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Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Sports

After a shootout that broke the NCAA record books last year with a combined score of 142 points and a tough loss for UC to rival Hartwick 72-70, many wondered if the respective defenses would show up in this year's match-up. It's safe to say that both defenses did, unfortunately for the Pioneers, Hartwick was still able to edge them out in the end 31-21.

Utica broke the scoreless tie early in the first quarter when junior receiver Cody Elliot ran into the end zone from 29 yards out to give the Pioneers an early 7-0 lead. Hartwick star senior quarterback Jason Boltus came right back as he connected with receiver Jack Phelan for a 28 yard touchdown pass to tie the game at seven mid-way through the first quarter. Boltus and the Hawks struck again mid-way through the second quarter when Noah Koreman caught a 23 yard touchdown pass from Boltus, which put Hartwick on top 14-7.

The Pioneers tied the game at 14 with about 90 seconds remaining in the first half as freshman quarterback Michael Clark scored on a five yard rushing touchdown, which capped a 12 play 60 yard drive. The Hawks were able to march down field and get a field goal as the time expired in the first half and were able to go back up 17-14 at halftime.

UC continued the valiant effort in the second half as quarterback Clark found tight end Tyler Malagisi for a 20 yard touchdown pass, which gave Utica its first lead since the first quarter at 21-17. However, once again the Pioneer defense could not contain Boltus and his aerial attack; Hartwick scored again as Boltus threw his third of four touchdown passes he would throw on the day - he found Phelan again for a 37 yard hook up putting the Hawks back on top at 24-21. When about seven minutes remained in the game, Hartwick put the nail in the coffin as Boltus threw his fourth touchdown pass on the day and third to receiver Phelan for a 19 yard touchdown, which put the game out of reach for Utica as they went down ten, 31-21.

UC freshman running back Will Northey rushed for 104 yards on 21 carries, freshman quarterback Michael Clark completed 12 passes for 97 yards and two total touchdowns, Clark also ran for 50 yards. Junior Cody Elliot also ran for 54 yards and one touchdown. On the defensive side, defensive back Peter Vano and junior Captain Eric Kahl each had ten tackles.

The Pioneers ended their season with a 2-4 Empire 8 conference record and 3-7 record overall. This is the third straight season that Utica finished the season with a 3-7 overall record.

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