Injury-Afflicted MIT Football Team Blown Out by Western N.E.
The MIT Engineers arrived in Springfield this past weekend looking to spoil Western New England College’s homecoming, but the Golden Bears proved to be too much for Tech. The stands were filled to watch the Golden Bears defeat the Cardinal and Grey 59-21.
The game began with an inauspicious start for the Engineers, as WNEC was able to return the opening kickoff for a touchdown. The Engineers were unable to rebound, as they turned the ball over on downs for the following possession. WNEC extended their lead on the final score of the quarter with a 38-yard field goal with 9:28 left.
The second quarter was a one-sided battle, as the Golden Bears’ won 28-7 on 3 rushes and one kick return for a touchdown. The Engineers were able to get onto the board, however, with a 79 yard run by Captain All-American DeRon M. Brown ’10.
Brown added his second touchdown of the day with 9:58 left in the 3rd quarter to cut the Golden Bears’ lead to 38-14, but two more scores by the home team left the score at 52-14. Stephen L. Yablonski ’11 gave MIT its final score of the day with a 3-yard rush, followed by another Golden Bears touchdown on the ensuing possession, the final of the day.
Injuries to the Engineers played a role in the one-sided victory: wide receiver Michael P. Fitzgerald ‘10 was sidelined with a concussion from last week’s game, center Joshua P. Steimel ’12 tore his MCL in practice, defensive back Aaron M. Fittery ‘13 left the game in the first quarter with concussion-like symptoms, and Captain Alexander F. Rubino ’10 left the game in the 3rd quarter after pulling his hamstring on an interception return.
“We aren’t going to blame any game on injuries,” said Brian H. Mickle ‘10. “While having some of those guys in the lineup would have helped, it’s part of football; we need to be ready. It’s just like coaches always say: we are only as strong as our number twos.”
The loss was a setback for MIT, who is now 1-2 in NEFC Boyd Division play.
According to Jordan N. Meenan ’10, “the rest of the season will be a definite test of character. We will see how much determination and resolve we have to come back from two straight losses.”
The Engineers play the Salve Regina University Seahawks Saturday at 1 p.m. for Senior Day, the last home game of the season.