Morrisville is slowly becoming a rival school of the Utica Pioneers.
Two seasons ago offensive coordinator of Pioneer’s Kurt Fitzpatrick, took the head coaching job and Morrisville. Fast forward to a year later, and now Utica is playing Fitzpatrick and the Morrisville team in a bowl game. Unfortunately Utica suffered a loss in that game, but it sparked a fuel for this seasons match up.
In this seasons game, both teams had a quiet offensive first quarter after it ended scoreless. The Pioneers got the offense rolling first, as kicker Thomas Woodburn hit one of his three field goals of the night. Woodburns three field goals and three extra point kicks set the school record for most points made by a kicker in a single game.
The second score of the game also was by Utica. Junior Nicodemus Gambill punched in a nine yard touchdown run to put the Pioneers up 10-0. Morrisville was quick to strike back, as running back Christian Pena ran for 28 yards for a touchdown to set the score 10-7. Then Woodburn added another field goals to put it at 13-7 pioneers with 1:47 left in the half. Right before the end of the half however, Utica Quarterback Teddy VanGalen completed a 23 yard pass to Jarred Beniquez to make it 19-7 going into the half.
The second half was all Pioneers as Morrisville would only score one more touchdown by Cory Benedetto . The Pioneers scored on a field goal, a safety and two more touchdowns. One offensive reception caught by Greg Palmer and a fumble recovery for a touchdown by Nick Woodman, Leaving the Pioneers victorious 38-14 as the fourth quarter came to an end.
After the game, student-assistant coach James Murphy said, “This is a great win against a very good team. It gives us some good confidence for next weeks game against Cortland State.”
The fans also had a lot to say after the impressive Utica win. Former player and current fan, Jacob Nigolian said, “After losing a tough one against Morrisville last year, a win against them feels as good as ever.”
For more pictures, videos and action about the game, click here.
Utica Entertainment 