BIDDEFORD, M.E. (10/14/23) – The Nichols College football team opened 2023 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) play on Saturday afternoon against the University of New England. The Bison lost 62-26 to the Nor'Easters from UNE Blue Storm Stadium.

Nichols (3-3, 0-1 CCC) was tabbed with their first loss in CCC play, while UNE (5-1, 1-0 CCC) earned the win.

Senior Xaiver Powell went 25-38 for 260 yards and 3 touchdowns passing, he also rushed for a touchdown as well and contributed 32 rushing yards as well. Seniors River Jackson, Josh Vitti, and junior Josh Morvan all caught touchdown passes.

Senior Dante Barboza grabbed his second interception of the season, while also totaling four solo tackles for the Bison. Junior Derrick Revolus recorded a team high five solo tackles, while also earning four assisted tackles for the team lead with nine total tackles.

The Bison struck first, with a 15-yard touchdown run from Powell. Nichols led 7-0 after a nine play 68-yard drive. UNE responded with a drive of their own, to pull even at 7-7. It was the green and black jumping back out in front after Morvan and Powell connected on a 28-yard pass for a 14-7 lead.

Once again the Nor'Easters evened the score themselves, before scoring the next two touchdowns to jump out to a 28-14 lead, ad never looking back in the game. Vitti and Powell then connected on a four-yard touchdown to cut into the UNE lead in the third quarter.

UNE added two more touchdowns to grab a 42-20 lead in the contest. Jackson and Powell connected on a 43-yard touchdown to make it 42-26. UNE added 20 more points to win 62-26 over Nichols in the game.

The Bison will return home to take on #18/20 Endicott from Vendetti Field on October 21. Kick off is set for 12 p.m.