SPRINGFIELD, MA -- Sophomore running back Chris Coney (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) rushed for a career high 156 yards and a touchdown and the Union defense held Springfield to 252 total yards in a 24-14 season opening win at Amos Alonzo Stagg Field Saturday night. The Pride fell to 1-1 on the season.
The Pride had won six of the previous seven meetings and it was Union's first win in the series since a home victory in 2005.
Coney had 28 carries and his four yard touchdown score came with 7:11 remaining in the first quarter. Junior quarterback Andrew Cattelier (Voorheesville, NY) completed 15 of 26 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown, while senior defensive back Kevin Rautenstrauch (West Seneca, NY) led all Dutchmen with 10 tackles. Tight end Josh McKelligan (Canton, MA) had 70 yards on six catches and John Peters (Clarks Summit, PA) and Joe Catalano (Albany, NY) made seven tackles each.
Springfield was led by Tom Caporale, who posted a game high 11 tackles, and Jsoh Carter, who ran for 70 yards on nine carries. Quarterback Josh Carter completed six of 13 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Union gained 204 yards on the ground and 176 through the air for 380 yards in total offense. Coney's first score capped a dominant drive that took over one third of the opening quarter and began on the Union six yard line (5:42, with 12 plays and 94 yards). Jared Gourrier (New Orleans, LA), a wide receiver converted from quarterback, caught a 30 yard strike from Cattelier with 3:59 left in the first half, on a first down play, and the Dutchmen led 14-0 at halftime.
Senior kicker Ben Rapple (Queensbury, NY) booted a 20 yard field goal with 10:28 remaining in the third quarter to complete an 11 play drive that consumed 68 yards in 4:32. Mark Safer's 12 yard run with 8:32 left in the third put the Pride on the board on a five play, 51 yard drive for a 17-7 visiting team advantage. Kyle Holmes (Burnt Hills, NY) scored on a four yard run with 3:30 left in the fourth, completing a four play, 63 yard drive in just 2:05. Tim Brady closed out the scoring on a 22 yard catch from Carter to provide the 24-14 final.
Union opens the home season next Saturday, September 20 at 1 p.m., hosting Muhlenberg at Frank Bailey Field.
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