Western Connecticut State Pushes Past Fitchburg State, 57-30

Spencer becomes Falcons all-time career receptions leader with 137 career catches

DANBURY, Conn. – Western Connecticut State threw for 389 yards and six touchdowns as the Colonials defeated Fitchburg State University, 57-30 in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) football action at the Western Athletic Complex this evening.

Western Connecticut State opened the contest on a 10 play, 64 yard drive that concluded with a 21 yard field goal of the foot of junior place kicker Michael Killoran for the 3-0 lead with 12:43 remaining in the first quarter.

The Falcons responded with an seven play drive of their own, capping a 70 yard drive as junior kicker Christopher Ludwig spilt the up rights with a 22 yard field goal of his own to knot the score at 3-3 with just over ten minutes left in the opening frame.

The Colonials answered back, regaining the lead on their next possession as junior Michael Nicol ran it in from four yards out, polishing off a five play, 71 yard drive to take a 10-3 advantage with just under eight minutes remaining in the opening quarter.

The hosts upped its lead just before the half when senior receiver Connor Falaguerra hauled in a 74 yard catch and run from classmate Will Arndt capping off a two play, 74 yard drive, making the score 17-3 with 2:12 left until half time

The Green and Gold capped the first half scoring, going 74 yards on just four plays as junior quarterback Garrett Dellechiaie found senior wideout Ty Spencer open for a 16 yard TD reception to cut the deficit to eight at 17-9 going into the intermission..

Following the break, Western Connecticut State upped its lead with 9:42 left in the third quarter when Arndt connected with junior wide receiver William Andrews on a 38 yard touchdown for the 24-9 margin.

Fitchburg State responded again on the following possession as junior tight end Devin Summiel caught a nine yard touchdown from Dellechiaie, finishing off a nine play, 84 yard drive to make the score 24-15.

The Colonials put the game out of reach with 4:02 remaining in the third stanza, following a 65 yard TD grab by Alex Altermatt (31-15), Arndt hit Falaguerra with a 16 yard strike after recovering a fumble inside the Falcons 40 yard line to make the score 38-15.

For the game, Dellechiaie led the Falcons offense, completing 21-of-33 passes for 318 yards and two scores, while junior tailback Jevon Brown-Simpson added 81 yards on the ground with two touchdowns.

Spencer finished with six catches for 176 yards and one TD to become the Falcons all-time career receptions leader with 137 career catches to surpass former Falcon  Carmy Cesaire's mark of 132, while defensively, senior Luis Feliz totaled a team-best ten stops, including eight solo tackles and a pair of TFL's.

The Colonials offensive attack was paced by Arndt, who threw for 389 yards (19-of-33) and six TD's, while Andrews added five grabs for 184 yards and three touchdowns. Nicol was also solid for the Colonials, rushing for 121 yards on 31 carries and pair of TD's.

Nicol was also solid for the Colonials, rushing for 121 yards on 31 carries and pair of TD's, while senior Ken Strecker led the way defensively for Western Connecticut State, recording a game-high 12 tackles, including ten solo stops and a pair of assisted tackles.

Fitchburg State (5-2, 3-2 MASCAC) will be back in action in two weeks on Saturday, October 31^st as it visits the Owls of Westfield State University at 1 p.m. Western Connecticut State (4-3, 3-2 MASCAC) travels to Worcester State University next Saturday for a contest starting at 2 p.m.

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