Erik Washburn hands off to Bryan Waruhiu on Friday night. (Photo courtesy of Westfield State University Sports)
WESTFIELD – Western New England University junior defensive back Obi Etuka set a school record with four interceptions to spark a strong defensive effort as Western New England retained the Presidents’ Trophy with a convincing 31-0 victory over Pioneer Valley non-conference rival Westfield State Friday.
The Golden Bears grabbed a 14-0 lead in the first quarter on touchdown runs from Justin Townsend and Nick Connell, then extended the lead to 21-0 on a 14-yard rush from Dante Aiken just 40 seconds into the second quarter.
Kevin Patterson kicked a 35 yard field goal for the Bears to cap the first half with a 24-0 lead.
On the day Western New England ran the ball 64 times for 310 yards and ran a total of 85 offensive plays.
The Golden Bears allowed the Owls’ just 182 total yards and 9 first downs. Etuka’s four picks were one short of a NCAA Division III record, plus he had five tackles and two pass breakups.
Nick Connell paced the WNE offense with 87 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown.
Westfield State was led by senior wide receiver Colin Smith who caught the ball seven times for 64 yards. Bryan Waruhiu ran the ball 13 times for 60 yards. Erik Washburn completed 15 of 34 passes for 126 yards but threw six interceptions.
Sophomore linebacker John Ollari had 13 tackles for the Owls and forced a fumble and recovered another. Westfield State falls to 1-1 with the loss. The Owls will host MASCAC foe UMass Dartmouth pn Saturday, Septemeber 19 at 1:00 p.m. as part of Parents weekend.
Western New England (2-0) will host Union (NY) College at 1:00 p.m. in a non-conference game.
