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Alfred, NY – The Alfred State football team dropped its Empire 8 Conference opener on Saturday, falling to the Utica Pioneers 58-13 at Pioneer Stadium. With the loss, Alfred State moves to 3-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
The Pioneers were led offensively by Xzavier Patrick, who rushed for 89 yards on 15 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per attempt and scoring a touchdown. Noah Currier provided a spark with three carries for 71 yards, highlighted by a 72-yard touchdown run, while averaging 23.7 yards per carry. Quarterback Chase Shepanski completed 18 passes for 194 yards and added 54 rushing yards on the ground.
In the passing game, Bretton Blecha paced Alfred State with seven receptions for 59 yards.
Defensively, Thomas Pratton turned in a strong performance with two tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. Aaron Ellis added a tackle for loss and recorded an interception, while Demarii Thompson led all Alfred State defenders with 10 total tackles.
Utica jumped out to an early advantage before Alfred State answered late in the first quarter. Currier broke through the line and raced 72 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 14-6.
The Pioneers' defense came up with a key play in the second quarter when Ellis intercepted a pass to halt a Utica drive and give the ball back to Alfred State. However, Utica seized control of the game, scoring 34 consecutive points to build a commanding lead.
Alfred State found the end zone again late in the third quarter when Patrick capped a seven-play, 76-yard drive with a touchdown run, making the score 48-13. Utica added a field goal and a late touchdown in the fourth quarter to secure the 58-13 victory.
Alfred State returns to action next Saturday when it travels to Morrisville, N.Y., for an Empire 8 matchup against SUNY Morrisville. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
