WPI 35,  US Merchant Marine Academy 0

Box Score 

Worcester, MA --- Junior defensive back Andrew Sides (Acton, MA) and senior linebacker Dustin Bradway (Glastonbury, CT) each returned interceptions for a touchdown to spark WPI to a 35-0 victory over visiting US Merchant Marine Academy on Saturday evening. With the victory, WPI remains undefeated at 4-0 (1-0 Liberty League) while USMMA dips to 0-4 (0-1).

The shutout was the first in 29 games for the Engineers - dating back to a 35-0 victory over Husson on September 18, 2004. WPI played tenacious defense throughout the game as they held the Mariners to 132 total yards and just four first downs through the first three quarters.

WPI got the scoring started in the first quarter when Sides brought back an interception 46 yards for a touchdown. That would be all the points in the first half as the Crimson and Gray squandered a first and goal from the Mariner one yard line in the closing seconds before intermission.

The Engineers extended their lead in the third quarter when senior George Chyoghly (Boylston, MA) rushed for a pair of one-yard touchdown plunges.


WPI broke the game open in the fourth quarter when Wells flicked a 10-yard touchdown pass to junior tight-end Justin Thomas (Stannard, VT) and again when Bradway returned an interception 47 yards for a score. Senior kicker Derek Pszybysz (North Andover, MA) converted all five extra points attempts on the night.


Leading the way on offense was Chyoghly, who rushed for 77 yards and two scores, and junior quarterback Justin Wells (Jay, ME) who passed for 236 yards and a touchdown in relief of starter Rob Pantalone (Camp Hill, PA). Senior tight end Mike Butler (Athol, MA) also finished the game with five receptions for 115 yards.


Junior linebacker Matt Boudreau (Rensselaer, NY) paced the Engineers with a team-high eight tackles. Freshman defensive lineman Hal Reader (Bel Air, MD) chipped in with three sacks and senior Jim Bellafatto (Braintree, MA) finished with four tackles (two for loss).


For the Mariners, sophomore linebacker Calder Kaatz (Sheridan, MO) finished with a game-high 13 tackles (two for a loss) while Garr Edgington (Fairview, NC) registered eight stops on the night. Offensively, senior wide receiver Preston Morgan (Easley, SC) totaled a team-best 54 receiving yards.

The Crimson and Gray will entertain Hobart at 1pm as part of homecoming festivities that will take place next Saturday. The dedication of the new Alumni Field will occur at halftime. USMMA will also play on Saturday, hosting Union at 1pm.

Story written by WPI Athletics Intern - Steven M. Miller Jr