Worcester, MA – Senior Aaron- Moses Williams (Springfield, MA) had a stellar performance behind center for the Lancers.  He completed 26-of-38 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns on the cool Sunday afternoon in Danbury, CT as the Lancers took on the Western Connecticut Wolves in a MASCAC battle. The Lancers were a strong force throughout the duration of the game before a final drive in the fourth quarter saw them fall 38-35 to the Wolves.

 

The Lancers opened their scoring in the second quarter with an 11-yard pass from Williams to sophomore Dan Diverdi (Sterling, MA) to close the gap to within one of the Wolves. West Conn. extended their lead to seven when they picked off a pass from Williams and returned it for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was no good, allowing the Lancers to tie up the game heading into the half with a four-yard rushing touchdown from sophomore Nico Holmes (Mansfield, MA), who had 12 rushes for 61 yards on the day.

 

Early in the second half the Lancers took their first lead of the game with a second touchdown from Holmes, this one for nine yards out. The Wolves would tie the game back up at 23 to start the fourth quarter, but a 53-yard pass from Williams to sophomore Brodie Jacques (Rehoboth, MA) saw the Lancers regain the lead with a score of 29-23. Another successful drive by the Wolves saw them pull ahead by one, yet the Lancers were quick to respond with the third touchdown pass by Williams, this one an 18-yard snatch from sophomore Dylan Hall (Plainville, CT). Worcester State attempted to put a touchdown between themselves and Connecticut, but the two-point conversion attempt ultimately was stopped by the Wolves defense.

 

Western Connecticut managed to score off their final drive of the fourth quarter and were successful in their two-point conversion attempt leaving the Lancers with the ball with just over a minute to play. The Western Connecticut defense was a solid force in that final minute, preventing the Lancers from securing a field goal that would have tied up the game and forced overtime.

 

Worcester State saw strong performances not only from Williams on offense but also from their running back duo of senior Amir Mells (Boston, MA) and Holmes for 136 combined rushing yards. Jacques led the receiving core with four receptions for 84 yards.

 

Worcester State junior Sam Duah, Jr. (Worcester, MA) led all defenders with 11 tackles and Sophomore John McMasters (Raynham, MA) recorded one sack in the loss.

 

 

The Lancers now sit at 1-7 overall and 1-5 in the conference. The Lancers will play host to Westfield State University next Saturday in what will also serve as the team's Senior game.  Kickoff is scheduled for noon.