AMCATS Drop Season Opener to Engineers

PAXTON, Mass – Friday night, the AMCATS opened their 2018 season at home against the WPI Engineers on AMCAT Field; one of just three home games this season for the AMCATS. Though the 'Cats were competitive they couldn't seem to put anything together and WPI ultimately got the upper hand winning the game 54-0.

The AMCATS offense couldn't get anything going all night gaining just 180 yards of total offense, 111 of which were from the ground attack. Though the defense gave up nearly 500 yards of offense, the AMCAT defense forced three fumbles, two of which they recovered. Freshman quarterback Alex Cohen, entered the game in the first half and the WPI defense made it tough on the first year player as he completed just 6 of 18 passes for 38 yards. Cohen also ran the ball 7 times for 25 yards, one of which was for a 22-yard gain. Freshman running back Jalin Hudson led the team in rushing with 30 yards on nine attempts. Defensively, Michael Hall led the team in tackles with six solos and five assists.

WPI junior quarterback Julian Nylan threw the ball 23 times, completing 20 of those attempts for 335 yards and 3 touchdowns, two of which were caught by Nic Rossi. Running back Sean McAllen ran the ball 19 times for 59 yards and two scores. Defensively Stephen Lauro led the team with five solo tackles. Defensive Back Aaron Whitehouse intercepted two passes in the game for WPI.

In the first quarter, the game belonged to either team as both teams each had a 5:38 drive to open the game. The AMCATS turned the ball over on downs and punted in their two first quarter possessions. WPI scored on their first possession.

The second quarter was the one that opened the game up for WPI. The Engineers scored on the opening possession of the quarter, spillover from the first. That touchdown was followed by an AMC possession that ended in a blocked punt that went out of the back of the end zone for a safety. The visitors added two more scores before the half to take a 30-0 lead in to the break.

The second half opened with another WPI touchdown, the lone score of the third quarter. With the exception of the two forced and recovered fumbles by Anna Maria and a lone punt, the Engineers scored on all of their possessions, adding 17 more in the fourth to take a 54-0 lead which would be the final score.

The AMCATS will be on the road next Friday evening in Dudley, Mass to take on the Nichols College Bison at 7pm.