Rensselaer 35, WPI 21

Box Score

Troy, NY --- The WPI football team was able to rally from an early 14-0 hole but could not overcome a 21-point deficit later in the game as they fell 35-21 to host Rensselaer in Liberty League football action on Saturday afternoon.  WPI is now 3-1 on the year and 0-1 in conference play while RPI improves to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the Liberty League.

With the victory, RPI claims the Transit Trophy for the 12th straight year and 20th time in 29 games. 

The visiting Engineers received 1-yard touchdown runs from Aaron Champagne (Fairfield, ME) late in the first quarter and Justin Wells (Jay, ME) early in the second stanza to knot the game at 14-14.  RPI answered back with a pair of scores in the final three minutes before halftime. 

The two teams traded third period scores with Wells scoring on a five-yard keeper to account for the final points of the day.  For the game, Wells completed 21-of-38 passes for 254 yards. Both WPI starting wide receivers had outstanding days as R.C. Grady (Shirley, MA) hauled in nine balls for 129 yards and Cody McGregor (Westfield, MA) tallied eight catches for 102 yards.  

WPI linebacker Michael Oliveri (Milford, MA) anchored the defensive effort with 11 tackles while Andrew Sides (Acton, MA) chipped with eight tackles, including six solo stops. 

RPI preseason All-American quarterback Jimmy Robertson (Yonkers, NY) had a strong day.  He completed 27-of-33 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns.  

WPI turns its attention to Union, who it will host next Saturday at 1pm as part of homecoming weekend.  RPI hits the road next weekend, heading to Rochester for a noontime start.