WESTERN SHOWDOWN

• The Sacred Heart University football team is heading west for one of its biggest tests of the 2025 season, taking on No. 3 nationally ranked Montana on Saturday afternoon at Washington–Grizzly Stadium.
• Saturday marks the first-ever meeting between Sacred Heart and Montana.
• Sacred Heart (5–2) makes its first-ever trip to Missoula to face one of the FCS powerhouses the Montana Grizzlies (6–0, 3–0 Big Sky). 
• The Pioneers enter the weekend on the heels of a commanding 32–14 victory over Howard, where SHU scored 32 unanswered points and controlled all three phases of play.
• Montana remains unbeaten through six games and boasts one of the top defenses in the nation, allowing fewer than 15 points per game at home.
• Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. MT / 3:00 p.m. ET, and the game will stream live on ESPN+.

PIOS SCORE 32 UNANSWERED PIONTS TO TAKE DOWN HOWARD
Final Score: Sacred Heart 32 | Howard 14
Brief Recap: After falling behind 14–0 late in the first half, Sacred Heart flipped the script with a dominant effort on both sides of the ball, scoring 32 unanswered points, sparked by a  to complete the comeback.
Brief Stats: Mitchell Summers powered the Pioneers' comeback, rushing for a career-high 243 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Kyle Hall and Mike Deitelbaum paced the Pioneers with eight tackles apiece, while Peter Schanne and Deitelbaum combined for 2.5 of the team's three sacks.

SUMMERS EARNS MULTIPLE WEEKLY AWARDS
Rookie running back Mitchell Summers was named the Stats Perform FCS National Freshman Player of the Week, and he also picked up New England Football Gold Helmet honors for his breakout effort against Howard.

Summers, a Greensboro, N.C. native, carried the ball 18 times for 243 yards and two touchdowns to power Sacred Heart (5-2) past Howard 32-14. He averaged 13.5 yards per carry in the Pioneers' fourth-highest single-game performance, and it included an 80-yard score on the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter. The true freshman has surpassed 100 rushing yards three times this season.

PIOS WINNING NEFW GOLD HELMET AWARD
Mitchell Summers joins current teammate Jack Snyder and 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.

SUMMERS FEATURED ON ESPN'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL FINAL
Mitchell Summers' standout performance in Sacred Heart's 32–14 win over Howard caught national attention last weekend, as he was featured on ESPN's College Football Final. Summers earned a coveted helmet sticker on the show after rushing for 243 yards and two touchdowns on just 18 carries.

KLING RECEIVES HONORABLE MENTION FOR SPECIAL TEAMS
Grad kicker Matt Kling also earned national attention as he was named Honorable Mention for Special Teams by Stats Perform. 

Kling, a native of Canton, Ohio, played a pivotal role in the Pioneers' comeback, going 3-for-3 on extra points and knocking down three key field goals. He capped the first half with a career-long 49-yard field goal, trimming the deficit to 14–3 and swinging momentum in Sacred Heart's favor. In the second half, Kling added 19-yard and 25-yard field goals, helping the Pioneers take a lead they would hold for the remainder of the game.

SHU DEFENSE AMONG FCS ELITE
Sacred Heart's defense continues to rank among the FCS elite — sitting No. 2 nationally in kickoff return defense (11.54 avg.) and No. 5 in third-down conversion percentage (.276).

LEADING THE CHARGE
Sacred Heart's defense has been fueled by a group of relentless tacklers who consistently shut down opponents. Maximus Mongelli leads the team with 38 tackles (18 solo, 20 assists), followed by Kyle Hall with 37 (20 solo, 17 assists). Daimon Jacobs has 31 tackles, Nick Verbitsky 28, and Kymari Latney 26, all providing strong support across the defensive front and linebacker corps.

DEFENSE MAKING PLAYS IN THE BACKFIELD
Sacred Heart's defensive front has been a disruptive force all season, consistently creating negative plays in the backfield. Mike Deitelbaum (4.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks), Peter Schanne (3.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 4 QB hurries), Daimon Jacobs (3.0 TFL, 1.0 sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery), and Nick Verbitsky (3.0 TFL) have all contributed to the Pioneers' ability to stop the run and pressure quarterbacks.

PIONEERS DRIVING THE CHAINS
Sacred Heart's offense has been firing on all cylinders this season, ranking among the top 20 nationally in four key statistical categories. The Pioneers are:

• 11th in third-down conversion percentage (.481) 
• 16th in first downs (148) 
• 17th in rushing offense (207.7 yards per game) 
• 19th in time of possession (32:03) 

SUMMERS TURNING HEADS
Mitchell Summers has emerged as a national standout, ranking 11th in total rushing yards (638), 18th in rushing yards per game (91.1), and 23rd in rushing yards per carry, making him one of the most dynamic backs in the FCS.

SNYDER POISED IN THE POCKET
Through six games, Jack Snyder has completed 92 of 132 passes for 1,042 yards, with five touchdowns and just two interceptions, giving him a 70% completion rate — good for 7th in the FCS. Snyder averages 173.7 passing yards per game and 11.3 yards per attempt, combining accuracy with big-play capability.

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
The Pioneers' receiving corps has proven to be a deep and dangerous group through seven games. Payton Rhoades leads the way with 23 catches for 295 yards and two touchdowns, while Kevin McGuire provides a spark with 269 yards with a season-best 41-yard grab. Jason Palmieri has emerged as a red-zone threat with three touchdown catches, including a 41-yard score.

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.

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, a native of Canton, Ohio, and a graduate of Canton South High School, amassed 330 yards of total offense and accounted for three touchdowns in the Pioneers' 35-31 victory over Delaware State.  He completed 28-of-36 pass attempts for 298 yards and two scores (41, 6) and added a 15-yard touchdown run as Sacred Heart rallied from an 11-point third-quarter deficit.

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. 

UP NEXT
The Pioneers head into a bye week before returning home to Campus Field on Saturday, Nov. 1, for a showdown with the New Haven Chargers.