(box score)
Widener put forth its best effort in the season opener, but Alfred was just too tough in a 37-0 loss in Alfred, NY.
The Pride, playing their first game under new coach Isaac Collins, returned just 11 of their 22 starters from last season and did their best under the new regime. Collins is the 22nd head coach in the program's history and its first African-American leader.
Senior Adam Smith (Littlestown, PA) had 17 carries for 70 yards, including a 29-yard burst in the first half for Widener (0-1), which was playing its earliest game in school history. Junior Cedrick Clayton (Cinnaminson, NJ) had three receptions for 45 yards.
Senior Jon Natter (North Hills, PA) and sophomore Joe Wojceichowski (Riverside, NJ) notched 10 tackles apiece with senior Wes O'Kula (Doylestown, PA) recording his first career interception.
Tom Secky completed 19-of-24 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns for the Saxons (1-0). Ryan Thon had eight catches for 73 yards, Adam Schutz hauled in both touchdown receptions and Mike Raplee ended with 11 tackles.
Alfred, which went to the NCAA Tournament last season, got the game's first break when a short punt was downed at Widener's 32 yard line. Six plays later, Eric Rockwood booted a 38-yard field goal with 9:44 left in the first quarter for a 3-0 contest.
The next key play also was turned by the Saxons. Widener backup quarterback sophomore Chris Haupt (Bloomsburg, PA) was forced out of the pocket and threw a pass that was intercepted by Nick Clark, who brought it to the Pride's three yard line.
Alfred converted on the first play of the second quarter as Chuck Beckwith ran it in from one yard on fourth down for a 10-0 margin.
The Saxons bumped the lead to 17-0 with 7:17 to play in the half. Schutz caught a pass from Secky, broke a tackle and sprinted the rest of the way for a 37-yard touchdown.
Secky completed 10-of-11 passes in the opening half for the Saxons, who held a 131-79 edge in total offense.
Widener next Saturday plays its home opener against Thiel as part of the “PAC-MAC Football Challenge Series.” Kickoff at Leslie C. Quick Jr. Stadium is at 1:00 pm.
