PITTSFORD, NY - This weekend brings a massive test for the Utica University football team, which, at this point in the season, controls its own destiny in its quest for the program's second-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
 
On Saturday, the orange and blue will head down the thruway to take on a resurgent St. John Fisher team that's fresh off an incredibly close upset bid against multi-time reigning Empire 8 Champion SUNY Cortland. The Cardinals have been clinical under second-year head coach Ed Raby Jr., boasting a brutal defense and an offense that's flourished thanks to the stellar play of dual-threat quarterback Ryan Whitney. They'll match up with a Pioneer team fresh off a 35-0 drubbing of a staunch Alfred University team.
 
The Pioneers will enter Saturday's showdown with a 6-1 record, and a 3-1 mark in Empire 8 play, while St. John Fisher arrives at Saturday with a 5-2 record, and 2-2 mark in the Empire, with their only losses coming by eight and ten points to SUNY Cortland and SUNY Brockport, respectively.
 
You can stream this Saturday's contest by heading to the following link: https://www.empire8network.com/stjohnfisher/?B=4640988
 
For live statistics, you can head to this link: https://sjfathletics.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
 
You can grab a ticket at this link for just $8: https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/sjfcardinals/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzQxMQ%3D%3D
 
Highlights will be available on our athletics YouTube either late Saturday evening or early Sunday morning. Click the links below to get caught up on game highlights from the previous Utica football games:
 
Week One vs W&J: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_czjU8x7og
 
Week Two at RPI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fe5s5ZTvf8
 
Week Three vs Hobart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHDKr7EhZ3w&t=6s
 
Week Four at Alfred State: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzNPylyaxbQ
 
Week Five vs #17 SUNY Cortland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fXhCsezzk8
 
Week Six vs Morrisville State: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW0AZStF3xA
 
Week Seven vs Alfred University: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKDxtLAm-aE&t=4s
 
Vs Alfred University Recap: The Pioneers made great use of their bye week this season, as the extra days of prep time allowed them to put together a complete performance in a resounding 35-0 victory over Alfred University. The Pioneer defense logged its first home shutout since a 14-0 win over St. John Fisher towards the end of 2023, which was also the team's second home shutout in 14 years, with the only other goose egg being a 43-0 win over former Division III member Frostburg State back in 2012. A major reason for the outstanding defensive performance was the Pioneers' tremendous play in the trenches, as the hosts' defensive line and linebacking corps allowed just six rushing yards in the contest. Senior defensive lineman Jordyn Davis (Hempstead, NY/Uniondale) had a huge hand in this blockade, logging four tackles and a sack in the action as he collected his second Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week honor in as many games. Linebacker Andrew Lake (Johnstown, NY/Johnstown) was also extremely present in the effort, grabbing four tackles, two solo takedowns, a pass breakup, a quarterback hurry, and an interception.
 
On offense, the Pioneers excelled at establishing the run game against the Saxons while not relying too heavily on a specific player, as five different players logged four or more rushes in the game. Senior back Tyler Hall (Holbrook, NY/Sachem North) led the rushing effort with 74 yards on 16 attempts, while Drevariis Yeomas (Victor, NY/Victor) supplied a scoring touch, rushing for 48 yards and two touchdowns on his 10 attempts. Alfred University was stellar in the secondary, but Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) found a way to put the Saxons on their heels as he rushed nine times for 51 yards, also adding a touchdown on a Pioneer Push from the 1-yard line. As a whole, the team picked up 216 yards on the ground, averaging 4.6 yards per rush, and scoring three touchdowns. Thanks to the superior rushing attack, the Pioneers were able to hold the ball for over 40 minutes of gametime.
 
Poll Position: The Pioneers maintained their high NPI rating following the win this past weekend, as they currently place #13 in the most recent rankings, jumpin up two spots from #15. In their current position, the Pioneers would bypass first-round action and host a second-round contest - the first-ever home NCAA Tournament game in program history. Additionally, in terms of bids, the Pioneers are currently the second-highest at-large team, with #5 Wisconsin-Whitewater being the only non-conference leader ahead of the orange and blue.
 
Here is a look at the Pioneers' wins so far this season, along with the rankings of their upcoming opponents:
 
#20 Washington & Jefferson - W, 26-11
#65 RPI - W, 38-14
#82 Hobart - W, 36-29
#98 Alfred State - W, 58-13
#145 Alfred University - W, 35-0
#191 Morrisville State - W, 33-7
 
#8 Cortland State - L, 31-21
 
For reference, there are 242 Division III teams represented in the NPI
 
Upcoming opponents:
At #70 St. John Fisher (5-2)
At #204 Hartwick (1-6)
Vs #32 SUNY Brockport (6-1)
 
National Ranks: Below is a list of statistics in which the Pioneers rank top-50 nationally:
 
Team Statistical Placements:

• Interceptions | 14 | 4th
• Turnover Margin per Game | +1.86 | 6th
• Turnovers Generated | 21 | 6th
• Time of Possession | 33:51 | 10th
• Passing Yards Per Game | 309.4 | 11th
• Opposing Pass Efficiency | 95.90 | 13th
• Punt Return Yards Allowed Average | 2.25 Yards | 15th
• Least Opposing Tackles for Loss Per Game | 3.57 | 17th
• Total First Downs (46 Rush, 105 Pass, 19 Penalty) | 170 | Tied-20th
• Fumbles Recovered | 7 | 25th
• Completion Percentage | .651 (175 Completions, 269 Attempts) | 29th
• Least Passing Yards Per Game Allowed | 153.3 | 30th
• 4th Down Converion Percentage | .650 (13-for-20) | 31st
• Total Offense Per Game | 441.4 Yards | 31st
• Sacks per Game | 2.86 | 33rd
• Scoring Defense | 15.0 | 34th
• 3rd Down Conversion Percentage | .469 (45-for-96) | 36th

Individual Statistical Placements

• Hernandez | Interceptions | 6 | 2nd
• Szalkowski | Completions per Game | 25.00 | 4th
• Duarte | Field Goals per Game | 1.57 | 5th
• Duarte | Field Goal Percentage | .917 (11 Makes, 12 Attempts) | 6th
• Szalkowski | Passing Yards | 2,166 | 6th
• Szalkowski | Passing Yards per Game | 309.43 | 7th
• Zawolo | Receptions per Game | 7.57 | 9th
• Zawolo | Receptions | 53 | 11th
• Szalkowski | Total Offense per Game | 312.6 | 12th
• Thomas | Tackles per Game | 10.6 | Tied-17th
• Taylor | Yards per Reception | 21.32 | 23rd
• Taylor | Receiving Yards | 661 | 24th
• Taylor | Receiving Yards per Game | 94.4 | 25th
• Szalkowski | Completion Percentage | .663 (175 Completions, 264 Attempts) | 25th
• Szalkowski | Passing Touchdowns | 16 | Tied-27th
• Frederick | Receptions | 44 | Tied-32nd
• Frederick | Receptions Per Game | 6.29 | Tied-32nd
• Szalkowski | Points Responsible For | 110 | Tied-35th
• Szalkowski | Points Responsible per Game | 15.7 | Tied-39th
• Szalkowski | Passing Efficiency | 151.42 | 43rd
• Duarte | Scoring per Game | 8.4 | Tied-46th
• Duarte | Total Points Scored | 59 | Tied-47th

Pioneer Playmakers: Below is a list of each accolade the Pioneers have achieved through three weeks of play.
 
Week One vs W&J
Logan Frederick (Little Falls, NY/Little Falls) - D3football.com National Team of the Week
Nico Duarte (Kearny, NJ/Saint Peter's Prep) - Empire 8 Special Teams Player of the Week
Nico Duarte (Kearny, NJ/Saint Peter's Prep) - Pioneer Athlete of the Week
Logan Frederick (Little Falls, NY/Little Falls) - 1,000 career receiving yards
 
Week Two vs RPI
Tyshawn Taylor (Syracuse, NY/Syracuse Institute of Technology) - D3football.com National Team of the Week
Tyshawn Taylor (Syracuse, NY/Syracuse Institute of Technology) - Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week
Blaise Faggiano - 100 Career Head Coaching Wins
 
Week Three vs Hobart
Jack Lamphere (Chittenango, NY/Chittenango) - D3football.com Week Three Game Ball
Tyshawn Taylor (Syracuse, NY/Syracuse Institute of Technology) - 1,000 career receiving yards
 
Week Four at Alfred State
Nico Duarte (Kearny, NJ/Saint Peter's Prep) - Empire 8 Special Teams Player of the Week
Tahjir Fernand (Fort Lauderdale, FL/New Rochelle) - D3football.com National Team of the Week
 
Week Six at Morrisville State
Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) - Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week
Jordyn Davis (Hempstead, NY/Uniondale) - Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week
Joseph Gentile (Utica, NY/Thomas R. Proctor) - D3football.com National Team of the Week
 
Week Seven vs Alfred University
Jordyn Davis (Hempstead, NY/Uniondale) - Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week
 
Total Awards Count
 
Team:
Empire 8 Players of the Week: 6
D3football.com Team of the Week: 4
 
Individual:
Nico Duarte (Kearny, NJ/Saint Peter's Prep) - Empire 8 Player of the Week: 2
Jordyn Davis (Hempstead, NY/Uniondale) - Empire 8 Player of the Week: 2
Tahjir Fernand (Fort Lauderdale, FL/New Rochelle) - D3football.com Team of the Week: 1
Logan Frederick (Little Falls, NY/Little Falls) - D3football.com Team of the Week: 1
Joseph Gentile (Utica, NY/Thomas R. Proctor) - D3football.com Team of the Week: 1
Jack Lamphere (Chittenango, NY/Chittenango) - D3football.com Game Ball
Tyshawn Taylor (Syracuse, NY/Syracuse Institute of Technology) - Empire 8 Player of the Week: 1
Tyshawn Taylor (Syracuse, NY/Syracuse Institute of Technology) - D3football.com Team of the Week: 1
Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) - Empire 8 Player of the Week: 1

Orange and Blue Archive - St. John Fisher: The Pioneers and Cardinals have a long-standing Empire 8 rivalry, dating back to their first meeting during the Pioneers' inaugural season on November 10, 2001. St. John Fisher won that inaugural contest 41-6 and dominated the early years of the series, winning the first 15 meetings before Utica finally broke through with a 23-6 victory in 2016. Since then, the momentum has completely shifted in favor of the Pioneers, as they've won eight of the last nine meetings and currently own a seven-game winning streak against the Cardinals, which began in 2018. The Pioneers hold an 8-16 all-time record against Fisher and will look to extend their recent dominance when they travel to Growney Stadium this Saturday.

Last season, the Pioneers continued their impressive run against Fisher with a commanding 31-7 victory at Gaetano Stadium on November 1, 2025. Utica came out firing, building a 14-0 first-quarter lead behind a pair of touchdown passes to Logan Frederick (Little Falls, NY/Little Falls), one from Matthew Pallouras (Rochelle Park, NJ/Hackensack) and another from Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute). The Pioneers added a field goal and another touchdown before halftime to take a 24-7 advantage into the break. Szalkowski finished 22-for-29 with 270 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Frederick hauled in eight receptions for 129 yards and two scores. The defense was equally impressive, holding Fisher to just 216 total yards and 65 rushing yards. Mason Miranowicz (Pine Bush, NY/Pine Bush) led the defensive front with four tackles, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups and a forced fumble, while Nicholas DeForrest (Rome, NY/Holland Patent) and Mason Mascari (Webster, NY/Webster Schroeder) each recorded a sack. Utica added one more touchdown in the third quarter and shut out the Cardinals over the final 30 minutes to secure the 31-7 victory.

The 2024 meeting saw the Pioneers travel to Rochester for a regular-season finale against Fisher, where Utica came away with a 35-20 victory. The Cardinals kept pace early, and the teams were tied 7-7 after the opening quarter, but Utica gradually took control and pulled away with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns. Brett Fuller (Port Jervis, NY/Port Jervis) led the Pioneer offense with an efficient performance, completing 18 of 26 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns. Despite being outgained by Fisher, the Pioneers made the most of their opportunities, winning the turnover battle 2-0 with a pair of interceptions.

One of the most memorable games in the rivalry came in 2017, when the Cardinals edged the Pioneers 39-36 in an unforgettable five-overtime contest at Growney Stadium. The visiting Pioneers rallied from an 18-9 deficit in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 points in the final 5:43 of regulation to force overtime. Vinny Aloi connected with Donovan Brunson on an 11-yard touchdown pass with just 40 seconds remaining to send the game into extra time. The teams traded field goals and touchdowns through four overtimes, with kicker Maki Medici tying the school record with five field goals, including four in overtime. Malcolm Stowe paced the Pioneers with 136 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Aloi added 112 rushing yards and a passing score. After Utica took a 36-33 lead in the fifth overtime on Medici's career-long 39-yard field goal, Fisher answered with a 10-yard touchdown run by James Chambers to secure the 39-36 victory.

Scouting St. John Fisher: St. John Fisher enters Saturday's matchup at 5-2 overall and 2-2 in Empire 8 play after dropping a 28-20 road decision to nationally ranked Cortland on October 24. The Cardinals opened the season with four consecutive victories, including wins over St. Lawrence and Alfred, before falling to SUNY Brockport. Fisher bounced back with a 27-13 win over Hartwick but was unable to get past Cortland last weekend. The Cardinals will look to get back on track against a Utica team that has won six of its last seven games and enters at 6-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play.

• Offense
  • QB Ryan Whitney: 131 completions on 205 attempts, 1,622 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, four interceptions, 63.9% completion rate. Also leads Fisher with 522 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns on 114 carries.
  • WR Jackson Cusack: 40 receptions, 543 receiving yards, four touchdowns, 13.6 yards per catch.
  • WR Gavin Horton: 25 receptions, 369 receiving yards, two touchdowns, 14.8 yards per catch.
  • WR Mykel White: 15 receptions, 215 receiving yards, three touchdowns, 14.3 yards per catch.
  • RB Christian Beason: 33 carries, 146 rushing yards, one touchdown, 4.4 yards per carry.
• Defense
  • LB Timothy Vanderbrink: 52 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups.
  • LB Kyle DaMore: 50 tackles, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries.
  • DB Eric Sparkman: 46 tackles, four pass breakups.
  • DB Micah Harshfield: 42 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, six pass breakups.
  • DL Jack Bierman: 41 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, two quarterback hurries.

What to Watch For: Fisher enters Saturday averaging 27.1 points and 355.6 yards of total offense per game while allowing 17.9 points and 273.4 yards per contest. The Cardinals have been more productive through the air, averaging 238.7 passing yards per game compared to 116.9 rushing yards, which is a complete flip from last year's team. Despite that change in offensive style, returning dual-threat quarterback Ryan Whitney is still the focal point of the offense, accounting for 22 total touchdowns through seven games. He has thrown for 1,622 yards and 11 scores while adding 522 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. His dual-threat ability makes him especially dangerous, as opposing defenses must account for both his arm and his ability to extend plays with his legs. He also throws the deep ball with extreme precision, having multiple chunk-play touchdowns this season.

Fisher's receiving corps features several capable playmakers, led by Cusack, who has hauled in 40 passes for 543 yards and four touchdowns. Horton provides another explosive option with 369 yards and an 82-yard reception, while White has found the end zone three times. The Cardinals have also shown an ability to create big plays on special teams, with Cusack averaging 19.6 yards per punt return and already taking one back 46 yards for a touchdown.

Defensively, Fisher has allowed just 273.4 yards per game and recorded 13 sacks and three interceptions through seven contests. Bierman leads the defensive front with four sacks and seven tackles for loss, while Vanderbrink and DaMore headline a productive linebacking corps. Harshfield has been particularly effective in coverage, recording two interceptions and six pass breakups. The Cardinals have limited opponents to 158.9 passing yards per game, making it important for Utica to establish balance and avoid becoming one-dimensional. Thankfully, the Pioneers turned in an awesome rushing performance last week, and will look to do the same this coming weekend.

Keys Against St. John Fisher:

1: Contain Whitney and the St. John Fisher Offense: The Cardinals can hurt teams in a variety of different ways, be it on the ground, through the air, on special teams, and using an array of different schemes. Not only will the Pioneer defense have to be versatile and alert, but they will have to account for Whitney, who excels with a majority of different offensive looks. St. John Fisher has lots of different options, and all three levels of the Pioneer defense will have to be ready to adapt on the fly come Saturday.
 
2: Provide Offensive Balance: On the other hand, the Pioneers will be looking for ways to keep a structured and strong defense off balance. Head Coach Ed Raby Jr. always brings a great defensive gameplan, as shown in his two years since moving over from fellow Empire 8 program Morrisville State. The Cardinals, much like the Mustangs, like to spread their secondary and prevent deep throws. The Pioneers will need to establish consistent gains and not give the Cardinals a chance for momentum-changing plays.
 
3: Create Big Plays on Offense While Avoiding Defensive Disruption: The Cardinals were able to keep pace with a bruising SUNY Cortland side thanks to a momentum-changing pick-6 early in the second half. St. John Fisher is adept at lying in wait, not beating themselves, and running with momentum-changing plays when they present themselves. The Pioneers will need to find their moments, but not overextend against a dangerous Cardinal team.
 
After Saturday's Showdown at St. John Fisher: The Pioneers will head to Hartwick for the penultimate game of the regular season, traveling to Oneonta on Saturday, November 7th for a 1:00 PM battle with the Hawks.
 
Tune in on Saturday as the Pioneers take on St. John Fisher!