowan squad. 
 
2025 First Team Selections:
 
#9 Logan Frederick (Little Falls, NY/Little Falls) | Senior | Tight End (Empire 8 Football Torchbearer Award Recipient) - Frederick slotted in as one of the best, if not the clear best, tight ends in all of Division III Football this season, putting up insane numbers from his position to become one of the biggest offensive threats in the Empire 8. He ranked second in the Empire 8 for receptions (64) and receiving touchdowns (10), despite being ranked among the conference's top receivers. Frederick's numbers were so immaculate for a player from his position that he managed to be named to the D3football.com Team of the Week three separate times during the season, cementing his status as a top-tier tight end in all of Division III Football. His ability to accrue yards after the catch saw him become one of the best players in the Empire 8 after the catch, deftly evading defenders and using his large stature to gain extra yards on nearly every reception. Frederick also got it done in the classroom, being named the Empire 8's top scholar athlete among the top teams in the league. Frederick posted the highest cumulative GPA of the top schools in the Empire 8, earning him the prestigious honor. Both honors were the first such awards of Frederick's career.
 
#0 Antonio Cianfarani (Scotia, NY/Scotia Glenville) | Senior | Wide Receiver - Cianfarani continued to register as one of the biggest deep threats in the Empire 8 this season, hauling in 44 receptions for 742 yards and five touchdowns. The tall wideout presented the Pioneer offense with a large target for jump balls and deep looks, ranking third in the league for yards per catch with 16.9. The Scotia, NY native has piled up 101 receptions for 1,470 yards and 11 touchdowns during his illustrious career, and also built upon his steady leadership by serving as one of the Pioneers' team captains during the 2025 campaign. This is Cianfarani's second All-Conference honor after being named to the third team last season.
 
#6 Bryce Palmer (Verona, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) | Senior | Wide Receiver - Palmer ranked first in most of the Empire 8 receiving categories during his senior season, leading the league in receptions (80 - 16 more than 2nd), receiving yards (968 - 139 more than 2nd), and 11 receiving touchdowns (one more than 2nd - Frederick). Palmer was consistent in the Pioneers' offensive gameplan all season long, hauling in eight receptions per game and gathering 96.8 receiving yards per game despite being double-covered in nearly every matchup.  Palmer also ranks high nationally in many different areas, sitting 10th in receptions, 26th in receiving yards, and tied for 16th in receiving touchdowns. Palmer needs eight receptions on Saturday to break both the single-season receptions program and conference record (currently 87 by Jerred Beniquez) and the single-season receptions per game program record (currently 8.0/g). The VVS grad has career marks of 105 receptions, 1,340 yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns. This is Palmer's first career All-Conference honor.
 
#0 Jordyn Davis (Hempstead, NY/Uniondale) | Junior | Defensive Tackle - Davis makes his second straight All-Conference appearance, using another stellar campaign on the Pioneers' defensive front to rise to the first team after a third team honor last season. Davis was a tackling machine at the line of scrimmage this season, ranking third on the team with 40 total tackles despite his spot at defensive tackle. He logged team-highs in tackles for loss (8.0), quarterback hurries (6) and sacks (4.5), while also being equally disruptive in the passing game as he notched four pass breakups. Davis performed well as the only non-senior team captain and will be counted on as a team pillar next season. In three seasons, Davis has 74 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and 10 pass breakups.
 
#24 Eli Douglas (Ausable Forks, NY/Ausable Valley) | Senior | Safety - Douglas turned in another impressive campaign from his position in the Pioneer secondary, gaining conference recognition for the second straight season as he jumped to the first team for the first time in his career. The Pioneers' senior leader put up insane numbers for a safety, ranking second on the team in tackles with 50, while also leading the team in interceptions and pass breakups with six and five, respectively. He ranked third in the conference for passes defended with 11, while also leading the league with his six interceptions. His 78-yard pick-six during last week's game was the longest such play by any Empire 8 team this season. Douglas currently has career marks of 184 tackles, 32 pass breakups, and 14 interceptions, which place him third on the program's career interception chart. Douglas' pick-six last weekend extended his program-best career pick-six mark, as the senior now has four interception return touchdowns. Douglas was named to the D3football.com Team of the Week and selected as the Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week once each during 2025, and adds the first team honor to last year's second team honor and first team All-ECAC honor.
 
#40 Devin Taylor (New Port Richey, FL/Wendell Krinn Technical) | Senior | Punter - Taylor was a focal point of the Pioneers' gameplan each week, with his ability to instantly flip the field being a useful asset for a team with a tenacious defense like the blue and orange. Taylor led the league in yards per punt with a 42.67 average, also setting a new single-season program record in the process. His five punts of 50 or more yards tied for the league lead, while he also managed to take home an Empire 8 Special Teams Player of the Week honor during the regular season. This is Taylor's first career All-Conference honor.
 
2025 Second Team Selections:
 
#71 ADante Bianchino (Albany, NY/Shaker) | Junior | Offensive Guard - Bianchino stood out amongst a Pioneer offensive line that, at the time of this article being published, has not allowed a sack for over a month and a half. The offensive line's ability to keep the pocket clean is a major factor in the Pioneers' offensive success this season, with their powerful passing numbers being a product of a clean pocket for a majority of the season. Bianchino has been a big part of this success, helping lead a unit that was even recognized as Division III's best during the final week of the regular season, with the entire offensive line being named to the D3football.com Team of the Week. This is Bianchino's first career All-Conference honor.
 
#82 Scotty Thompson (Fairport, NY/Fairport) | Junior | Fullback - Thompson triumphed in his role this season, being a major reason for the Pioneers' massive success after the catch in the passing game. Thompson has excelled this season, even with just nine catches and 78 receiving yards, as he's been a major factor in the team's downfield blocking. The blue and orange have battered their opponents in the open field during this campaign, with Thompson leading the blocking effort on many different occasions. This is Thompson's first career All-Conference honor.
 
#11 Nicholas DeForrest (Rome, NY/Holland Patent) | Junior | Defensive End - DeForrest continued his massive upward trajectory from last season, as the 2024 All-American settled into his full-time role on the end of the defensive front during 2025. After picking up loads of accolades thanks to his special teams success, DeForrest slotted in as a starting edge rusher this season, proving to be just as disruptive as he tallied eight tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, five quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery (returned for a touchdown), and one blocked field goal. This is the Section III star's first career All-Conference honor.
 
#91 Mason Miranowicz (Pine Bush, NY/Pine Bush) | Junior | Defensive End - On the other side of the line, Miranowicz helped to create an air-tight seal, combining with DeForrest to slow down opposing offenses and prevent them from breaking outside. The Pine Bush native was effective in stopping opponents, gathering 29 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two quarterback hurries. Miranowicz was also unbelievable at disrupting the passing game, leading the team with seven pass breakups despite slotting in along the defensive front. Thanks to his all-around impact, he was also named an Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week. This is Miranowicz's first career All-Conference honor.
 
2025 Third Team Selections:
 
#65 Aidan Olsen (Rotterdam, NY/Schalmont) | Junior | Offensive Tackle - Olsen was another name that stood out amongst a superb offensive line, with the gigantic junior helping protect the Pioneer signal callers. Olsen assumed starting tackle responsibilities this season, protecting against some of the top edge rushers in the entire Empire 8. This is Olsen's first career All-Conference honor.
 
#16 Matthew Pallouras (Rochelle Park, NJ/Hackensack) | Junior | All-Purpose - Pallouras gets a placement on this list thanks to his versatility within the Pioneer offense this season. The backup quarterback was primarily used in short yardage situations, regularly converting crucial third and fourth down opportunities as the leader of the Raven set. The junior quarterback scored in a variety of ways during the regular season, amassing a team-high eight rushing touchdowns to go along with two passing touchdowns. Pallouras rushed 38 times for 215 yards, including the program's longest rushing play in school history, a 97-yard gain against Hartwick. This is Pallouras' first All-Conference honor.
 
#23 Isaiah Thomas (Kingston, NY/Kingston) | Sophomore | Linebacker - Thomas was one of the most active players in the Empire 8 this season, notching 88 total tackles to rank third in the league. The sophomore linebacker generated a ton of hype for his final few years thanks to 33 solo takedowns, 5.5 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, one interception, one pass breakup, and one fumble recovery. Thomas was also named to the D3football.com Team of the Week following his week one performance where he wrapped up 12 tackles (eight solo) in a massive win. Thomas is 10 tackles away from tying the single-season program record of 98 set by Anthony Venturino. This is the linebacker's first career All-Conference honor.
 
#15 Mason Payton (Hopewell Junction, NY/John Jay) | Senior | Cornerback - Payton stepped up his play during his senior season, controlling the airways as he helped contribute to a solid Pioneer pass defense. The defensive back tackles extremely well in the open field, with 16 of his 21 total tackles registering as solo takedowns. He also gathered four pass breakups, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles during the season, helping the Pioneers take their place as one of the quickest and hardest-hitting defensive units in all of Division III Football. Payton also received an Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week nod following his one forced fumble and three pass breakups at Alfred University. This is Payton's first career All-Conference honor.
 
Utica Pioneers 2025 Tomorrow's Leader Team Honoree: Eze Frazier (Garnerville, NY/North Rockland) | Junior | Running Back - Frazier found success this season as the team's lead rushing option, taking the mantle of top tailback from former Empire 8 standout Matt Brantley (Rochester, NY/Eastridge). In his first season of starting backfield action, Frazier rushed 126 times for 569 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. He proved to be a reliable option and formed a big one-two punch alongside Szalkowski on the offensive side of the ball. This is Frazier's first conference honor.
 
The Pioneers also grabbed many awards for individual performances during the season, racking up three Pioneer awards, 10 Empire 8 awards, and 12 D3football.com Team of the Week nods, along with a game ball, to finish with 26 total award wins during 2025. Here is a list of all their accomplishments during the season.
 
Week One at W&J
Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) - Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week
Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute)  - D3football.com Team of the Week
Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) - D3football.com Week One Game Ball
Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) - Pioneer Athlete of the Week
Isaiah Thomas (Kingston, NY/Kingston) - D3football.com Team of the Week
 
Week Two vs RPI
Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) - Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week (2)
 
Week Three at Hobart
Mason Nolan (Hilton, NY/Hilton Central)  - Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week
 
Week Four vs Alfred State
Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) - Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week (3)
Nathan Hernandez (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) - Pioneer Athlete of the Week
 
Week Five at SUNY Cortland
Logan Frederick (Little Falls, NY/Little Falls) - D3football.com Team of the Week
 
Week Six vs Morrisville
Isaiah Thomas (Kingston, NY/Kingston) - Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week
Devin Taylor (New Port Richey, FL/Wendell Krinn Technical) - Empire 8 Special Teams Player of the Week
Jordyn Davis (Hempstead, NY/Uniondale) - D3football.com Team of the Week
 
Week Eight vs Alfred University
Mason Payton (Hopewell Junction, NY/John Jay) - Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week
Logan Frederick (Little Falls, NY/Little Falls) - D3football.com Team of the Week (2)
 
Week Nine vs St. John Fisher
Mason Miranowicz (Pine Bush, NY/Pine Bush) - Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week
 
Week Eleven at Brockport
Eli Douglas (Ausable Forks, NY/Ausable Valley) - D3football.com Team of the Week
Eli Douglas (Ausable Forks, NY/Ausable Valley) - Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week
Eli Douglas (Ausable Forks, NY/Ausable Valley) - Pioneer Athlete of the Week
Bryce Palmer (Verona, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) - Empire 8 Co-Offensive Player of the Week
Logan Frederick (Little Falls, NY/Little Falls) - D3football.com Team of the Week (3)
ADante Bianchino (Albany, NY/Shaker) - D3football.com Team of the Week
Michael Malzahn (Sparrowbush, NY/Port Jervis) - D3football.com Team of the Week
Gavin Grech (Merrick, NY/Sanford H. Calhoun) - D3football.com Team of the Week
Aidan Olsen (Rotterdam, NY/Schalmont) - D3football.com Team of the Week
Carson Tessitore (East Islip, NY/East Islip) - D3football.com Team of the Week
 
 
 
Total Awards Count
 
Team:
Empire 8 Players of the Week: 10
D3football.com Team of the Week: 12
Pioneer Athlete of the Week: 3
 
Individual:
Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) - Empire 8 Player of the Week: 3
Isaiah Thomas (Kingston, NY/Kingston) - Empire 8 Player of the Week: 1
Mason Nolan (Hilton, NY/Hilton Central) - Empire 8 Player of the Week: 1
Devin Taylor (New Port Richey, FL/Wendell Krinn Technical) - Empire 8 Player of the Week: 1
Mason Payton (Hopewell Junction, NY/John Jay) - Empire 8 Player of the Week: 1
Mason Miranowicz (Pine Bush, NY/Pine Bush) - Empire 8 Player of the Week: 1
Bryce Palmer (Verona, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) - Empire 8 Player of the Week: 1
Eli Douglas (Ausable Forks, NY/Ausable Valley) - Empire 8 Player of the Week: 1
 
Logan Frederick (Little Falls, NY/Little Falls) - D3football.com Team of the Week: 3
Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) - D3football.com Team of the Week: 1
Isaiah Thomas (Kingston, NY/Kingston) - D3football.com Team of the Week: 1
Jordyn Davis (Hempstead, NY/Uniondale) - D3football.com Team of the Week: 1
Eli Douglas (Ausable Forks, NY/Ausable Valley) - D3football.com Team of the Week: 1
ADante Bianchino (Albany, NY/Shaker) - D3football.com Team of the Week: 1
Michael Malzahn (Sparrowbush, NY/Port Jervis) - D3football.com Team of the Week: 1
Gavin Grech (Merrick, NY/Sanford H. Calhoun) - D3football.com Team of the Week: 1
Aidan Olsen (Rotterdam, NY/Schalmont) - D3football.com Team of the Week: 1
Carson Tessitore (East Islip, NY/East Islip) - D3football.com Team of the Week: 1
 
Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) - D3football.com Week One Game Ball
 
Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) - Pioneer Athlete of the Week: 1
Nathan Hernandez (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) - Pioneer Athlete of the Week: 1
Eli Douglas (Ausable Forks, NY/Ausable Valley) - Pioneer Athlete of the Week: 1
 
The Pioneers will battle Rowan this Saturday in the team's first-ever home postseason matchup. Make sure to stop by at 1:00 PM this Saturday for the Asa S. Bushnell Bowl!