Football | 11/8/2025 5:39:00 PM
Alfred, NY - The Alfred State football team notched a triumphant win over the Alfred University Saxons 35-28. The Alfred Cup victory moves the Pioneers to 5-4 overall.
Head Coach
Scott Linn praised his team's effort after the win: "I am proud of how our guys competed today to come away with the victory. This was a big win for our program and it was great to have so many of our alums back on campus to be a part of it."
Justin Horvath led the way for the Pioneers, completing 12 of 18 passes for 149 yards and three touchdowns. Matthew Mancuso hauled in four receptions for 79 yards and two scores, while Noah Currier proved to be an all-around threat, tallying three total touchdowns, including a 97-yard kickoff return.
The first quarter was a defensive battle, as both sides remained scoreless heading into the second.
In the second quarter, the Saxons struck first with a field goal in the opening two minutes. The Pioneers quickly responded when Currier returned the ensuing kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. The Saxons answered with a touchdown of their own, but Alfred State reclaimed the lead on the next drive when Currier powered up the middle for a rushing score, making it 14-10. Both Alfred teams continued trading points, but the Pioneers closed the half with a 21-13 advantage after Horvath connected with Mancuso on a 25-yard strike into the end zone.
Coming out of halftime, Alfred University found the end zone to cut into the deficit. Late in the third quarter, Horvath handed off to Currier, who punched in a two-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 27-21.
In the fourth quarter, the Saxons took a one-point lead with another touchdown. Following an interception by Marcus Roney, Alfred State began their drive on the AU 30-yard line. Horvath capitalized on the turnover, hitting Mancuso deep right, who ran the final 10 yards into the end zone to put the Pioneers ahead 33-28. The Pioneers then converted on a two-point conversion.
The Alfred State defense held firm in the closing minutes to secure the victory and the Alfred Cup 35-28.
The Pioneers will travel to Rochester, NY, on Saturday, November 15, to face St. John Fisher University. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.