Saturday, October 11
Fairfield, CT
1:00 PM
Sacred Heart
vs
Howard University
Photo by: Greg Vasil
Pioneers Set for Home Clash with Howard on Saturday
10/10/2025 10:06:00 AM | Football
Football returns home to face Bison at Campus Field
HOME, SWEET HOME
Date: Oct. 12, 2024
Final Score: Howard 21 | Sacred Heart 14
Brief Recap: The Pioneers, showing their resilience, headed into the halftime break with a one-possession lead, 14-7, behind a pair of rushing touchdowns. However, Howard surged back in the second half, scoring 14 unanswered points over the final two quarters to secure the home win.
Brief Stats: The Pioneers' offense was powered by Xavier Leigh's 76 yards and a touchdown, with Jalen Madison adding 65 yards and a score. John Michalski and Cruz Herrera combined for 99 passing yards and 51 rushing. Payton Rhoades led receivers with 25 yards. On defense, Tyreke Brown and Myles Talley posted 10 tackles each, while Marques Mason added eight tackles and an interception.
SHU SUFFERS OVERTIME SETBACK TO CCSU
Final Score: CCSU 42 | Sacred Heart 35
Brief Recap: Sacred Heart battled back from a 13–0 deficit as John Michalski, Trey Eberhart III, and Jack Snyder each scored to keep the game tight. Snyder's late 37-yard touchdown to Jason Palmieri forced overtime, but CCSU clinched a 42–35 win with a touchdown on the first play of the extra period.
Brief Stats: Jack Snyder totaled 274 yards and three touchdowns to lead the offense, with Trey Eberhart III adding 83 rushing yards and a score. Payton Rhoades and Jason Palmieri each caught touchdown passes, while Maximus Mongelli led the defense with nine tackles.
OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY
The Sacred Heart offense is firing on all cylinders this season. The Pioneers rank eighth in the FCS in third-down conversions at .495, 17th in total first downs with 127, and 18th in time of possession, controlling the ball for an average of 32:18 per game.
PRECISION IN THE POCKET
The Pioneers' passing game ranks 24th in FCS with a .660 team completion rate, while QB Jack Snyder shines even brighter, completing 71.1% of his throws and ranking seventh in the nation.
RUSHING ATTACK
The Sacred Heart ground game ranks 26th in the FCS, fueled by a balanced group of playmakers. Mitchell Summers powers the ground game with 395 yards and three touchdowns, while dual-threat QB Jack Snyder has added 277 yards and four scores with his legs. Trey Eberhart III brings big-play ability with a team-best 5.5 yards per carry, and Chuck Webb has punched in 110 yards and a touchdown.
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
The Pioneers' receiving corps has proven to be a deep and dangerous group through six games. Kevin McGuire leads the way with 24 catches for 269 yards, while Payton Rhoades provides a spark with 224 yards with a season-best 42-yard grab. Jason Palmieri has emerged as a red-zone threat with three touchdown catches, including a 41-yard score.
DEFENSE AMONG FCS LEADERS
The Sacred Heart defense continues to make a statement in the FCS. The Pioneers rank second nationally in kick return defense, allowing just 12.09 yards per return, while also standing ninth in third-down conversions, holding opponents to a .297 rate.
LEADING THE CHARGE
Standouts across positions anchor the Pioneers' defense. Maximus Mongelli sets the tone in the secondary, leading the team in tackles with 33, while Nick Verbitsky and Daimon Jacobs lead the team with 3.0 tackles-for-loss. This mix of linebackers, defensive backs, and safeties fills the top five in tackles, each recording 21 or more stops and highlighting the team's depth of talent.
HANGEY HIGHLIGHTS SPECIAL TEAMS
Dean Haney continues to be one of the top special teams threats in the FCS this season. He currently leads the nation with one kickoff return touchdown, sits 20th in combined kickoff return yardage (288), and ranks 23rd in kickoff return average (26.2 yards per return).
KLING HELPS KEEP PIOS ROLLING
Matt Kling has been a steady presence on special teams, leading the Pioneers in scoring with 35 points through five games. He's converted 6-of-8 field goals with a long of 32 yards and is a perfect 17-for-17 on PATs. Kling delivered a season-high nine points in the win against Delaware State, knocking through two 31-yard field goals and all three extra points.
PIOS KEEP IT ROLLING
Final Score: Sacred Heart 35 | Delaware State 31
Brief Recap: Sacred Heart overcame a two-touchdown deficit to storm past Delaware State, 35–31, on Family Weekend. After trailing 31–20 at halftime, the Pioneers shut out the Hornets in the third and rallied behind quarterback Jack Snyder, who threw for two second-half touchdowns to Jason Palmieri, including the game-winner in the fourth. Matt Kling added two field goals, while the defense held strong late to secure the comeback victory.
Brief Stats: Jack Snyder powered the offense with 298 passing yards, three total touchdowns, and 51 rushing yards. Jason Palmieri caught two scores, while Kevin McGuire hauled in 10 receptions for 78 yards. Mitchell Summers added 170 all-purpose yards and a rushing touchdown. On defense, Kymari Latney posted six tackles, with linemen Peter Schanne and Glory Stephen-Wangboje each recording five stops, a tackle for loss, and a half-sack to anchor the front line.
SYNDER CLAIMS NEFWA GOLD HELMET AWARD
Quarterback Jack Snynder was the recipient of the New England Football Association Gold Helmet Awards presented by the Jack Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the National Football Foundation, following his breakout game against Delaware State.
Snyder joins former Pioneers Malik Grant and RJ Noel, who received this award during their time here at SHU. Grant was honored in 2021 after his performance against Merrimack College, rushing for 268 yards on 27 carries, while Noel received his in 2013 behind 300 yards of total offense to lead SHU to a win over Marist.
SHU CLAIMS BACK-TO-BACK WINS
Final Score: Sacred Heart 31 | Norfolk State 28
Brief Recap: Sacred Heart built a 24–14 advantage early in the second half before Norfolk State rallied to pull within a field goal. With just over five minutes to play, Jack Snyder's touchdown run pushed the lead to 31–21. The Spartans answered quickly with a 29-yard touchdown strike, but the Pioneers' defense forced a missed field goal in the closing seconds to preserve the victory.
Brief Stat: Jack Snyder fueled the attack, passing for 92 yards and rushing for 79, and powered through the defense for two rushing scores. Mitchell Summers led the ground game, amassing 122 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. Trey Eberhart III provided an additional spark with 89 rushing yards and a score. On defense, Kyle Hall and Tyler Jameson each tallied six tackles, while Maximus Mongelli stood out with five tackles, a six-yard TFL, an interception, and a pass breakup.
WALK-OFF FIELD GOAL SEALS WIN FOR SHU
Final Score: Sacred Heart 24 | LIU 21
Brief Recap: Trailing 14-7 at halftime and down 21-7 early in the third quarter, the Pioneers refused to back down, with John Michalski and Curtis Whiting scoring key touchdowns to tie the game. Matt Kling's clutch kick as time expired to seal the victory, snapping LIU's three-game win streak in the series.
Brief Stats: Jack Snyder went 14-of-18 for 193 yards and added 88 yards on the ground, while Summers rushed 24 times for 112 yards and a touchdown, and Kevin McGuire caught five passes for 88 yards. On defense, Nick Verbitskyled with seven tackles and a TFL, Kyle Hall added six stops and a TFL, and Peter Schanne recorded four tackles with a sack.
#11/13 LEHIGH TOO MUCH FOR PIOS
Final Score: Lehigh 28 | Sacred Heart 10
Brief Recap: Dean Hangey opened the game with a 91-yard kickoff return touchdown, but Lehigh quickly answered and took control with three first-half rushing scores for a 21-7 lead at the break. Matt Kling added a third-quarter field goal to cut the deficit, but the Mountain Hawks sealed the 28-10 win with a fourth-quarter touchdown.
Brief Stats: Jack Snyder led the Pioneers with 94 passing yards and 38 rushing yards on nine rushing attempts. Chuck Webb added 27 rushing yards, and Payton Rhoades caught four passes for 26 yards. Defensively, Myles Hamilton recorded six tackles, Nick Verbitsky added five tackles with a sack and tackle for loss, and Daimon Jacobs contributed five tackles and an interception.
PIOS TOP STONEHILL IN HOME OPENER
Final Score: Sacred Heart 12 | Stonehill 7
Brief Recap: The Pioneers' defense set the tone early, stopping two red zone drives to keep the game scoreless at halftime. Momentum shifted in the third quarter when Kyle Hall's interception led to a safety by Myles Hamilton and a touchdown run from Chuck Webb, giving a 9–0 lead. Stonehill closed the gap with a fourth-quarter touchdown, but SHU responded with a Matt Kling field goal before the defense sealed the win with a late fourth-down stop in the red zone.
Brief Stats: On offense, John Michalski threw for 119 yards on 11-of-21 passing and added 42 rushing yards, while Webb carried 17 times for 83 yards and a touchdown. Dean Hangey led the receiving corps with three catches for 67 yards. Defensively, Daimon Jacobs and Maximus Mongelli anchored the unit with 10 tackles apiece, with Jacobs adding a tackle for loss.
2024 SEASON RECAP
In their first season as an FCS Independent, the Pioneers battled a demanding schedule and closed strong, winning the Yankee Conference Championship with a 31–20 victory over Merrimack.
SHU finished 5–6 with wins over Saint Anselm (10–3), Georgetown (40–14), Norfolk State (10–3), Mercyhurst (31–14), and Merrimack.
The Pioneers' backfield was a force to be reckoned with, led by the dynamic duo of Xavier Leigh and Jalen Madison. Their combined efforts amassed over 1,500 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, with seven coming from Madison, which positioned him as the Pioneers' leading touchdown scorer.
Defensively, the secondary was a difference-maker, accounting for six interceptions, six forced fumbles, and 21 pass breakups.
Seven players — Nate Chandler, Tyreke Brown, Isaiah Bishop, Janier Armstead, Nick Verbitsky, Caleb Dennis, and Stanley Dennis II — recorded at least one sack, contributing to 17 overall for a total loss of 84 yards.
BRIEF LOOK AHEAD TO 2025
In their second and final season as an FCS Independent, Sacred Heart opens 2025 with a highly anticipated home matchup against Stonehill on Aug. 30. The Pioneers then play three straight road games at Lehigh (Sept. 6), LIU (Sept. 13), and Norfolk State (Sept. 20), before hosting Delaware State for Family Weekend (Sept. 27).
October begins with a road test at defending NEC champion CCSU (Oct. 4) before SHU returns to Campus Field to host Howard (Oct. 11). A marquee road trip to Montana (Oct. 18) follows, offering one of the season's toughest challenges.
The final month brings three home dates - New Haven (Nov. 1), Virginia Lynchburg (Nov. 8), and a key Yankee Conference Cup showdown with Merrimack (Nov. 15) - before the regular season wraps up on the road at Villanova (Nov. 22).
CAA FOOTBALL WELCOMES SHU
The Coastal Athletic Association Football Board of Directors approved Sacred Heart University as the newest member of the conference, effective July 1, 2026. The move increases CAA Football's membership to 13 institutions, with the geographic footprint stretching across nine states from Maine to North Carolina.
Sacred Heart, a private university with more than 11,000 students, has captured six Northeast Conference championships and made four FCS playoff appearances since 2013, including back-to-back titles in 2013-14 and 2020-21.
SHU President Dr. John Petillo, Executive Director of Athletics Judy Ann Riccio, and Head Coach Mark Nofri each emphasized the opportunity to elevate the program while upholding the values of integrity, community, and athletic excellence.
SHU FOOTBALL CAPTAINS
Following the conclusion of spring practice, head coach Mark Nofri announced the team captains for the upcoming 2025 season. Kenny Selby, Maximus Mongelli, Cole De Magistris, Evan Scribner, and Curtis Whiting were selected by their peers for their outstanding leadership, consistent performance, and unwavering commitment to the program.
NOFRI ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES
Over the summer, head coach Mark Nofri announced several additions and promotions to his 2025 coaching staff.
New to the staff are Paul Amakihe (linebackers), DJ Ford (tight ends), and Lou Del Forno (assistant defensive line/video coordinator).
Nate Marr, who served as Director of Football Operations last season, has been promoted to General Manager, Director of Football Operations, and Recruiting Coordinator.
Two current assistants also received expanded roles: Brad Tiernan will now serve as Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator, while De Marcus White adds Defensive Pass Game Coordinator duties to his responsibilities with the safeties.
FB ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Jalen Madison '25 – Received his first career All-New England nod back following a breakout season in 2024. He joins fellow running backs Malik Grant, Julius Chestnut, and Keshaudas Spence, who have earned this honor during their tenure with the Pioneers.
Julius Chestnut '22 – Resigned with the Tennessee Titans. Chestnut, who initially joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022, has played in 22 games over the past three seasons and rushed for 114 yards, along with catching five passes for 52 yards. Chesnut has also played a role on special teams.
JD DiRenzo – Currently playing in the UFL with the Arlington Renegades after being traded by the Memphis Showboats back in April. Before the UFL, DiRenzo signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent and was active for one game during the 2023 season, playing seven snaps.
ON DECK
The Pioneers return to action on Saturday, October 18, for a road showdown against Montana State in Missoula, Mont., at 1:00 p.m. (MDT).
- The Sacred Heart University football team looks to bounce back after last Saturday's overtime loss to in-state rival Central Connecticut, as the Pioneers welcomed the Howard Bison to Campus Field on Saturday, Oct. 11.
- Sacred Heart has been strong at home this season, maintaining a perfect 2–0 record with victories over Stonehill and Delaware State.
- Howard enters the match up with a 3–2 record following a narrow 13–12 loss to Richmond.
- This will mark the third all-time meeting between the programs, with the Bison holding a 2–0 edge.
- Saturday's game will be streamed on ESPN+, with commentary from Randy Brochu and Freddie Coleman.
Date: Oct. 12, 2024
Final Score: Howard 21 | Sacred Heart 14
Brief Recap: The Pioneers, showing their resilience, headed into the halftime break with a one-possession lead, 14-7, behind a pair of rushing touchdowns. However, Howard surged back in the second half, scoring 14 unanswered points over the final two quarters to secure the home win.
Brief Stats: The Pioneers' offense was powered by Xavier Leigh's 76 yards and a touchdown, with Jalen Madison adding 65 yards and a score. John Michalski and Cruz Herrera combined for 99 passing yards and 51 rushing. Payton Rhoades led receivers with 25 yards. On defense, Tyreke Brown and Myles Talley posted 10 tackles each, while Marques Mason added eight tackles and an interception.
SHU SUFFERS OVERTIME SETBACK TO CCSU
Final Score: CCSU 42 | Sacred Heart 35
Brief Recap: Sacred Heart battled back from a 13–0 deficit as John Michalski, Trey Eberhart III, and Jack Snyder each scored to keep the game tight. Snyder's late 37-yard touchdown to Jason Palmieri forced overtime, but CCSU clinched a 42–35 win with a touchdown on the first play of the extra period.
Brief Stats: Jack Snyder totaled 274 yards and three touchdowns to lead the offense, with Trey Eberhart III adding 83 rushing yards and a score. Payton Rhoades and Jason Palmieri each caught touchdown passes, while Maximus Mongelli led the defense with nine tackles.
OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY
The Sacred Heart offense is firing on all cylinders this season. The Pioneers rank eighth in the FCS in third-down conversions at .495, 17th in total first downs with 127, and 18th in time of possession, controlling the ball for an average of 32:18 per game.
PRECISION IN THE POCKET
The Pioneers' passing game ranks 24th in FCS with a .660 team completion rate, while QB Jack Snyder shines even brighter, completing 71.1% of his throws and ranking seventh in the nation.
RUSHING ATTACK
The Sacred Heart ground game ranks 26th in the FCS, fueled by a balanced group of playmakers. Mitchell Summers powers the ground game with 395 yards and three touchdowns, while dual-threat QB Jack Snyder has added 277 yards and four scores with his legs. Trey Eberhart III brings big-play ability with a team-best 5.5 yards per carry, and Chuck Webb has punched in 110 yards and a touchdown.
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
The Pioneers' receiving corps has proven to be a deep and dangerous group through six games. Kevin McGuire leads the way with 24 catches for 269 yards, while Payton Rhoades provides a spark with 224 yards with a season-best 42-yard grab. Jason Palmieri has emerged as a red-zone threat with three touchdown catches, including a 41-yard score.
DEFENSE AMONG FCS LEADERS
The Sacred Heart defense continues to make a statement in the FCS. The Pioneers rank second nationally in kick return defense, allowing just 12.09 yards per return, while also standing ninth in third-down conversions, holding opponents to a .297 rate.
LEADING THE CHARGE
Standouts across positions anchor the Pioneers' defense. Maximus Mongelli sets the tone in the secondary, leading the team in tackles with 33, while Nick Verbitsky and Daimon Jacobs lead the team with 3.0 tackles-for-loss. This mix of linebackers, defensive backs, and safeties fills the top five in tackles, each recording 21 or more stops and highlighting the team's depth of talent.
HANGEY HIGHLIGHTS SPECIAL TEAMS
Dean Haney continues to be one of the top special teams threats in the FCS this season. He currently leads the nation with one kickoff return touchdown, sits 20th in combined kickoff return yardage (288), and ranks 23rd in kickoff return average (26.2 yards per return).
KLING HELPS KEEP PIOS ROLLING
Matt Kling has been a steady presence on special teams, leading the Pioneers in scoring with 35 points through five games. He's converted 6-of-8 field goals with a long of 32 yards and is a perfect 17-for-17 on PATs. Kling delivered a season-high nine points in the win against Delaware State, knocking through two 31-yard field goals and all three extra points.
PIOS KEEP IT ROLLING
Final Score: Sacred Heart 35 | Delaware State 31
Brief Recap: Sacred Heart overcame a two-touchdown deficit to storm past Delaware State, 35–31, on Family Weekend. After trailing 31–20 at halftime, the Pioneers shut out the Hornets in the third and rallied behind quarterback Jack Snyder, who threw for two second-half touchdowns to Jason Palmieri, including the game-winner in the fourth. Matt Kling added two field goals, while the defense held strong late to secure the comeback victory.
Brief Stats: Jack Snyder powered the offense with 298 passing yards, three total touchdowns, and 51 rushing yards. Jason Palmieri caught two scores, while Kevin McGuire hauled in 10 receptions for 78 yards. Mitchell Summers added 170 all-purpose yards and a rushing touchdown. On defense, Kymari Latney posted six tackles, with linemen Peter Schanne and Glory Stephen-Wangboje each recording five stops, a tackle for loss, and a half-sack to anchor the front line.
SYNDER CLAIMS NEFWA GOLD HELMET AWARD
Quarterback Jack Snynder was the recipient of the New England Football Association Gold Helmet Awards presented by the Jack Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the National Football Foundation, following his breakout game against Delaware State.
Snyder joins former Pioneers Malik Grant and RJ Noel, who received this award during their time here at SHU. Grant was honored in 2021 after his performance against Merrimack College, rushing for 268 yards on 27 carries, while Noel received his in 2013 behind 300 yards of total offense to lead SHU to a win over Marist.
SHU CLAIMS BACK-TO-BACK WINS
Final Score: Sacred Heart 31 | Norfolk State 28
Brief Recap: Sacred Heart built a 24–14 advantage early in the second half before Norfolk State rallied to pull within a field goal. With just over five minutes to play, Jack Snyder's touchdown run pushed the lead to 31–21. The Spartans answered quickly with a 29-yard touchdown strike, but the Pioneers' defense forced a missed field goal in the closing seconds to preserve the victory.
Brief Stat: Jack Snyder fueled the attack, passing for 92 yards and rushing for 79, and powered through the defense for two rushing scores. Mitchell Summers led the ground game, amassing 122 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. Trey Eberhart III provided an additional spark with 89 rushing yards and a score. On defense, Kyle Hall and Tyler Jameson each tallied six tackles, while Maximus Mongelli stood out with five tackles, a six-yard TFL, an interception, and a pass breakup.
WALK-OFF FIELD GOAL SEALS WIN FOR SHU
Final Score: Sacred Heart 24 | LIU 21
Brief Recap: Trailing 14-7 at halftime and down 21-7 early in the third quarter, the Pioneers refused to back down, with John Michalski and Curtis Whiting scoring key touchdowns to tie the game. Matt Kling's clutch kick as time expired to seal the victory, snapping LIU's three-game win streak in the series.
Brief Stats: Jack Snyder went 14-of-18 for 193 yards and added 88 yards on the ground, while Summers rushed 24 times for 112 yards and a touchdown, and Kevin McGuire caught five passes for 88 yards. On defense, Nick Verbitskyled with seven tackles and a TFL, Kyle Hall added six stops and a TFL, and Peter Schanne recorded four tackles with a sack.
#11/13 LEHIGH TOO MUCH FOR PIOS
Final Score: Lehigh 28 | Sacred Heart 10
Brief Recap: Dean Hangey opened the game with a 91-yard kickoff return touchdown, but Lehigh quickly answered and took control with three first-half rushing scores for a 21-7 lead at the break. Matt Kling added a third-quarter field goal to cut the deficit, but the Mountain Hawks sealed the 28-10 win with a fourth-quarter touchdown.
Brief Stats: Jack Snyder led the Pioneers with 94 passing yards and 38 rushing yards on nine rushing attempts. Chuck Webb added 27 rushing yards, and Payton Rhoades caught four passes for 26 yards. Defensively, Myles Hamilton recorded six tackles, Nick Verbitsky added five tackles with a sack and tackle for loss, and Daimon Jacobs contributed five tackles and an interception.
PIOS TOP STONEHILL IN HOME OPENER
Final Score: Sacred Heart 12 | Stonehill 7
Brief Recap: The Pioneers' defense set the tone early, stopping two red zone drives to keep the game scoreless at halftime. Momentum shifted in the third quarter when Kyle Hall's interception led to a safety by Myles Hamilton and a touchdown run from Chuck Webb, giving a 9–0 lead. Stonehill closed the gap with a fourth-quarter touchdown, but SHU responded with a Matt Kling field goal before the defense sealed the win with a late fourth-down stop in the red zone.
Brief Stats: On offense, John Michalski threw for 119 yards on 11-of-21 passing and added 42 rushing yards, while Webb carried 17 times for 83 yards and a touchdown. Dean Hangey led the receiving corps with three catches for 67 yards. Defensively, Daimon Jacobs and Maximus Mongelli anchored the unit with 10 tackles apiece, with Jacobs adding a tackle for loss.
2024 SEASON RECAP
In their first season as an FCS Independent, the Pioneers battled a demanding schedule and closed strong, winning the Yankee Conference Championship with a 31–20 victory over Merrimack.
SHU finished 5–6 with wins over Saint Anselm (10–3), Georgetown (40–14), Norfolk State (10–3), Mercyhurst (31–14), and Merrimack.
The Pioneers' backfield was a force to be reckoned with, led by the dynamic duo of Xavier Leigh and Jalen Madison. Their combined efforts amassed over 1,500 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, with seven coming from Madison, which positioned him as the Pioneers' leading touchdown scorer.
Defensively, the secondary was a difference-maker, accounting for six interceptions, six forced fumbles, and 21 pass breakups.
Seven players — Nate Chandler, Tyreke Brown, Isaiah Bishop, Janier Armstead, Nick Verbitsky, Caleb Dennis, and Stanley Dennis II — recorded at least one sack, contributing to 17 overall for a total loss of 84 yards.
BRIEF LOOK AHEAD TO 2025
In their second and final season as an FCS Independent, Sacred Heart opens 2025 with a highly anticipated home matchup against Stonehill on Aug. 30. The Pioneers then play three straight road games at Lehigh (Sept. 6), LIU (Sept. 13), and Norfolk State (Sept. 20), before hosting Delaware State for Family Weekend (Sept. 27).
October begins with a road test at defending NEC champion CCSU (Oct. 4) before SHU returns to Campus Field to host Howard (Oct. 11). A marquee road trip to Montana (Oct. 18) follows, offering one of the season's toughest challenges.
The final month brings three home dates - New Haven (Nov. 1), Virginia Lynchburg (Nov. 8), and a key Yankee Conference Cup showdown with Merrimack (Nov. 15) - before the regular season wraps up on the road at Villanova (Nov. 22).
CAA FOOTBALL WELCOMES SHU
The Coastal Athletic Association Football Board of Directors approved Sacred Heart University as the newest member of the conference, effective July 1, 2026. The move increases CAA Football's membership to 13 institutions, with the geographic footprint stretching across nine states from Maine to North Carolina.
Sacred Heart, a private university with more than 11,000 students, has captured six Northeast Conference championships and made four FCS playoff appearances since 2013, including back-to-back titles in 2013-14 and 2020-21.
SHU President Dr. John Petillo, Executive Director of Athletics Judy Ann Riccio, and Head Coach Mark Nofri each emphasized the opportunity to elevate the program while upholding the values of integrity, community, and athletic excellence.
SHU FOOTBALL CAPTAINS
Following the conclusion of spring practice, head coach Mark Nofri announced the team captains for the upcoming 2025 season. Kenny Selby, Maximus Mongelli, Cole De Magistris, Evan Scribner, and Curtis Whiting were selected by their peers for their outstanding leadership, consistent performance, and unwavering commitment to the program.
NOFRI ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES
Over the summer, head coach Mark Nofri announced several additions and promotions to his 2025 coaching staff.
New to the staff are Paul Amakihe (linebackers), DJ Ford (tight ends), and Lou Del Forno (assistant defensive line/video coordinator).
Nate Marr, who served as Director of Football Operations last season, has been promoted to General Manager, Director of Football Operations, and Recruiting Coordinator.
Two current assistants also received expanded roles: Brad Tiernan will now serve as Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator, while De Marcus White adds Defensive Pass Game Coordinator duties to his responsibilities with the safeties.
FB ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Jalen Madison '25 – Received his first career All-New England nod back following a breakout season in 2024. He joins fellow running backs Malik Grant, Julius Chestnut, and Keshaudas Spence, who have earned this honor during their tenure with the Pioneers.
Julius Chestnut '22 – Resigned with the Tennessee Titans. Chestnut, who initially joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022, has played in 22 games over the past three seasons and rushed for 114 yards, along with catching five passes for 52 yards. Chesnut has also played a role on special teams.
JD DiRenzo – Currently playing in the UFL with the Arlington Renegades after being traded by the Memphis Showboats back in April. Before the UFL, DiRenzo signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent and was active for one game during the 2023 season, playing seven snaps.
ON DECK
The Pioneers return to action on Saturday, October 18, for a road showdown against Montana State in Missoula, Mont., at 1:00 p.m. (MDT).
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/ FootballInside the Huddle: Week Eleven
Thursday, November 13
Inside the Huddle: Week Ten
Friday, November 07
Inside the Huddle: Week Seven
Friday, October 10
Inside the Huddle: Week Five
Friday, September 26
