Saturday, October 3
Orono, ME
3:30 PM
Sacred Heart
at
University of Maine
Photo by: Daniel Boye
10/1/2026 11:38:00 AM | Football
The Pios are looking for their second CAA win of the season
PIOS V. BLACK BEARS
Sacred Heart hits the road Saturday, traveling north to Orono, Maine, for a CAA Football matchup against the University of Maine. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Morse Field at Harold Alfond Sports Stadium.
This is the second all-time meeting between the two programs, with the Black Bears holding the 1-0 advantage over the Pioneers.
The last time SHU and Maine met was back in 2019, where the Pioneers lost by a final score of 42-14.
The Pioneers enter Saturday's contest at 1-3 overall and 1-2 in CAA play after earning the program's first CAA victory last weekend, defeating New Hampshire, 20-13.
Maine enters at 1-4 overall and 1-1 in conference play after falling to Elon, 43-17, last Saturday.
Saturday's matchup marks Sacred Heart's second consecutive CAA contest and its fourth road game in the first five games of the 2026 season.
The game will be broadcast live on FloCollege, with live stats available at sacredheartpioneers.com.
FIRST CAA WIN
Sacred Heart made history last Saturday, earning its first CAA Football victory with a 20-13 win over New Hampshire. The Pioneers controlled the game on the ground, rushing for 243 yards while holding the Wildcats to 181 rushing yards.
SHU also controlled possession, holding the ball for 35:22 while converting seven of 16 third downs. The Pioneers produced 19 first downs and limited New Hampshire to just 10.
Quarterback Poochie Snyder accounted for 162 yards of total offense, completing 8-of-10 passes for 95 yards while adding 67 rushing yards and a touchdown. Chuck Webb rushed for 85 yards on 22 carries, while Darius Chukwuemeka added 75 yards on 11 attempts.
Defensively, Luke Hackett led the Pioneers with 11 tackles, while Kymari Latney recorded eight tackles and 1.0 tackle for loss. Myles Hamilton added six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry.
LAST TIME VS. MAINE
Final Score: Maine 42 | Sacred Heart 14
Brief Highlights: Sacred Heart responded after halftime, shutting out the Black Bears in the second half, while outgaining Maine, 142-95. Julius Chestnut led the Pioneers with 52 rushing yards on nine carries, while quarterback Logan Marchi scored SHU's first touchdown of the season on a one-yard rushing touchdown. Robert O'Donnell led the Pioneer defense with eight tackles in collegiate debut. Sacred Heart closed the game with a pair of scoring drives, including a nine-play, 64 yard fourth-quarter march capped by Eli Terry's one-yard touchdown run.
SCOUTING THE BLACK BEARS
Maine enters Saturday's matchup at 1-4 overall and 1-1 in CAA play and are currently on a four-game losing streak which began back in week one against Appalachian State.
The Black Bears have been particularly disruptive defensively, forcing eight turnovers, which ranks 15th in the FCS and second in the CAA. Maine has recorded five interceptions, ranking 11th nationally, while its three fumble recoveries rank 20th in the FCS. The Black Bears have also recorded nine sacks, ranking third in the CAA.
Individually, linebacker Sam Oppenheimer has been one of Maine's defensive leaders, ranking 10th nationally with 43 tackles and third nationally with 29 solo tackles. Defensive lineman Chris Bacon leads the Black Bears with five tackles for loss and two sacks, ranking fourth and sixth in the CAA, respectively.
Offensively, Maine is averaging 262.0 yards per game, including 76.9 rushing yards and 186.0 passing yards. Defensively, the Black Bears are allowing 418.8 yards per game and 29.5 points per contest. Maine also ranks third in the CAA in third-down defense, holding opponents to a 33.3 percent conversion rate.
Maine was picked seventh in the 2026 CAA Football Preseason Poll and had four players named to the Preseason All-CAA Team, including offensive linemen Anthony Iliano and Andrew Kocan and defensive lineman Chris Bacon. Marshall was selected as an honorable mention.
PIOS CONTINUE TO CONTROL THE CLOCK
Sacred Heart has established itself as one of the nation's top teams at controlling possession. The Pioneers rank fifth nationally and first in the CAA in time of possession, averaging 34:14 per game.
The Pioneers' ability to control the clock has helped fuel a productive rushing attack that ranks second in the CAA, averaging 179.5 yards per game.
Sacred Heart's 35:22 time of possession against New Hampshire was its highest mark of the season.
POOCHIE CONTINUES TO COMMAND
Quarterback Poochie Snyder remains among the CAA's most efficient passers. The junior ranks 13th nationally and third in the CAA in completion percentage, completing 67.9 percent of his passes.
Snyder also ranks 22nd nationally in passing efficiency at 150.9, while sitting sixth in the CAA in total offense at 188.8 yards per game and ninth in the conference in passing at 150.9 yards per game.
GROUND GAME BRINGS THE JUICE
Sacred Heart's rushing attack continues to be one of its biggest strengths. The Pioneers rank second in the CAA with 179.5 rushing yards per game.
Chuck Webb ranks eighth in the conference with 59.3 rushing yards per game, while Darius Chukwuemeka ranks fifth in rushing attempts per game at 6.4.
The Pioneers rushed for 243 yards in last week's victory over New Hampshire, with Webb and Chukwuemeka combining for 160 yards.
PALMIERI PROVIDING A TARGET
Jason Palmieri continues to be a consistent target in the Pioneer passing game. The junior ranks sixth in the CAA in receptions per game, averaging 4.3 catches per contest. Palmieri has provided a reliable option for Snyder as the Pioneers continue to balance their attack through the air and on the ground.
DEFENSE SETTING THE TONE
Sacred Heart's defense continues to rank among the nation's strongest units in several key categories. The Pioneers rank 11th nationally in first-down defense, allowing just 63 first downs, while ranking third in the CAA in total defense at 325.5 yards per game.
SHU also ranks third in the CAA in opponent first downs, allowing 15.8 per game, and third in opponent third-down percentage at 34.8 percent. The Pioneers are fourth in the conference in scoring defense, allowing 26.3 points per game.
HAMILTON ANCHORING THE DEFENSE
Myles Hamilton continues to be a disruptive presence for the Pioneer defense. The junior ranks tied for ninth in the CAA in tackles per game, averaging 7.8, while ranking seventh in tackles for loss at 1.00 per game.
Hamilton recorded six tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in last week's victory over New Hampshire and added a quarterback hurry. To date, he leads the team with 32 tackles (15 solo, 17 assisted), 4.0 tackles for a loss of eight yards, and two quarterback hurries.
LATNEY ANCHORING THE SECONDARY
Junior safety Kymari Latney has been a steady presence in the Pioneer secondary through the first four games, ranking among the team's defensive leaders with 22 tackles. Latney has recorded at least three tackles in every game this season, including a season-high eight tackles and a tackle for loss in Sacred Heart's first CAA victory over New Hampshire.
SECONDARY SETTING THE TONE
The Pioneers' secondary has played a key role in a defense that ranks third in the CAA in total defense, allowing 325.5 yards per game. Sacred Heart has also limited opponents to 184.0 passing yards per game, while Latney, Daimon Jacobs, Jeremiah Lewis, Kenny Selby and the rest of the Pioneer defensive backs continue to provide a physical presence on the back end.
SPECIAL TEAMS MAKING AN IMPACT
Sacred Heart's special teams have been productive throughout the opening weeks of the season. The Pioneers rank 15th nationally in kickoff return defense, allowing just 14.29 yards per return.
On the other side of the ball, freshman Darius Chukwuemeka averages 21.3 yards per return, ranking the rookie sixth in the CAA in kick return yards. Tom Ligi continues to contribute to the return game, recording two attempts for 27 yards against UNH.
CONSISTENCY IN THE KICKING GAME
Ryan Bocklet has provided consistency in the kicking game, going 9-for-9 in PATS and 4-for-5 in field goal attempts. The junior ranks 23rd nationally and third in the CAA in field-goal percentage at .800, while ranking eighth in the conference in scoring at 5.3 points per game.
Sacred Heart has also averaged 36.2 yards per punt, with Jack O'Sullivan handling most of the punting duties. He recorded two 50+ punts against Elon, including a season-high 52 yards.
2025 SEASON RECAP
Sacred Heart finished the 2025 season 8-4, including a perfect 6-0 at home, while taking on a challenging schedule that featured road games at Lehigh, Montana and Villanova.
The Pioneers capped the season by winning their second straight Yankee Conference Championship, defeating Merrimack, 42-37, on Senior Day and completing a flawless home season.
SUMMERS, SUK REPRESENTS PIOS ON CAA PRESEASON TEAM
Running back Mitchell Summers was named to the 2026 CAA Football Preseason All-Conference Team, while grad offensive lineman Tim Suk earned honorable mention recognition.
Summers' breakout season featured four 100-yard rushing performances, highlighted by a career-best 243-yard, two-touchdown effort in a victory over Howard that included an electrifying 80-yard touchdown run. He also rushed for 137 yards in Sacred Heart's win over Merrimack, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark and etching his name into the program's record book.
Suk was instrumental in protecting quarterback Poochie Snyder and helped anchor an offensive line that paved the way for one of the nation's most productive rushing attacks.
PIOS SELECTED 10TH IN CAA PRESEASON POLL
1. Rhode Island (12 first-place votes) – 144
2. Monmouth – 119
3. Elon – 115
4. New Hampshire – 106
5. Stony Brook (1 first-place vote) – 105
6. Towson – 93
7. Maine – 88
8. Campbell – 56
9. Bryant – 50
10. Sacred Heart – 49
11. UAlbany – 35
12. North Carolina A&T – 28
13. Hampton - 26
SHU FOOTBALL CAPTAINS
Following the conclusion of spring practice, head coach Mark Nofri announced the team captains for the upcoming 2026 season.
Kenny Selby, Curtis Whiting, Tim Suk, Poochie Snyder, and Logan Lyson were selected by their peers for their outstanding leadership, consistent performance, and unwavering commitment to the program.
NOFRI ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES
During the offseason, head coach Mark Nofri announced several new additions and promotions to his 2026 coaching staff.
New to the staff are James Alford (outside linebackers), Chase Murdock (linebackers), and Kyle Woodring (tight ends).
Lou Del Forno, who served as Assistant Defensive Line/Video Coordinator last season, has been promoted to Director of Football Operations.
CHESTNUT RESIGNS WITH TITANS
Former Sacred Heart University football standout Julius Chestnut re-signed with the Tennessee Titans on a one-year contract.
Chestnut appeared in all 17 games during the 2025 season, making his biggest impact on special teams where he led the team with 17 tackles. He also recorded 11 carries for 40 rushing yards. Originally signed by the Titans as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft, Chestnut has steadily contributed in multiple roles.
In 2024, he set career highs with 22 carries for 102 yards and added 337 yards on 13 kickoff returns, ranking second on the team in return yards. Over his career, Chestnut has played in 43 games, totaling 154 rushing yards on 42 carries.
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Sacred Heart hits the road Saturday, traveling north to Orono, Maine, for a CAA Football matchup against the University of Maine. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Morse Field at Harold Alfond Sports Stadium.
This is the second all-time meeting between the two programs, with the Black Bears holding the 1-0 advantage over the Pioneers.
The last time SHU and Maine met was back in 2019, where the Pioneers lost by a final score of 42-14.
The Pioneers enter Saturday's contest at 1-3 overall and 1-2 in CAA play after earning the program's first CAA victory last weekend, defeating New Hampshire, 20-13.
Maine enters at 1-4 overall and 1-1 in conference play after falling to Elon, 43-17, last Saturday.
Saturday's matchup marks Sacred Heart's second consecutive CAA contest and its fourth road game in the first five games of the 2026 season.
The game will be broadcast live on FloCollege, with live stats available at sacredheartpioneers.com.
FIRST CAA WIN
Sacred Heart made history last Saturday, earning its first CAA Football victory with a 20-13 win over New Hampshire. The Pioneers controlled the game on the ground, rushing for 243 yards while holding the Wildcats to 181 rushing yards.
SHU also controlled possession, holding the ball for 35:22 while converting seven of 16 third downs. The Pioneers produced 19 first downs and limited New Hampshire to just 10.
Quarterback Poochie Snyder accounted for 162 yards of total offense, completing 8-of-10 passes for 95 yards while adding 67 rushing yards and a touchdown. Chuck Webb rushed for 85 yards on 22 carries, while Darius Chukwuemeka added 75 yards on 11 attempts.
Defensively, Luke Hackett led the Pioneers with 11 tackles, while Kymari Latney recorded eight tackles and 1.0 tackle for loss. Myles Hamilton added six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry.
LAST TIME VS. MAINE
Final Score: Maine 42 | Sacred Heart 14
Brief Highlights: Sacred Heart responded after halftime, shutting out the Black Bears in the second half, while outgaining Maine, 142-95. Julius Chestnut led the Pioneers with 52 rushing yards on nine carries, while quarterback Logan Marchi scored SHU's first touchdown of the season on a one-yard rushing touchdown. Robert O'Donnell led the Pioneer defense with eight tackles in collegiate debut. Sacred Heart closed the game with a pair of scoring drives, including a nine-play, 64 yard fourth-quarter march capped by Eli Terry's one-yard touchdown run.
SCOUTING THE BLACK BEARS
Maine enters Saturday's matchup at 1-4 overall and 1-1 in CAA play and are currently on a four-game losing streak which began back in week one against Appalachian State.
The Black Bears have been particularly disruptive defensively, forcing eight turnovers, which ranks 15th in the FCS and second in the CAA. Maine has recorded five interceptions, ranking 11th nationally, while its three fumble recoveries rank 20th in the FCS. The Black Bears have also recorded nine sacks, ranking third in the CAA.
Individually, linebacker Sam Oppenheimer has been one of Maine's defensive leaders, ranking 10th nationally with 43 tackles and third nationally with 29 solo tackles. Defensive lineman Chris Bacon leads the Black Bears with five tackles for loss and two sacks, ranking fourth and sixth in the CAA, respectively.
Offensively, Maine is averaging 262.0 yards per game, including 76.9 rushing yards and 186.0 passing yards. Defensively, the Black Bears are allowing 418.8 yards per game and 29.5 points per contest. Maine also ranks third in the CAA in third-down defense, holding opponents to a 33.3 percent conversion rate.
Maine was picked seventh in the 2026 CAA Football Preseason Poll and had four players named to the Preseason All-CAA Team, including offensive linemen Anthony Iliano and Andrew Kocan and defensive lineman Chris Bacon. Marshall was selected as an honorable mention.
PIOS CONTINUE TO CONTROL THE CLOCK
Sacred Heart has established itself as one of the nation's top teams at controlling possession. The Pioneers rank fifth nationally and first in the CAA in time of possession, averaging 34:14 per game.
The Pioneers' ability to control the clock has helped fuel a productive rushing attack that ranks second in the CAA, averaging 179.5 yards per game.
Sacred Heart's 35:22 time of possession against New Hampshire was its highest mark of the season.
POOCHIE CONTINUES TO COMMAND
Quarterback Poochie Snyder remains among the CAA's most efficient passers. The junior ranks 13th nationally and third in the CAA in completion percentage, completing 67.9 percent of his passes.
Snyder also ranks 22nd nationally in passing efficiency at 150.9, while sitting sixth in the CAA in total offense at 188.8 yards per game and ninth in the conference in passing at 150.9 yards per game.
GROUND GAME BRINGS THE JUICE
Sacred Heart's rushing attack continues to be one of its biggest strengths. The Pioneers rank second in the CAA with 179.5 rushing yards per game.
Chuck Webb ranks eighth in the conference with 59.3 rushing yards per game, while Darius Chukwuemeka ranks fifth in rushing attempts per game at 6.4.
The Pioneers rushed for 243 yards in last week's victory over New Hampshire, with Webb and Chukwuemeka combining for 160 yards.
PALMIERI PROVIDING A TARGET
Jason Palmieri continues to be a consistent target in the Pioneer passing game. The junior ranks sixth in the CAA in receptions per game, averaging 4.3 catches per contest. Palmieri has provided a reliable option for Snyder as the Pioneers continue to balance their attack through the air and on the ground.
DEFENSE SETTING THE TONE
Sacred Heart's defense continues to rank among the nation's strongest units in several key categories. The Pioneers rank 11th nationally in first-down defense, allowing just 63 first downs, while ranking third in the CAA in total defense at 325.5 yards per game.
SHU also ranks third in the CAA in opponent first downs, allowing 15.8 per game, and third in opponent third-down percentage at 34.8 percent. The Pioneers are fourth in the conference in scoring defense, allowing 26.3 points per game.
HAMILTON ANCHORING THE DEFENSE
Myles Hamilton continues to be a disruptive presence for the Pioneer defense. The junior ranks tied for ninth in the CAA in tackles per game, averaging 7.8, while ranking seventh in tackles for loss at 1.00 per game.
Hamilton recorded six tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in last week's victory over New Hampshire and added a quarterback hurry. To date, he leads the team with 32 tackles (15 solo, 17 assisted), 4.0 tackles for a loss of eight yards, and two quarterback hurries.
LATNEY ANCHORING THE SECONDARY
Junior safety Kymari Latney has been a steady presence in the Pioneer secondary through the first four games, ranking among the team's defensive leaders with 22 tackles. Latney has recorded at least three tackles in every game this season, including a season-high eight tackles and a tackle for loss in Sacred Heart's first CAA victory over New Hampshire.
SECONDARY SETTING THE TONE
The Pioneers' secondary has played a key role in a defense that ranks third in the CAA in total defense, allowing 325.5 yards per game. Sacred Heart has also limited opponents to 184.0 passing yards per game, while Latney, Daimon Jacobs, Jeremiah Lewis, Kenny Selby and the rest of the Pioneer defensive backs continue to provide a physical presence on the back end.
SPECIAL TEAMS MAKING AN IMPACT
Sacred Heart's special teams have been productive throughout the opening weeks of the season. The Pioneers rank 15th nationally in kickoff return defense, allowing just 14.29 yards per return.
On the other side of the ball, freshman Darius Chukwuemeka averages 21.3 yards per return, ranking the rookie sixth in the CAA in kick return yards. Tom Ligi continues to contribute to the return game, recording two attempts for 27 yards against UNH.
CONSISTENCY IN THE KICKING GAME
Ryan Bocklet has provided consistency in the kicking game, going 9-for-9 in PATS and 4-for-5 in field goal attempts. The junior ranks 23rd nationally and third in the CAA in field-goal percentage at .800, while ranking eighth in the conference in scoring at 5.3 points per game.
Sacred Heart has also averaged 36.2 yards per punt, with Jack O'Sullivan handling most of the punting duties. He recorded two 50+ punts against Elon, including a season-high 52 yards.
2025 SEASON RECAP
Sacred Heart finished the 2025 season 8-4, including a perfect 6-0 at home, while taking on a challenging schedule that featured road games at Lehigh, Montana and Villanova.
The Pioneers capped the season by winning their second straight Yankee Conference Championship, defeating Merrimack, 42-37, on Senior Day and completing a flawless home season.
SUMMERS, SUK REPRESENTS PIOS ON CAA PRESEASON TEAM
Running back Mitchell Summers was named to the 2026 CAA Football Preseason All-Conference Team, while grad offensive lineman Tim Suk earned honorable mention recognition.
Summers' breakout season featured four 100-yard rushing performances, highlighted by a career-best 243-yard, two-touchdown effort in a victory over Howard that included an electrifying 80-yard touchdown run. He also rushed for 137 yards in Sacred Heart's win over Merrimack, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark and etching his name into the program's record book.
Suk was instrumental in protecting quarterback Poochie Snyder and helped anchor an offensive line that paved the way for one of the nation's most productive rushing attacks.
PIOS SELECTED 10TH IN CAA PRESEASON POLL
1. Rhode Island (12 first-place votes) – 144
2. Monmouth – 119
3. Elon – 115
4. New Hampshire – 106
5. Stony Brook (1 first-place vote) – 105
6. Towson – 93
7. Maine – 88
8. Campbell – 56
9. Bryant – 50
10. Sacred Heart – 49
11. UAlbany – 35
12. North Carolina A&T – 28
13. Hampton - 26
SHU FOOTBALL CAPTAINS
Following the conclusion of spring practice, head coach Mark Nofri announced the team captains for the upcoming 2026 season.
Kenny Selby, Curtis Whiting, Tim Suk, Poochie Snyder, and Logan Lyson were selected by their peers for their outstanding leadership, consistent performance, and unwavering commitment to the program.
NOFRI ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES
During the offseason, head coach Mark Nofri announced several new additions and promotions to his 2026 coaching staff.
New to the staff are James Alford (outside linebackers), Chase Murdock (linebackers), and Kyle Woodring (tight ends).
Lou Del Forno, who served as Assistant Defensive Line/Video Coordinator last season, has been promoted to Director of Football Operations.
CHESTNUT RESIGNS WITH TITANS
Former Sacred Heart University football standout Julius Chestnut re-signed with the Tennessee Titans on a one-year contract.
Chestnut appeared in all 17 games during the 2025 season, making his biggest impact on special teams where he led the team with 17 tackles. He also recorded 11 carries for 40 rushing yards. Originally signed by the Titans as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft, Chestnut has steadily contributed in multiple roles.
In 2024, he set career highs with 22 carries for 102 yards and added 337 yards on 13 kickoff returns, ranking second on the team in return yards. Over his career, Chestnut has played in 43 games, totaling 154 rushing yards on 42 carries.
UP NEXT
Sacred Heart is back in action on Saturday, Oct. 10 with a home non-conference showdown with Stonehill at Sikorsky Credit Union Field. Kickoff is set for 12:00 PM.Â
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