NUTMEG STATE BATTLE

• The Sacred Heart University football team aims to maintain its winning streak heading into week six as the Pioneers travel up I-84 for an intrastate showdown against former Northeast Conference (NEC) rival Central Connecticut State University. 
• This is the 26th meeting between the two programs, with the Blue Devils leading the series by a slim 13-12 margin.
• The last time the two teams squared off was back in 2023, as the Pioneers won by a final score 31-24 on Senior Day and closed its chapter in the Northeast Conference before going independent. 
• CCSU enters this game on a two-game losing skid, following setbacks against Merrimack (14-16) and Dartmouth (28-35).
• Sacred Heart is riding a three-game winning streak with all victories coming within single digits. 
• Saturday's game against the Blue Devils kicks off at 12 p.m. in New Britain, Conn., and can be followed live on NEC Front Row.

LAST TIME VS. CCSU
Date: Nov. 4, 2023
Final Score: Sacred Heart 31 | CCSU 24
Brief Recap: Sacred Heart struck first with a Rob McCoy rushing touchdown before CCSU answered with a field goal to make it 7-3 after one. Malik Grant extended the Pioneers' lead early in the second, but the Blue Devils responded with a 70-yard score to pull within four. A Sam Renzi field goal sent SHU into halftime up 17-10. CCSU tied it in the third with a rushing touchdown, but the Pioneers dominated the fourth as Grant added his second score and McCoy connected with Aboraa Kwarteng for the game-clinching touchdown in a 31-24 victory.
Brief Stats: Rob McCoy totaled 202 passing yards with two touchdowns, while Malik Grant ran for 104 yards and two scores. Aboraa Kwarteng added 88 receiving yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Maximus Mongelli had 13 tackles, and Mike-Lee Joseph and Jaheem Knight each grabbed interceptions.

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.

BEST START THROUGH FIVE
The Pioneers are keeping things rolling heading into week six as the team is riding a three-game winning streak and is off to its best start since the 2016 season. 

Sacred Heart came out of the gates hot that fall with four straight victories over Stetson, Valparaiso, Marist, and Stony Brook before suffering a road setback at Wagner.

SYNDER CLAIMS NEFWA GOLD HELMET AWARD
Quarterback Jack Snynder was named this week's recipient of the New England Football Association Gold Helmet Awards presented by the Jack Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the National Football Foundation. 

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. 

OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY 
Junior returner Dean Haney has emerged as one of the top special teams threats in the FCS this season. He currently leads the nation with one kickoff return touchdown, ranks third in kickoff return average (34.0 yards per return), and sits 27th in combined kickoff return yardage (238).

SHARPSHOOTER IN FCS
Quarterback Jack Snyder has been one of the most accurate passers in the FCS this season, ranking third nationally in completion percentage (.736). He has also been efficient with his overall passing game, sitting 38th in passing efficiency, helping the Pioneers sustain drives and generate big plays through the air.

FOUR-HEADED THREAT
The Pioneers' rushing attack has been rolling with a four-headed threat out of the backfield. Mitchell Summers powers the ground game with 337 yards and three touchdowns, while dual-threat QB Jack Snyder has added 221 yards and three scores with his legs. Trey Eberhart III brings big-play ability with a team-best 5.3 yards per carry, and Chuck Webb has punched in 110 yards and a touchdown. Together, they've turned SHU's run game into one of the team's biggest weapons.

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
The Pioneers' receiving corps has proven to be a deep and dangerous group through five games. Kevin McGuire leads the way with 22 catches for 215 yards, while Payton Rhoades provides a spark with 176 yards and a team-best 42-yard grab. Dean Hangey has been a steady chain-mover, averaging 12.4 yards per reception, and Jason Palmieri has emerged as a red-zone threat with two touchdown catches, including a 41-yard score.

SPECIAL TEAM IMPACT
Sacred Heart has been strong in the return game, ranking 20th in the FCS in kickoff returns with an average of 25.60 yards per return.

KLING HELPS KEEP PIOS ROLLING
Matt Kling has been a steady presence on special teams, leading the Pioneers in scoring with 30 points through five games. He's converted 6-of-8 field goals with a long of 32 yards and is a perfect 12-for-12 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.

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, ranks third in kickoff return average (34.0 yards per return), and sits 27th in combined kickoff return yardage (238).

DEFENSE AMONG FCS LEADERS
Sacred Heart's defense has been a force in key situations this season as SHU ranks seventh nationally in third-down stops, allowing opponents to convert just 23.5% of the time. The Pioneers have been equally impressive in the return game, sitting second in kickoff return defense, forcing opponents into tough field position. In the red zone, SHU has held strong, ranking 20th nationally by limiting scoring opportunities and keeping opponents out of the end zone 71.4% of the time.

LEADING THE CHARGE
Standouts across positions anchor the Pioneers' defense. Maximus Mongelli sets the tone in the secondary, leading the team in tackles with 24, while Nick Verbitsky and Daimon Jacobs leads the team with 3.0 tackles-for-loss. This mix of linebackers, defensive backs, and safeties fills the top five in tackles, each recording 16 or more stops and highlighting the team's depth of talent.

DEFENSE BRINGING THE PRESSURE
The Pioneer defense is bringing pressure — through five games, SHU has recorded 9 sacks for 53 lost yards, putting constant heat on opposing QBs. The pass rush is fueled by standout performances up front. Peter Schanne has racked up 1.5 sacks for 11 yards lost, while Glory Stephen-Wangboje has added 0.5 sacks along with 1.5 tackles for loss, two QB hurries, and a pass breakup.

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 Verbitsky led 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 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. 

FOLLOW LIVE

• Pioneer fans can find the latest news, scores, highlights, up-to-the-minute breaking news, or schedule changes on the official website of SHU Athletics. 
• Follow the Pioneers at @SHU__FB on Twitter and @shufb_ on Instagram.
• Live Stats are also available at sacredheartpioneers.com/sidearmstats/football/summary

ON DECK
The Pioneers return home to Campus Field on Saturday, October 11, for a showdown with the Howard Bison at 1:00 p.m.