SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (11/4/23) – The Western New England University Golden Bears scored 20 straight points in the first quarter and did not look back as they rolled past the Nichols College football team on Saturday afternoon from Golden Bear Stadium. The Bison lost 69-28 to the Golden Bears in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) play.

Senior Xavier Powell put together another strong offensive game for the Bison. Powell finished the game going 29-54 for 361 yards and three touchdowns for the Bison. Junior Jack Morvan registered six catches for 136 yards and hauled in two touchdowns to lead the receiving core.

Western New England got off to a great start in the game scoring 20 straight points to take a 20-0 lead after the first quarter. Nichols struggled to get anything offensively going in the first quarter. Nichols trailed 27-0 before finding the back of the endzone.

Senior Josh Vitti caught a 17-yard pass from Powell to score the first touchdown of the afternoon for Nichols. This touchdown capped off a six play 75-yard drive for Nichols. The Golden Bears the rattled off 21 unanswered points to take a 48-7 led.

Powell and Morvan connected for their first touchdown of the afternoon, this one going for 25-yards. Nichols trailed 48-14 after the extra point from Vincent Mallozzi. Western New England came out o halftime and scored once again.

Morvan and Powell Hooked up for a 68-yard touchdown, making it 55-21 with 8:56 remaining in the third quarter. Freshman John Gianibas scored his first collegiate touchdown, with a two yard scamper.

The Bison lost 69-28 to the Golden Bears. Nichols will look to get back on track in their final game of the year as they welcome Husson University to Vendetti field on Saturday, November 11. Kick off is set for 12 p.m. for Nichols' Senior Day.