SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 8, 2024) – The Western New England football team is set to host its final regular-season game of the year on Saturday afternoon at Golden Bear Stadium as the University of New England Nor'easters visit. Before kickoff, Western New England will hold a Senior Day ceremony to honor the Class of 2024.

Last Time Out:
The Golden Bears come into Saturday on a two-game losing streak, recently falling to Husson University in an overtime thriller, 49-42. Despite the loss, Western New England's offense set program records, throwing for 464 yards and matching that total in receiving yards, a record-breaking single-game performance. The team also led with 31 first downs to Husson's 19, rushed for 146 yards compared to Husson's 75, and dominated passing with 464 yards to Husson's 319. Defensively, two Golden Bears posted double-digit tackles, and the team recorded eight tackles for loss. The Golden Bears have allowed 90 points in their last two games, more than their total points allowed over the previous four games combined.

UNE's last game ended in a 10-36 home loss to Curry College, where they struggled offensively, throwing one interception and totaling 219 passing yards and 57 rushing yards. The Nor'easters led early with a field goal and held it into the second quarter, but two second-quarter touchdowns by Curry shifted the momentum. UNE tied the game at 10-10 before Curry's two explosive touchdown runs secured the victory. UNE is now 3-5 overall and 1-2 in the conference, averaging 27 points per game due to two high-scoring wins (68-0 vs. Dean and 51-30 vs. Nichols).

Western New England's Offense: 
The Golden Bears scored 42 points in their overtime loss at Husson, led by senior quarterback Brady Lafferty, who threw for a program-record 464 yards and four touchdowns on 29 of 49 passing attempts. However, he also threw three interceptions and was sacked four times. Running back Ryan Carlson scored his third touchdown of the season and first since week two, with 88 rushing yards on 19 carries and one six-yard reception. Western New England ran for 146 total yards, with Matt LaMontagne contributing 64 yards on eight carries.
Seven Golden Bear receivers had multiple catches, with De'Andre Harris leading with five catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Greg Perry added 83 yards on five catches, and Pat Harrigan contributed 77 yards, including a touchdown. Ryan Larson notched a season-best six catches for 69 yards, while Callaghan Daskam recorded 62 yards and one touchdown. Cap LaPierre (43 yards on four catches) and Tyler Borwhat (24 yards on two catches) were also active in the passing game. The Golden Bears enter Saturday's game averaging 33 points, 12 rushing touchdowns, and 24 passing touchdowns, totaling 2,133 passing yards and 1,258 rushing yards through eight games.

UNE's Offense:
In their loss to Curry College, UNE quarterback Chris Lang completed 17 of 35 passes for 219 yards, with one touchdown and one interception, while being sacked twice. Leading rusher Damien Jones was held to just 39 yards on 14 carries. Receiver Nathan Delgado caught five passes for 74 yards, while Shane LaPorte recorded four catches for 74 yards and scored the Nor'easters' lone touchdown. This season, UNE has totaled 1,083 rushing yards and 1,670 passing yards as a team.

Western New England's Defense:
 The Golden Bears' defense allowed 90 points over the last two games, both against CNE opponents. Despite the loss at Husson, linebacker Nick Kolifrath led the team with 12 tackles (five solo, seven assisted) and earned the Conference of New England Defensive Player of the Week honor. Thomas Gasbarro added 10 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss of five yards, while DJ Gordon led with two pass breakups. Through eight games, Western New England has over 500 tackles, led by Kolifrath and Jason Shumilla, each with 54 total tackles. Shumilla also leads the team with 27 solo tackles.

UNE's Defense: 
UNE's defense was led by Spencer Shereck, who posted 10 tackles against Curry. Tyron Gomes contributed eight tackles (two solo), and Shereck now leads UNE with 41 total tackles (22 solo, 19 assisted), along with three interceptions, two pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. UNE's defense has posted just under 500 tackles, nine interceptions, five forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries this season.

Western New England's Special Teams: 
In their last game, punter Rhys Suprenant averaged 25 yards on three punts, placing one inside the 20-yard line. Freshman Jova'n Hill returned seven kickoffs for 118 yards, including a 26-yard return. The Golden Bears were perfect on extra points, with John Moss going 5-for-5 and Chris Digiacomo going 1-for-1. WNE has punted 27 times this season, averaging over 32 yards per punt, with nine fair catches and four punts inside the 20-yard line.

UNE's Special Teams:
 UNE punter Cam Durkin averaged 37.7 yards on six punts last game, totaling 225 yards, with a season-long 52-yard punt. Jack Niland made his lone field goal attempt from 22 yards, bringing his season record to 4-for-8 with a season-long 37-yarder. Damien Jones has been a critical returner with 10 punt returns for 112 yards, including a 62-yard touchdown, and 11 kick returns for 338 yards, with two touchdowns.

The Game:
 Western New England and UNE will meet on Saturday, November 9, at 1:00 PM at Golden Bear Stadium. Western New England will look to remain unbeaten against UNE, having won all five previous matchups, including a 42-7 victory in their last meeting in Biddeford, with the Golden Bears scoring 75 points against the Nor'easters over the last two seasons.
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