Box Score Sophomore J.T. Harold (North Andover, MA) rushed for 204 yards for UMass Dartmouth as the Corsairs downed Nichols, 28-14, on Saturday at Vendetti Field. The loss drops the Bison to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in the Boyd Division of the NEFC while UMass-Dartmouth improves to 5-2 overall and 4-1 in the Division.
The Corsairs got on the board five seconds into the second quarter when sophomore quarterback Alex Garro (Mattapoisett, MA) found junior tight end Charles Gryska (Medfield, MA) from five yards out to cap of an 11 play, 96 yard drive.
The Bison answered under seven minutes later when sophomore tight end Joshua Harris (Northbridge, MA) made a leaping catch in the end zone. Senior quarterback Michael Carven (Hanover, MA) completed four passes on the drive, including a huge 44 yard connection with freshman wide receiver Roland Gervais (Griswold, CT).
The score remained tied up through halftime but Nichols stormed down the field in its opening drive of the second half. A big 32 yard completion from Carven to Harris got the Bison down to the Corsairs one yard line and Carven was able to sneak his way into the end zone on the keeper on the next play, giving Nichols a 14-7 edge.
Harold then took over for UMass-Dartmouth, rushing for 33 yards on the Corsairs next scoring drive. Garro found sophomore wide receiver John Henry (Tenafly, NJ) in the end zone to cap off the drive at the 3:53 mark of the third quarter.
The duo hooked up for a 20 yard touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter to give UMass-Dartmouth the lead for good, 21-14. Harold broke loose for a 75 yard touchdown run with 5:51 left to play to ice the victory for UMD.
Carven threw for 224 yards and broke Tony Volpone's 98 career pass completions record as he went 19-37 on the day. Carven has made 293 career completions while at Nichols. Freshman running back Anthony Pillari (Westwood, NJ) ran for 48 yards while freshman running back Chris Patterson (Stamford, CT) added 27 yards. Pillari also made a 51 yard punt return on the day.
Harris led all receivers with a season-high seven on the day for 75 yards, including his one touchdown. Gervais and sophomore wide receiver Jon Snediker (Grafton, MA) each added three as well.
Junior linebacker Matt Parkinson (Coventry, CT) led the Bison defense with 8.5 tackles while senior Bryan Meuse (Billerica, MA) totaled seven solo hits and two assisted for eight total stops. Freshman lineman Russell Burrows (Canton, MA) posted two sacks on the day for a loss of 11 yards.
Nichols will play at first place Curry next Saturday, Oct. 28 at 12 p.m.
