September 18th, 2019 2:00pm
The first week of league play is here. The battle to hoist a plaque at the end of the season starts now.
Assumption (1-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ Southern Connecticut (0-2, 0-0 NE-10)
When: September 20th, 7:00 PM
All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 10-7-0
Thoughts: Friday Night Lights
Assumption used their running game in their 54-23 victory over St. Anselm. The Greyhounds had their way on the offensive side with big play after big play after giving the Hawks an early lead. For the Greyhounds to win on the road, they will need to continue their offensive attack and control clock. The defense needs to make plays and get off the field.
Southern Connecticut dropped their second straight at Pace 31-13. The Owls fell behind early and were never able to get out of the rut. The defense was not able to control all of the Pace weapons and their own offense struggled to move the ball. For Owls to win at home, they will need to find consistent play on both sides of the ball. The offense needs to execute their game plan and the defense will need to avoid the big play from Assumption.
This game will be hard-fought, but Assumption will use their ground game to win on the road.
Prediction: Assumption 24 Southern Connecticut 13
American International (1-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ New Haven (1-1, 0-0 NE-10)
When: September 21st, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 18-7-0
Thoughts: Classic rivals.
American International defeated Bentley 28-23 and looked like they wanted to. The offense moved the ball and scored touchdowns. The defense is always swarming the ball and not allowing the opposing offense to feel comfortable. For the Yellow Jackets to win on the road, they will need to dial up a similar game plan from last week. The offense is balanced, and the defense makes plays when called upon.
New Haven used a second-half surge to defeat Stonehill 31-9. The Chargers were held in check in the first half and then used their running game to break the game wide open. The defense was solid after the first couple of drives and just plain menacing in the second half. For the Chargers to win on the blue turf, the defense will need to repeat what they did against Stonehill. The offense will need to have a quarterback step up and stretch the field to take the pressure off of the backs.
New Haven is the top team in the league and will show their home fans why.
Prediction: New Haven 34 American International 13
Pace (1-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ Franklin Pierce (1-1, 0-0 NE-10)
When: September 21st, 6:00 PM
All-Time Series: First Meeting
Thoughts: Another first for the Ravens.
Pace played a complete game in defeating Southern Connecticut 31-13. The offense scored early and often. The defense was all over the field and rebounded nicely from an opening weekend loss. For the Setters to win on the road, they will need to continue their balanced offense and get the ball into the end zone. The defense will need to pressure the young Franklin Pierce quarterbacks and force them to make bad decisions.
Franklin Pierce won their first game in school history 29-27 over Curry. It was a historic day for the Ravens as they scored their first points and played a solid game to earn the win. For the Ravens to win at home, they will need to play with confidence after putting this game behind them. The offense will need to move the chains and the defense needs to slow down the Pace offense.
Pace will jump out early and ruin Franklin Pierce’s first NE-10 game.
Prediction: Pace 45 Franklin Pierce 10
Stonehill (1-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ St. Anselm (0-2, 0-0 NE-10)
When: September 21st, 6:00 PM
All-Time Series: Stonehill leads the series, 15-5-0
Thoughts: Battle of the Ol’ Bronze Hawk
Stonehill lost to New Haven 31-9. The Skyhawks were good in the first quarter and they were not able to sustain that momentum. It was a complete opposite of their opening weekend victory at Bloomsburg and not the home opener that they envisioned. For the Skyhawks to win on the road, they will need to play better on both sides of the ball. The offense needs to get the ball into the hands of the playmakers and the defense will need to slow down the Hawk passing game.
St. Anselm lost on the road to Assumption 54-23. The Hawks led 13-0 early in the second quarter before allowing 26 straight points in that quarter. They were not able to stop the Assumption running game and made too many mistakes to win the game. For the Hawks to win on their home turf, they will need to eliminate mistakes on both sides of the ball. The defense has allowed over 50 points in consecutive games and needs to make third-down stops.
These teams played a three-overtime thriller last year. Don’t expect three extra periods but Stonehill will find a way to earn another road win.
Prediction: Stonehill 23 St. Anselm 17