DUDLEY, Mass. – The Nichols football team fell to the University of New England by a score of 31-12 in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) play on Saturday afternoon at Vendetti Field. With the setback, the Bison fall to 3-4 on the season and remain winless in conference competitions.
 
The Nor'Easter's jumped out to a 7-0 lead when Shane LaPorte found Jack Piller for a three-yard touchdown reception, capping off an eight-play, 41-yard drive.
 
The Bison responded just under two minutes later when Zahir Booker rumbled into the endzone from 17 yards out as Nichols went 84 yards in 1:30.
 
A 21-yard field goal off the foot of Robert Innis put the visitors ahead 10-7, giving UNE a lead which they would never let go of.
 
The Nor'Easters would go on to outscore the Bison 21-5 in the remaining three quarters of play to earn their fourth win of the season, their second win in conference play.
 
Kyle Keckler threw for 269 yards on 23 completions on 42 attempts, with a long of 40 as the lone man under center. Vitti was today's main target through the air, recording 123 yards on eight catches. Booker led the rushing efforts with 64 yards on 10 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per try.
 
On defense, Darnele Ryan racked up 10 total tackes, with two for a loss while Phil Dinov, Derrick Revolus, and Shane Roberts each tacked on six of their own.
 
Nichols will be back in action next Saturday, October 22 in a road matchup against Salve Regina, with kickoff set for 12 p.m. from Toopa Field.