WATERBURY, Conn. – Big plays came from every phase Saturday afternoon as Pace University Football jumped in front early and leaned on a turnover-hungry defense to finish off a 23-15 Northeast 10 (NE10) Conference victory over Post University. Jhamier Howard provided two of the afternoon's defining moments with a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown and a 54-yard rushing score, while the Setters forced six turnovers to keep the Eagles chasing the game. The victory moved Pace to 3-2 overall and 2-0 in conference play.
Howard electrified the afternoon immediately, fielding the opening kickoff at the five-yard line and racing 95 yards to the end zone just 15 seconds into the contest.
The defense quickly followed his lead. Travis Osterhout intercepted Post on its opening possession and returned the ball nine yards into Eagles territory. Marc Malandruccolo capitalized on the takeaway with a 36-yard field goal, extending the advantage to 9-0 midway through the first quarter.
Post cut the margin to 9-7 early in the second, but Howard needed only one play to restore the Setters' two-possession advantage. Taking over at the Pace 46-yard line, Howard broke loose for a 54-yard touchdown run to make it 16-7.
Another defensive takeaway helped Pace add to its lead before halftime. Ali Seidou intercepted a pass at the Setters' 16-yard line, and the offense responded with an eight-play, 84-yard march. Tray Mauney connected with Gary Wilkins for 33 yards during the drive before keeping the ball for a nine-yard touchdown with 43 seconds remaining, sending Pace into the break ahead 23-7.
The Setters' defense continued to create problems after halftime. Sven Chuppa and Suliman Pitts each recorded third-quarter interceptions as four different Pace defenders picked off a pass during the afternoon.
Post pulled within 23-15 early in the fourth quarter, but Pace did not allow another point. Philip Barr delivered a six-yard sack and forced a fumble with just over seven minutes remaining, which Andy Bailon recovered to end a Post drive at the Pace 31-yard line. The Eagles' final possession ended on downs with 1:04 remaining, allowing the Setters to run out the clock.
Howard finished with 90 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries while totaling 123 yards on two kickoff returns. Ethan Lopez added 63 yards on 13 carries, while Mauney contributed 39 rushing yards and a score. Pace totaled 175 yards on the ground.
Nathen Choute led the defensive effort with 13 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Osterhout added seven tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, an interception and a forced fumble. The Setters finished with four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and three sacks while limiting Post to just 53 rushing yards.
Following a bye week, the Setters return home Saturday, Oct. 17, to continue NE10 Conference play against American International College at Northwell Stadium.
