Photo Credit: AIC Athletics

Coming into this week for AIC, we knew this team was ready for anything and excited to play a game.

They got their first test against FCS foe Central Conneticut State this afternoon. While the final score was 34-7 that does not tell the story of this one. There were some things to take away including a nice quote from leading rusher ( of running backs ) Bo Catherwood who made his AIC debut today. On 12 carries he finished with 48 yards from scrimmage.

Bo said of the day on his debut and on what is to come for him and this team:

“It’s a blessing to be back in action for AIC. Felt good to get my feet wet and display what we’ve been working hard toward everyday. Extremely impressed with the bigs up front on both sides of the ball. The trench work really is what kept us in it til the buzzer, but the defense had some key takeaways where we just have to capitalize as an offense. Coach Chipka emphasized all the positives we can take with us from today. It’s another opportunity to learn from our mistakes and nurture what’s been working for us thus far. I’m eager to get back to work and grow with this group as we face some tough conference opponents.”

Expanding on what Bo said, credit the AIC offensive line. While CCSU notched five sacks, three of those came in the first quarter and one of the other ones was coverage driven. The offensive line for the run game opened up holes and gave chances for Bo, Connor Dietz, and others. The line adjusted as the game went on to the delayed blitzes of the Blue Devils and kept the team in it on offense.

On defense, the team had to adjust to the play action offense the Blue Devils ran to success as they used that skill as part of scoring 31 unanswered to win the game. The front line of AIC held as best as they could though, and the battle up front was closer than many may have expected. Jakai Stith notched his first career sack and shared the tackles lead with Mikai Gamble. The nine tackles for Gamble was an impressive way to make his college football debut for the Brooklyn native.

On special teams, Tra’Vion Singleton notched the first points of the year for AIC, recovering a muffed punt in the CCSU endzone for a touchdown.

What comes next

AIC has one week to prepare for an Assumption team at home. The Greyhounds had their playoff hopes dashed by a win under the lights of Abdow last November, and will be hungry to earn a non conference win after losing 51-14 to Kutztown. The Yellow Jackets have a week to work on getting more consistent on snaps, limiting pre snap penalties, and getting used to facing a Greyhounds team that is fast enough to March them, with their improvements. Both teams have a lot to learn after week one, and both will want to earn their first win of the season next week at Abdow Field.

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