Darin MacEacheron
Staff Writer
CAMBRIDGE — On Saturday, the Springfield College Pride traveled to Cambridge, Mass. to take on MIT in NEWMAC play and the final regular season matchup of the season. MIT held their own at home and defeated the Pride 22-7.
The Pride uncharacteristically rushed for only 143 yards on 63 attempts and surprisingly accrued 106 passing yards through the air. Hunter Belzo attempted a career high 14 passes with Isaiah Cashwell-Doe and Jakai Whittingham being the beneficiaries of his six completions.
MIT started off the scoring in the first quarter with a quick two play drive. After the Pride gave MIT great field positioning, the Engineers made quick work and Udgam Goyal connected with Keithen Shepard on a 29-yard reception for a score.
The Pride’s lone touchdown of the game came in the second quarter. After a Marlowe Scott interception, the Pride went eight plays for 26 yards, capping off the drive with a one-yard rush touchdown by Ryan Deguire.
After this, the Pride failed to connect for any points. MIT went on to tack on 15 more points with six of those coming off of a 74-yard fumble recovery by Kevin Lyons for a touchdown.
Ball security was an issue for the Pride. They lost two fumbles and threw two interceptions and were unable to overcome these mistakes.
Although Springfield had two interceptions themselves, the defense only accounted for six tackles for a loss and were unable to sack MIT’s Goyal on any of his 23 passing attempts.
This loss sent the Pride to 7-3 overall and 5-2 in the conference. With this win and a loss by Merchant Marine, MIT sits alone at the top of the conference with a 6-1 record and claimed the NEWMAC title.
After going undefeated last year in the regular season, the Pride took a step back but nonetheless had a great season. They fought through injuries the whole year and had to consistently make adjustments on both sides of the ball.
As a running back, Hunter Belzo did a remarkable job under center for a significant portion of the season and was able to keep this offense moving.
The Pride have the possibility of playing in a bowl game if they get invited to a New England Bowl or an ECAC Bowl on Monday, so this group may have the opportunity to play together one final time this season.
Featured photo courtesy of Helen Lucas