Sacred Heart
0-1 , 0-1
Monmouth University
1-1 , 1-0
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacred Heart | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 24 |
| Monmouth | 7 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 31 |
Pioneers Make Statement in CAA Debut at Monmouth
9/5/2026 6:42:00 PM | Football
SHU and Hawks battle to the very end, but Pios fall short, 31-24
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – A new era of Sacred Heart football officially began Saturday afternoon at Kessler Stadium. Making its historic debut as a member of the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), Sacred Heart battled Monmouth from start to finish in a thrilling conference opener, ultimately falling 31-24 to the Hawks.
Despite the final result, Sacred Heart's debut showcased a team ready to embrace its new challenge. The Pioneers finished the afternoon with 408 total yards and 26 first downs, outgaining Monmouth by 58 yards and keeping the game within one score until the final minutes.
Final Score
Sacred Heart – 24
Monmouth – 31
Records
Sacred Heart (0-1, 0-1 CAA)
Monmouth (1-1, 1-0 CAA)
Top Performers
Offense -
Poochie Snyder: Passing (14-25, 191 yards, 3 TDs) | Rushing (15 attempts, 67 yards)
Dean Hangey: Rushing (1 attempt, 18 yards) | Receiving (8 receptions, 110 yards, 2 TDs)
Chuck Webb: Rushing (18 attempts, 72 yards) | Receiving (2 receptions, 30 yards)
Defense -
Myles Hamilton – 9 tackles (5 solo, 4 assisted) | 1.0-2 TFL-Yds
Ryan Palmieri – 9 tackles (5 solo, 4 assisted)
Kyle Hall – 7 tackles (4 solo, 3 assisted)
Mike Deitelbaum – 7 tackles (4 solo, 3 assisted)
How It Happened
Sacred Heart opened the scoring in the first quarter when Snyder connected with Jason Palmieri for a six-yard touchdown, answering Monmouth's opening score and setting the tone for the battle ahead.
The Pioneers then seized control in the second quarter. Snyder found Hangey for a nine-yard touchdown to give Sacred Heart a 14-7 advantage, marking the first time the Pioneers led in their new conference home.
Monmouth answered just before halftime, sending the teams into the break tied at 14-14.
The back-and-forth continued in the second half. After the Hawks took a 21-14 lead, Sacred Heart responded in a flash. Snyder connected with Hangey for a 52-yard touchdown, bringing the Pioneers level at 21-21 and sending the Sacred Heart sideline into a roar.
Monmouth moved ahead 24-21 early in the fourth quarter, but Sacred Heart answered with another long scoring drive. The Pioneers marched 66 yards on 11 plays before Ryan Bocklet drilled a 23-yard field goal with 8:08 remaining to tie the game once again, 24-24.
With the inaugural CAA contest hanging in the balance, Monmouth put together the game's final scoring drive, finding the end zone with 2:54 remaining to take a 31-24 lead. Sacred Heart wouldn't go quietly. The Pioneers drove deep into Monmouth territory on the final possession, putting together one last push before the Hawks secured the victory.
Up Next
The Pioneers are back in action on Saturday, Sept. 12, with a roadshow against FBS opponent UMass. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
SHU 0, MON 7
MON - Smith Jr.,Kenny 7 yd run (Sholder,Sky kick), 8 plays, 58 yards, TOP 03:12
SHU 7, MON 7
SHU - Palmieri,Jason 6 yd pass from Snyder,Poochie (Bocklet,Ryan kick) 7 plays, 74 yards, TOP 02:45
SHU 14, MON 7
SHU - Hangey,Dean 9 yd pass from Snyder,Poochie (Bocklet,Ryan kick) 9 plays, 65 yards, TOP 05:08
SHU 14, MON 14
MON - Nelson,Gavin 19 yd pass from Weaver,Frankie (Sholder,Sky kick) 11 plays, 85 yards, TOP 03:17
SHU 14, MON 21
MON - Jennings,Elijah 10 yd pass from Weaver,Frankie (Sholder,Sky kick) 8 plays, 65 yards, TOP 03:29
SHU 21, MON 21
SHU - Hangey,Dean 52 yd pass from Snyder,Poochie (Bocklet,Ryan kick) 4 plays, 64 yards, TOP 01:51
SHU 21, MON 24
MON - Sholder,Sky 25 yd field goal 13 plays, 79 yards, TOP 04:08
SHU 24, MON 24
SHU - Bocklet,Ryan 23 yd field goal 11 plays, 66 yards, TOP 05:33
SHU 24, MON 31
MON - Smith Jr.,Kenny 7 yd pass from Weaver,Frankie (Sholder,Sky kick) 11 plays, 68 yards, TOP 05:07
