The 2006 NEC season is now completely underway as six teams squared off in league play, while Central Connecticut and Albany concluded their non-conference slate.
Monmouth (4-1, 0-1 NEC) opened the first four games this campaign unbeaten, while Stony Brook (1-4, 1-0 NEC) opened winless. Saturday afternoon, the Seawolves stopped the Hawks, 36-17, at West Long Branch. SBU stormed out to a 29-0 halftime lead and did not look back. Seawolf tailback Conte Cuttino rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown.
Like Monmouth, Wagner (4-1, 0-1 NEC) looked to open the season 5-0, but Sacred Heart (2-3, 1-0 NEC) got in the way, dropping the Seahawks, 25-17, at Fairfield. SHU quarterback Tyler Arciaga threw three touchdowns, including two to wideout Corey Bundy.
Robert Morris (3-2, 1-0 NEC) opened NEC play and won its third straight game after starting the season 0-2, knocking off Saint Francis (PA) (1-4, 0-1 NEC), 45-13, at Loretto. RMU signal caller Erik Cwalinski threw three touchdowns in the victory. Despite the loss, Saint Francis quarterback Anthony Doria became the NEC's all-time leading passer and wideouts Luke Palko and Michael Caputo broke the I-AA record for most receptions by a tandem.
Central Connecticut State (4-1, 0-1 NEC) had no trouble rebounding from its defeat to Albany last week, crushing Saint Peter's, 73-13, at Jersey City. CCSU running back Justise Hairston was superb, gaining 182 yards on just 17 carries and scoring three touchdowns. CCSU's 73 points scored marks a school record.
After entering the I-AA national poll scene for the first time in school history last week, No. 23 Albany (3-2, 1-0 NEC) fell, 23-21, to Ivy League foe Cornell at Ithaca, NY. Down 21-20 midway through the fourth quarter, Cornell faked a punt on fourth-and-five and picked up a first down on a run by Michael Boyd. The Big Red continued the drive and converted the eventual game-winning field goal.