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• The Sacred Heart University football team returns home to Campus Field on Saturday, November 1, for a regional matchup with in-state opponent the University of New Haven. 
• The game marks the first-ever meeting between the programs since New Haven's transition to NCAA Division I, adding a new layer to Connecticut's college football landscape. 
• Sacred Heart (5-3) enters the weekend coming off its bye week, refreshed and focused on building momentum for the final stretch of the regular season.
• Freshman running back Mitchell Summers continues to be a key offensive weapon for the Pioneers, recently earning a spot on the 2025 Jerry Rice Award Watch List, which honors the nation's top freshman at the FCS level. 
• On the defensive side, Maximus Mongelli and Kyle Hall continue to pace the team in tackles, anchoring a unit that has shown steady improvement throughout the year.
• New Haven (4-4) enters its first season as a Division I program under interim head coach Max Powell, making the short trip down I-95 to face an established FCS opponent. 
• Saturday's game will be streamed on ESPN+, with commentary from Randy Brochu and Evan Cormier. 

SUMMERS ADDS FCS JERRY RICE AWARD WATCH LIST TO RESUME
First-year running back Mitchell Summers is one of 22 players named to the FCS Jerry Rice Award Watch List, which was announced back on October 22^nd.

Summers has quickly become a key piece of the Pioneers' offense, leading the ground game with impressive production. The Greensboro, N.C. native has rushed for over 700 yards and six touchdowns on the season, highlighted by a career-best 243-yard, two-touchdown performance against Howard that earned him Stats Perform FCS National Freshman of the Week honors. He's recorded multiple 100-yard games, including strong outings versus LIU and Norfolk State, and has also contributed as a receiver with over 100 yards through the air.

Summers joins an elite group of former Pioneers to earn national recognition, following in the footsteps of Tyrese Chambers (WR), Julius Chestnut (RB), and RJ Noel (QB), who were each named to the national watch list during their careers at SHU.

COMING OUT OF A BYE WEEK
Under head coach Mark Nofri, the Pioneers are 7–6 coming out of a bye week, including a 3–2 mark over the last five seasons, and they'll look to improve that record in front of the home crowd on Saturday.

GROUND AND POUND
Sacred Heart's rushing attack continues to be one of the nation's best. The Pioneers rank 17th in the FCS in rushing offense, averaging 197.5 yards per game on the ground. SHU has totaled 1,760 rushing yards on 356 carries (4.4 ypc) and scored 16 rushing touchdowns through eight games.

PIOS' GROUND GAME DRIVING SUCCESS
Mitchell Summers leads the way with 725 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 5.7 yards per carry, while quarterback Jack Snyder and running back Trey Eberhart have combined for nearly 600 additional yards. The Pioneers' ground game has also fueled their time-of-possession advantage, controlling the ball for over 32 minutes per contest, ranking them 16^th in FCS.
 
SUMMERS EMERGING AS A DUAL THREAT
Mitchell Summers is making his mark as one of Sacred Heart's most versatile playmakers. Leading the team with 725 rushing yards and six touchdowns, Summers has also contributed seven receptions for 112 yards, forcing defenses to respect both his speed and receiving ability. His explosive playmaking — including an 80-yard touchdown run — makes him a constant threat on every snap and a key piece of SHU's balanced offense.

PASSING PRECISION
Sacred Heart's aerial assault has been remarkably efficient this season. The Pioneers rank 15th nationally in FCS in completion percentage at .670 and are among the stingiest with the football, sitting 11th in fewest interceptions thrown (just three on the year).

At the helm is Jack Snyder, who has engineered this sharp passing performance. Through his starts, Snyder has thrown for 1,256 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions, posting a 70.9 % completion rate and a 149.7 passer rating.

PIOS CONVERT WHEN IT COUNTS
Sacred Heart's offense doesn't just move the chains — it keeps them. The Pioneers rank 16th in FCS in third-down conversion, hitting on 46.7% of attempts (57 of 122). 
When the stakes are even higher, SHU rises to the occasion, ranking 23rd in FCS on fourth-down conversion with a success rate of 64.3% (9 of 14).

AIR THREATS
Sacred Heart's wideouts have emerged as more than just complements to the run—they're explosive playmakers capable of changing the game in a single snap. 

Payton Rhoades leads the corps with 367 receiving yards and has been a consistent threat on intermediate and deep routes, stretching defenses and creating opportunities for big plays, including two touchdowns. 

Close behind are Kevin McGuire, Dean Hangey, and Jason Palmieri, each contributing key receptions in critical situations, with a combined total of over 600 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

LOCKING DOWN THE BACKFIELD
Sacred Heart's defensive backs have been a key part of the Pioneers' defensive success, recording three interceptions and 13 pass breakups through eight games. Maximus Mongelli leads the unit in tackles and has added a pick, helping SHU limit big plays and force opponents into mistakes. 

PRESSURE FROM THE FRONT
Sacred Heart's defensive line has been a disruptive force, combining strength and speed to register 13 sacks through eight games. Standouts Jared Hirschfeld and Peter Schanne each have 2.5 sacks, helping force opponents into long down-and-distances and creating opportunities for the secondary to make plays.

PIOS FORCE SHORT RETURNS
The Pioneers' defense has extended its impact far beyond the line of scrimmage — SHU ranks third nationally in the FCS in kickoff return defense, allowing just 13.63 yards per return.

THIRD DOWN STOPPERS
Sacred Heart's defense has been clutch when it matters most, ranking 17th nationally in FCS in third-down conversion defense, allowing opponents to convert on just 32.6% of attempts.

PIOS BATTLE NO. 3 MONTANA IN HARD-FOUGHT ROAD CONTEST
Final Score: Montana 43 | Sacred Heart 21
Brief Recap: No. 3 Montana jumped out to a 22–0 first-quarter lead, forcing Sacred Heart to play catch-up for the rest of the game. The Pioneers responded with second-half touchdowns from Mitchell Summers and two Jack Snyder-to-Dean Hangey connections to pull within eight in the fourth quarter. Despite their late surge, Montana scored twice in the final minutes to secure a 43–21 victory, while SHU's defense limited the Grizzlies to just two scores in the second half.
Brief Stats: The Pioneers gained 340 total yards, including 214 passing and 126 rushing, while holding Montana scoreless in the third quarter. Jack Snyder threw for 214 yards and two touchdowns, Mitchell Summers rushed for 87 yards and a score, and Dean Hangey and Payton Rhoades combined for 11 catches, 123 yards, and two touchdowns. Defensively, Ryan Palmieri led with nine tackles, and Peter Schanne added a forced fumble.

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
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.

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 FCS 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.

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.

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. 

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 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 Hamiltonand 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 are back in action on Saturday, Nov. 8^th when they welcome Virginia Lynchburg to Campus Field on Homecoming Weekend. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. in Fairfield, CT.