FOOTBALL

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Brian Jones carried the ball 17 times for 126 yards and two touchdowns to lead Utica past Norwich, 30-6, in an Empire 8 football game played Saturday at Sabine Field. The Pioneers (3-6, 1-4 Empire 8) built a 17-0 first half lead and never trailed en route to the conference victory.

Prior to the game, Norwich honored its 11 seniors, in a Senior Day ceremony that took place prior to kickoff.

The Cadets (2-7, 0-5 Empire 8) scored their only points on a 55-yard fumble return late in the third quarter.

Utica opened a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter when Pioneer quarterback Greg Pinelli hooked up with Jim Pincher on a 10-yard touchdown pass.

Following a 29-yard field goal by Casey McNulty, Alex Conlon threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to James Proniewych to make it 17-0 Utica at the half.

Norwich broke through with its touchdown late in the third quarter when Tony Giannone sacked Conlon and forced a fumble. Reza Afsarmanesh recovered the fumble and lateralled it to David Kelly, who rumbled 55 yards to pay dirt.

Jones added a pair of fourth quarter touchdown runs, including a 71-yard scamper, to account for the final margin.

Afsarmanesh and Brendan Recchia tied for the Norwich team lead in tackles with nine stops apiece.

Darnell Jackson led the NU offense with 74 yards on 20 carries. Andy Holz went the distance at quarterback for the Cadets, completing 14-of-34 passes for 80 yards.

Norwich returns to action next Saturday, Nov. 10, when the Cadets close out their 2007 campaign at Springfield. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m.