For the second consecutive season, the Pioneers have claimed the Yankee Conference Championship.
On Saturday, Nov. 15, Sacred Heart defeated Merrimack College on home turf by a score of 42-37. The Pioneer’s victory marked a 6-0 record at home and defended their championship title in back-to-back seasons.
Source: Jayden Hunter, Assistant Photo Editor
“There’s nothing like playing with a chip on your shoulder. You can’t let someone come into your home and beat you, it’s a pride thing,” said first-year running back Mitchel Summers.
Summers was highlighted as one of the top performers in the matchup against the Warriors. With 23 carries, 143 yards, and two touchdowns, the rookie’s performances sustained the Pioneer’s winning title.
In total this season, Summers rushed for over 1,000 yards, averaging just under 100 yards a game with a dozen touchdowns.
The Pioneers had another running back surpassing 100 yards. Graduate student Trey Eberhart III ran 107 yards with six carries and one touchdown. This win marked his final home game as a Pioneer.
“I hope the team doesn’t take this success for granted or get comfortable. I want the same mindset to carry into the offseason and beyond,” said Eberhart.
Sophomore quarterback Jack Snyder was also highlighted in the championship. Snyder threw for 97 yards and a touchdown, as well as running for 163 yards and two more touchdowns on just eight carries.
“I give all the credit for my success in the run game to our offensive line, the running backs, and the wide receivers for their blocking. My job is easy when they block as well as they do,” said Snyder.
“Our entire offense is built on the run game, and we’ve been really good at it all season. We have a lot of weapons, both quarterbacks and running backs,” said head coach Mark Nofri. “But the biggest reason is our offensive line. Those guys don’t get nearly enough credit. They’re playing at a high level, and they’ve been outstanding all fall.”
With the success at home came struggles on the road as the team finished with a 34-10 loss on Saturday, Nov. 21 against Villanova. Snyder threw for 286 yards and a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to counter the three turnovers for the Pios.
Eberhart had a strong game on the ground to finish his collegiate career with six carries for 59 yards.
“This team has been resilient since day one. Our kids don’t flinch- they play hard for four quarters every week,” said Nofri. “I’m extremely proud of what they’ve accomplished. But we also know we’ll lose a lot of upperclassmen, especially up front, so this offseason will be about developing the younger guys and figuring out who’s ready to step up next August.”
Athletic Communications contributed to this article.
