We have hit the halfway of the regular season and the games continue to get more and more important. We have one huge game this week with the current champ and the up and coming contender squaring off for first place in the league.


Pace (0-5, 0-4 NE-10) @ Assumption (2-3, 2-2 NE-10)

When: October 10th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Pace leads the series, 11-10-0

My Thoughts: Both teams hope to build off their second half success.

Pace dropped their fifth game of the season as they lost to LIU Post 44-36. Trailing 37-7 at the half, the Setters scored 29 points in the second half. Timely defensive plays and special teams success kept Pace in the game. The offense was not able to get the ball back after they cut the lead to eight late in the fourth quarter. For Pace to win on the road, they will need to play that type of football for 60 minutes. The offense needs to move the ball and not turn it over. The defense needs to make plays and not allow Assumption to control the game.

Assumption completed the New Haven sweep as they defeated Southern Connecticut 13-12 last Saturday. A late touchdown run by Trevor Vasey was the difference after a penalty was called on the Southern punt that allowed the Greyhounds to start the winning drive on the 14 yard line. Assumption yielded over 400 yards but was able to keep Southern out of the end zone for the most part. For Assumption to win the game, they will need to stop the Pace offense and get a lot of three and outs. The offense will need to move the ball consistently.

Assumption will be able to control the game with their balanced offense and their defense will make plays to earn them the victory.

Prediction: Assumption 35 Pace 13


Southern Connecticut (1-4, 1-3 NE-10) @ New Haven (2-3, 2-2 NE-10)

When: October 11th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 17-6-1

My Thoughts: The battle of Elm City.

Southern Connecticut lost another tough game, this time to Assumption by the score of 13-12. The Owls had over 400 yards of offense but were only able to find the end zone twice. The Southern defense was solid the entire game and frustrated the Assumption offense. But a tough penalty allowed Assumption a short field and the deciding touchdown. For Southern to win on the road, they will need to get more consistency from the offense and score when given the chance. They need to control the game with their running game and stretch the field to keep the defense honest.

New Haven played their fifth consecutive nail biter and won their second straight game. This time, it was an overtime victory at Stonehill 23-17. The Chargers braved the rainy elements and made plays down the stretch to win the game. Ty Headen was again the hero as he hauled in a pass in overtime to set up the winning touchdown plunge by Lemar Thomas. For New Haven to win this game, they will need to play better defense and not allow Southern to control the game. The offense will need to continue their balanced attack and get the ball into the end zone when they have the chance.

This game is always physical between two schools who are not very fond of each other. But New Haven is playing better right and will grab the victory.

Prediction: New Haven 27 Southern Connecticut 17


Stonehill (2-3, 2-2 NE-10) @ LIU Post (3-2, 3-1 NE-10)

When: October 11th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 10-2-0

My Thoughts: A huge game for both teams.

Stonehill dropped a tough overtime battle with New Haven last Saturday night by the score of 23-17. The Skyhawks were not able to overcome turnovers down the stretch and dropped the rain filled game. Colin Markus was a workhouse for Stonehill as he finished with 111 yards rushing and well as 40 receiving and 37 return yards. The Skyhawk defense limited New Haven to just 309 yards but were not able to come up with a stop in overtime. For Stonehill to win on the road, they will need to play mistake free. The offense will need to take care of the ball and punch the ball into the end zone. The defense will need to contain Steve Laurino and not allow him to run wild in the game.

LIU Post escaped with a 44-36 victory at Pace last Saturday. The Pioneers jumped out to a 37-7 advantage in the first half but allowed Pace to make a game of it in the second half. Steve Laurino had a solid first half as he passed for over 200 yards with two long touchdown passes and another touchdown run. Post struggled in the second half with some of their backups and allowed Pace to make a game of it. For Post to win this game, they will need to play 60 minutes. Laurino will need to play mistake free and keep the Stonehill defense on their heels. The defense will need to cause turnovers and not allow Stonehill to move the ball easily.

Post enters a huge three game home stand and will start it off on the right foot as they will make more plays to get the victory.

Prediction: Post 28 Stonehill 24


Merrimack (2-3, 2-2 NE-10) @ Bentley (1-4, 0-4 NE-10)

When: October 11th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 12-8-0

My Thoughts: Two teams that need to stop their respective losing streaks.

Merrimack has lost two straight league games. The latest one was to St. Anselm by the score of 55-24. The Warriors had a huge interception return for a touchdown at the end of the first half and appeared to have some momentum. But the offense was only able to generate three points in the second half and had way too many turnovers. The defense was not able to slow down the Hawks as they allowed 595 yards of offense. For Merrimack to win on the road, they will need to put away the nightmares of the past two weeks. The offense will need to move the ball and score when they are in the red zone. The defense will need to prevent the big play capability of the Bentley passing game.

Bentley dropped their fourth straight game in the league to AIC 19-16. The Falcons had another chance to win the game late but a late interception sealed the fate for Bentley. After a rainy first half, Bentley was able to move the ball in the second half as Danny Guadagnoli and Jeff Hill hooked up for a couple of scores. The defense held AIC out of the end zone until the third quarter but too much Kevin Arduino hurt the Falcons. For Bentley to win the game, they will need to play mistake free and establish their passing game early. The defense will need to pressure the quarterback and force him to make bad decisions.

Both teams have the ability to score points early and often. This game will feature a lot of offense and Bentley will score a late touchdown to win the game.

Prediction: Bentley 45 Merrimack 42


American International (4-1, 4-0 NE-10) @ St. Anselm (5-0, 4-0 NE-10)

When: October 11th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series, 14-3-0

My Thoughts: First place is on the line.

American International defeated Bentley 19-16 last Saturday in the rain. The Yellow Jackets took control of the game in the second half when Kevin Arduino does what Kevin Arduino does well. His arm and legs carried AIC to the win. The Yellow Jackets defense played well and made a big interception at the end of the game to preserve the victory. For AIC to win the game, they will need to play mistake free. Arduino will need to continue his mastery of defenses and keep them on their heels. The defense will need to make plays and not allow them to control the game clock.

St. Anselm continued their incredible start as they easily defeated Merrimack 55-24 last Saturday. The Hawks played a complete team effort in the victory and now look forward to their next challenge. Yianni Gavalas and Evad Covaliu both scored two rushing touchdowns and the defense scored two late touchdowns in the win. Justin Bernard became the all-time Division II receptions leader and everything is going great right now at St. Anselm. For St. Anselm to win the game, they will need to match the physical play of AIC. They do not have the size and speed that AIC possesses but they have the confidence and able to overcome adversity.

This is the game of the week in the NE-10. St. Anselm has the confidence and skill to play with AIC. But their undersized front lines will be the difference. AIC will take control of the game late and escape with the victory.

Prediction: AIC 31 St. Anselm 21