BIDDEFORD, Maine – The University of New England football team closed out its first varsity season with a 42-27 victory over Alvernia at UNE Blue Storm Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
At halftime the score was tied 21-21, but UNE used three touchdowns over the first 4:30 of the third quarter to build a commanding lead. Devon Charles made the score 28-21 as he ran in from two yards out for his first of two touchdowns in the quarter.
The Golden Wolves struggled on special teams in the third as it botched two punts to allow the Nor'easters to setup deep in Alvernia territory on two consecutive drives. Jack Mahoney ran in from three yards on the first drive and Charles added another score on the second to put UNE in front 42-21 with 10:30 to play in the game.
The UNE defense stepped up in the second half with four sacks and an interception while allowing just one touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
Things did not start off well for the Nor'easters as Alvernia took its opening drive of the game 74 yards on just four plays to jump ahead 7-0. UNE went three-and-out on its next possession and Jake Dilcher gave the Golden Wolves a two-score lead with a 30-yard touchdown run.
Brian Peters connected with Brett Miller for a 21-yard touchdown, but a blocked extra point made the score 14-6 with 6:21 to go in the first. A bad snap on a punt gave UNE a safety to trim the deficit to 14-8. The Nor'easters were able to tie the game at 14-14 early in the second on a six-yard pass to Ryan Gaboury.
Alvernia pulled in front once again midway through the second on a touchdown by Malcom Carey. He finished with 252 yards and two scores on the ground. Peters hit Haelin Roberts for a 20-yard touchdown to knot the game headed into halftime.
Peters had 164 yards and three touchdown passes. Brett Miller caught three passes for 71 yards to lead the receivers. Roberts added five receptions for 56 yards. UNE had its best rushing output of the season with 177 yards on the ground, led by Charles with 74 and two scores. Mahoney rushed for 60 yards.
Keegan Stanton-Meas made 17 tackles on the afternoon and DJ James had 12 stops. Justin Augur added two sacks. Danny Parker hauled in an interception.
The Nor'easters finish the year with a record of 2-7. Alvernia closes its first season at 1-9.