By Dante Iafrate
After years of frustrating postseason eliminations, the Springfield College football team is just one win away from entering the NCAA Division III playoffs with a sense of determination. Its value was proven with a commanding 42-7 victory over Merchant Marine on Saturday, pushing the Pride to a perfect 9-0 overall record and 6-0 in the NEWMAC conference. The Pride are one of the hottest teams in the country, and raising hopes that this year’s squad might finally break through to a deeper playoff run.
Springfield’s success has been powered by Division III’s most potent rushing attack, averaging a staggering 454 yards on the ground per game. With its punishing, clock-controlling style of offense, the Pride have imposed their will week in and week out, rolling up more than 500 total yards per game and outscoring foes by an average of 47-14. Meanwhile, the Springfield defense has held firm, allowing only 87 rushing yards and 169 passing yards per game. Dominating both sides of the ball, Springfield has vaulted to 20th in the latest AFCA Division III Coaches Poll, with the potential to move up as they march into the postseason.
Despite strong regular seasons, Springfield has not been able to continue those efforts into the postseason. Last season, the Pride had their championship dreams cut short with a 21-7 first-round loss to Ithaca. In 2022, they took care of business in the first round with a narrow 17-14 win over Endicott before eventually being knocked out by Ithaca again in round two, 31-20. Even in 2021, Springfield’s postseason was short-lived, with a heartbreaker 26-21 first-round loss to No. 13 Cortland.
But this season, the Pride have shown an edge that may prove to be all the difference. Their relentless ground game has overwhelmed opponents and allowed them to set the pace of each game. Paired with a defense solid against both the run and the pass, Springfield’s more balanced, well-rounded play raised the bar on their postseason potential. While their passing game is minimal, at just 50 yards per game, it has started to come alive in recent games. Quarterback Jacob Silvester has thrown five touchdown passes in his last three games, and their disciplined approach to offense minimizes mistakes. It keeps their defense fresh, a critical factor as they prepare for a potential tournament berth.
There may be some familiar opponents dotting Springfield’s postseason path, with teams like Cortland and Endicott all likely to be part of the tournament field. It is during those games where Springfield can prove just how different things are this season. The mix of experience, consistency and physicality has them well-positioned for a deeper playoff run than in recent years.
With that playoff spot just one game away, the Pride hope to await their tournament bracket placement. Springfield has one regular-season game remaining as they travel to SUNY Maritime this Saturday, Nov. 18. For this year, Springfield looks to enter postseason play with a drive to take off that early playoff exit label and finally put an end to their postseason struggles. Currently, Springfield is set to host a first-round home game, setting the stage for the Pride to show that they’re ready to make history this year.
Photo courtesy of Springfield Athletics.