MANCHESTER, NH (Oct. 6) --- After grabbing their first win of the season last weekend against Assumption, the Saint Anselm College football team is looking to build on that momentum. The Hawks are hoping to capitalize and make it two straight when they host a 1-4 Pace University squad Saturday afternoon at Grappone Stadium. Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m.

Head Coach Geoff Harlan knows his Hawks have played better of late. After two season opening losses in which the Hawks timing and confidence were issues, the Hawks last two games have shown improvement both in execution as well as confidence.

"We're executing our base offense and defense at a higher level than we did at the start of the season," said Harlan. "Our special teams made some big plays as well last week which was very helpful in earning that first victory."

Saint Anselm has plenty of motivation on their side. Besides looking to distance themselves from their 0-3 start, the Hawks are also looking for payback after last year's 34-15 loss in Pleasantville, NY, a game Saint Anselm led 15-14 at half time only to give up two big plays in the second half, allowing the Setters to win the game.

Further, the Hawks played three of their first four games on the road but now begin a stretch of three out of the next four at home.

The visiting Setters are looking to build some consistency as they enter today 1-4 overall and 1-2 in EFC play. Pace has dropped three straight including losses to Bryant, St. Peter's and Southern Connecticut State last weekend, 28-21.

The Pace offense is a Wing-T, accounting for a 250 yards per game average. Jamie Reed is the quarterback and is hitting on 56-113 for 665 yards and five touchdowns against four INT's.

Harlan said that the Hawks defense must prepare differently for the Pace style of offense, but having seen it during his days at Villanova and in last year's game in New York, he expects his Hawks to be prepared.

"Defending the Wing-T offense is always challenging because of the misdirection of motion that occurs on nearly every play," said Harlan. "Defensively, we must remain very disciplined and carry out our responsibilities each and every play.

"We must control the clock and keep possession of the ball as Pace scored after each of our turnovers in last year's meeting, " Harlan said.

Pace is averaging just 16.0 ppg, but owns the fourth best scoring defense, allowing just 20.8 ppg. As part of that, the Setters pass defense is second in the league at 138 yards per game and third in rushing defense. The team is third in total defense.

That defense is led by Shawn Boyhan, who's 35 tackles list him 10th in the EFC this week. Ryan Kiely has added 34 putting him in the top 20. Robert Feehan has added 30. Shaun Johnson has grabbed two interceptions.

Reed's top targets have been Tom Chisholm, who has 27 catches (eighth in the league) for 272 yards and Larry Piediscalzo, who has added 11 catches for 181 yards but four of those are for touchdowns.

On the ground, Frank Cirminello has rushed for 242 yards on 64 carries (14.4 ypg) with two scores, while Piediscalzo has added 215 yards on 44 rushes for 53.8 yards per game.

"Each week, Jamie Reed has been making better decisions in executing their offense," said Harlan. "Larry Piediscalzo is one of the top backs in the league and he'll have to be contained if we are to win. Tom Chisholm also has some big catches this season and is a true talent."

Saint Anselm, meanwhile, saw marked improvement defensively last week. The bottom line of allowing no big plays was complimented by a secondary that picked off four Assumption passes.

Further, there was a marked improvement on the ground for the Hawks. While Saint Anselm held their ground offensively, putting up over 250 yards, the most important aspect of the victory, was that the Hawks running game, which struggled over their first three games, found its rhythm and combined for 178 yards on the ground.

Jon Turner led that attack with 58 yards on 16 carries, while Javius Broxton added 5-44 and Kevin Ridgely was 7-33. Turner also scored on a one yard run.

"Our offensive line put together a solid blocking effort (last week) and we rushed our backs throughout the game to keep fresh legs on the field," said Harlan. "(Our quarterback) Kieth (Comeau) effectively scrambled away from blitzes which also helped our net rushing."

Overall, Saint Anselm has been paced by the offensive play of Farragher, who sports a team best 463 (fifth in the league) all purpose yards as a wide receiver and punt returner. Farragher has been the top wide out with 17 catches for 147 yards and three scores.

Travis Pelletier has added 10 catches for 116 yards and two TD's, while tight end Aaron Dufour has added nine grabs for 109 yards and touchdown.
Keith Comeau is 70-128 for 582 yards and six touchdown passes.

Defensively, Saint Anselm is led by Lance Flagg with 30 tackles (17th in the league), six tackles for losses (ninth in the league) and three sacks. Shaun St. Onge has added 28 tackles, Justin Peledge 27 and both Matt Savino and Zak Lord have 22 each.

"We need to play another complete game," said Harlan. "And we need to see even more improvement from our offense, defense and special teams.

"Both teams will be fighting to get their second win and work themselves back into the conference race," he said. "There's motivation enough."