Football | 11/14/2026 6:24:00 PM
UTICA, NY - Despite not having a title up for grabs at Gaetano Stadium during today's Senior Day showdown for the No. 21-ranked Utica Pioneers, the hosts displayed a championship-level defensive performance, as they held a high-powered Brockport offense to just nine points, taking a 14-9 win and clinching the program's second ever appearance in the NCAA Division III Football Tournament.
The Pioneers finished the regular season with a spectacular 9-1 record and a 6-1 mark in Empire 8 play, finishing second in the conference. Brockport fell to 7-3 and 5-2 in Empire 8 play, falling just short of an NCAA Tournament appearance.
The orange and blue blockade was devastating during the afternoon, becoming the first team this season to hold Brockport to single-digit scoring. One week after allowing just 53 passing yards to Hartwick, the Pioneers were even more staunch, holding Brockport to only 39 yards through the air. Utica tallied four sacks, eight tackles for loss, six quarterback hurries, and four turnovers generated.
Brockport got on the board first, converting a big opening kickoff into a 37-yard field goal. However, the Pioneers responded in a big way during the remainder of the opening quarter, as two
Tyler Szalkowski passing touchdowns gave the hosts a 14-3 lead heading into the second frame. After that, despite alternating turnovers, there would only be one more score throughout the entire rest of the game, as Brockport struck early in the fourth to bring the game to its final tally of 14-9.
Saturday Spotlight: The Pioneer defense was nearly spotless on Saturday afternoon, as Brockport's only two scores came off drives that started deep in Utica territory. The Route 12 roadblock held Brockport to 159 total yards, 39 of which was passing. They were also stellar in clutch situations, holding Brockport to 4-of-14 on third down and 1-of-3 on fourth down, with each fourth-down stop being a major momentum-changer.
Austin DeGroat had a monster day up front, becoming a game-breaker as he tied for the team-high in tackles with six, while grabbing 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss along with one breakup and one quarterback hurry. DeGroat routinely found himself in the backfield, as the sophomore led a defensive line that was unbreakable in the fourth quarter.
Luke Sheldon was also spectacular on a day that saw him be honored as one of the team's many seniors, as he continued his recent run of dominance, grabbing six tackles, four solo takedowns, a sack, two tackles for loss, a quarterback hurry, and a forced fumble.
Sheldon was joined in the middle by
Andrew Lake, who stuffed the stat sheet with six tackles, all of which were solo, in addition one tackle for loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, an interception, and a pass breakup.
In the secondary,
Tahjir Fernand gathered the team's other interception, halting a Brockport drive right before halftime as he drew level with
Nathan Hernandez on the season. Both players now sit one pick away from the team's single-season interception record.
Offensive Highlights: The Pioneers put together a balanced performance on the offensive side of the ball, generating 320 yards of total offense, including 217 yards through the air and 103 yards on the ground.
Szalkowski had a strong performance, completing 22 passes for 217 yards and two scores as he helped the team possess the ball for over 33 minutes, building on their NCAA Division III Top-10 percentage time per game.
On the ground,
Drevariis Yeomas led the Pioneers' rushing attack, racking up 92 yards at 3.8 yards per rush.
Tyler Hall was also a consistent option, helping the team salt away the clock in the final moments.
Logan Frederick was the Pioneers' top target through the air, hauling in nine catches for 91 yards and a touchdown, while also making Brockport defenders miss tackles left, right, and center.
Tyshawn Taylor hauled in two passes for 52 yards, but both passes were extremely important as the first one helped the Pioneers break the plane for their first touchdown, while the second converted a big third down and iced the game for the hosts.
The Specialists: Logan Hewitt came up with a key punt block, setting up a Pioneer score as he continued to appear in major moments.
The Pioneers now turn their attention to Sunday's NCAA Division III Tournament Selection Show, where they'll await their first postseason placement since 2022. The Pioneers have an excellent shot to host their first-ever home NCAA Tournament Game. Tomorrow's Selection Show takes place at 5:00 PM and can be streamed here:
https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2026-11-08/2026-diii-football-championship-selection-show-info-bracket-schedule