BEVERLY, Mass. (October 9, 2021) – Western New England made the trip to Beverly, Mass. to challenge conference rival Endicott in a showdown of the undefeated conference teams where the Golden Bears came up short 45-21.

Records:

• Endicott: 5-1, 2-0 CCC
• Western New England: 3-3, 1-1 CCC

How It Happened:

The first quarter was all Endicott as the Gulls scored three touchdowns in the first 15 minutes of play to lead 21-0. The Golden Bears went three and out on their first drive but generated more offense on their second drive keeping the ball for five plays and 43 yards.

The Golden Bears opened the second quarter with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Bryce Karstetter to Steven Fedorchak for Fedorchak to further the program record. Matt Gilbert converted on the extra point to put Western New England on the board. The Gulls responded with a touchdown and a field goal to extend their lead 31-7. The Golden Bears were able to answer with a nine play, 75-yard drive with EJ Dudley finishing the drive with a one-yard touchdown rush followed by a Gilbert extra point to put the Golden Bears within 17 (31-14).

Only the Gulls scored in the third quarter on an eight play, 90-yard drive. In the fourth quarter, Endicott opened the scoring once again with a 14-yard touchdown rush to put them ahead 45-14 with eight minutes left in the game. The Golden Bears completed a two-yard touchdown pass from Carlos Martin Nieto to Nate Rosa in the final seconds of the game while Gilbert converted on the extra point to end the game with the Gulls winning 45-21.

Inside the Numbers:

• The Golden Bears recorded 23 first downs to Endicott's 27 while Western New England earned 360 yards of total offense in the game.
• Martin Nieto went 8-for-17 for a total of 65 yards with one touchdown while Karstetter went 7-for-11 for a total of 55 yards and one touchdown and one interception.
• Dudley carried the ball 15 times for the Golden Bears for a total of 78 yards and one touchdown with Ryan Carlson recording seven carries for 44 yards.
• Fedorchak led the receiving corps in yards with 66 yards in five catches with one touchdown while Adam Razza led in catches with eight for 46 yards.
• Gilbert went 3-for-3 on extra points while Zac Christian had four punts for a total of 170 yards. Christian's longest punt of the game was 52 yards.
• Erich Keutmann led the team in tackles recording 11 in the game with Bailey Devine-Scott earning eight, all of which were solo tackles.
• Joe Shea and Joe McNamara teamed up for the Golden Bears' one sack of the game for a loss of nine yards.

Up Next:

The Golden Bears stay on the road again next week as they travel to Curry College for another conference match up at 1 p.m.