By Mike Sidhly NEFJ Correspondent EASTON – Big plays on defense was the theme for Bryant most of Saturday night in the season opener against Stonehill. But, it was a late offensive push that aided the Bulldogs to a 24-6 opening weekend victory over Stonehill. “I think in the first half we were searching, and trying to figure some things out,” said Bryant head coach Chris Merritt, whose team scored……
South Dakota 59, CCSU 20 – Coyotes maul Blue Devils
Image courtesy of Sioux Falls Live Facing the No. 12 team in the country on the road to open the season is a tough way to start. With that in mind, the 59-20 loss to South Dakota on Saturday for Central Connecticut State University wasn’t surprising, but still disappointing nonetheless. The two-time defending NEC champs were out-gained 594-250 and went 4-14 on third downs. South Dakota QB Austyn Modrzewski was…
Lehigh 35, Holy Cross 10 – Crusaders can’t keep up with Mountain Hawks
WORCESTER – The scoreboard tells the story of a blowout in Holy Cross’ season opener on Saturday at Fitton Field, but it’s a bit deceiving. The Crusaders trailed by 21 after the first and never truly recovered despite certainly finding their footing, getting beaten by No. 11 Lehigh 35-10 in a key early Patriot League matchup. Lehigh put up 398 yards of offense and Holy Cross had 391. The difference…
2026 Stonehill Skyhawks Season Preview
The 2026 season marks the 39th year of football for the Stonehill Skyhawks as they continue to build their identity in NCAA Division I FCS and the Northeast Conference (NEC). Coming off a 4-8 campaign (3-4 in the NEC) in 2025, Eli Gardner—the Paul Finn ’71 Head Football Coach—enters his 11th season leading the program, making him the longest-tenured head coach in Skyhawks varsity history.
No. 8 Rhode Island 34, Merrimack 7 – Rams defense leads the way in opener
NORTH ANDOVER – Eighth-ranked URI blew out Merrimack 34-7 in the season opener for both schools on Friday. On a perfect night for football in North Andover, Duane Stadium was packed with a standing room only crowd. The Rams’ defense forced four turnovers, setting up a few touchdowns for a Rhode Island offense without its All-American QB Devin Farrell. Georgia Southern transfer Tyler Budge got the start and went 13-29…
2026 New Haven Chargers Season Preview
The New Haven Chargers head into the 2026 football season poised to build upon their identity as a physical and disciplined program. Under the leadership of head coach Mark Powell and newly appointed offensive coordinator Brian Scott, the Chargers enter the season focused on fundamental execution, and establishing control at the line of scrimmage. With a blend of seasoned veterans and explosive underclassmen on both sides of the ball, New Haven aims to establish momentum early in non-conference play and maintain high-level execution through every quarter of the regular season.
Pileski looking to build his own legacy as Walpole quarterback
For high school quarterbacks in Massachusetts, pressure comes with the job description. But when you step under center at Walpole High School, you are not just managing the huddle—you are steering one of the most storied traditions in Commonwealth football history.
For Timberwolves quarterback Blake Pileski, that standard is secondary nature. Raised in a household where gridiron toughness was taught before primary school, Pileski carries both a rich family legacy and the lofty expectations of a traditional football powerhouse onto the turf every week.
2026 Central Connecticut State Season Preview
The Central Connecticut State University football program has established itself as an undeniable powerhouse, entering the season as the two-time defending Northeast Conference champions. Following back-to-back league titles and consecutive FCS playoff appearances under back-to-back NEC Coach of the Year Adam Lechtenberg, the league’s coaches once again tabbed the Blue Devils as the preseason favorite, collecting six first-place votes. Central Connecticut State returns ten Preseason All-NEC selections across its…
2026 Rhode Island Rams Season Preview
The Rhode Island Rams enter the 2026 season riding considerable momentum following a deep FCS playoff run and an eleven-win campaign. Ranking among the top programs in FCS football entering the fall, Rhode Island will navigate an intriguing slate that features five home contests played at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket during ongoing facility upgrades at Meade Stadium. Leadership remains a clear strength for the program, highlighted by the election of fifth-year wide receiver Marquis Buchanan and fourth-year defensive lineman Case Mankins as team captains following vote by their teammates. With high expectations across the Coastal Athletic Association, the Rams possess the veteran experience and transfer portal additions needed to challenge for a conference championship and make another extended postseason push.
Maine 21, Towson 18: Black Bears open season with big CAA win
Image courtesy of Maine Athletics It took a little longer than anyone would like, but a win is a win. Maine held on for a 21-18 season-opening CAA victory over Towson on Thursday night after building a 21-0 lead. The game was delayed about an hour for lightning with 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Leading by three with a little over nine minutes remaining, Maine went for it…