PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Playing in front of the Homecoming faithful, the Pace University football team pulled out a 39-31 overtime win over Franklin Pierce on Saturday afternoon.
Graduate quarterback
Carlton Aiken (Gibbstown, N.J./Paulsboro) was named Homecoming MVP after racking up all five of the Setters' touchdowns. He finished 22-of-42 from the pocket for 280 yards and four touchdowns, while also tallying a rushing score with 25 more yards on the ground.
Aiken's 25-yard connection with senior
Brian Dolan (Sparta, N.J./Pope John XXIII) in the second possession of overtime served as the game-winner. Aiken also tossed a touchdown to
Cerrome Hill (Lumberton, N.J./Rancocas Valley Regional) during the first OT session, tying Franklin Pierce at 31-31.
Senior
Danny Taylor (Burlington, Conn./Xavier) broke out as Aiken's top target against the Ravens. The Connecticut native piled up nine catches for 124 yards and a pair of touchdowns—the first two of his career.
Brandon Sobotker (West Babylon, N.Y./North Babylon) also put together a career day on the ground. The senior back led the Setters with 94 rushing yards on 20 carries.
Defensively, seniors
Dustin Huseinovic (Harrison, N.J./Harrison) and
Nasier Givens (Newark, N.J./Orange) were huge factors for Pace. Huseinovic tallied a team-high 11 tackles, while Givens finished with a pair of crucial sacks.
The Setters also forced a pair of turnovers in the form of interceptions by seniors
Michael DiIorio (Norwalk, Conn./St. Joseph) and
Brandon Holt (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield). Holt added a pass break-up and six solo tackles as well.
Special teams wise,
Ben Franchino (Lyndhurst, N.J./Lyndhurst) made five crucial kicks. He was a perfect 4-for-4 in PAT attempts, while also knocking in a 29-yard field goal to tie the game up at 24-24 in regulation.
Up Next
The Setters hit the road next Saturday to face Saint Anselm College at 2 p.m.
