Box Score

WAYNE, N.J. (OCTOBER 21, 2006) – An early 17-0 lead, and a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown by junior Stephon Anderson (Hoboken, N.J./Hoboken), helped give William Paterson (1-6, 1-3 NJAC) its first victory of the year, a 27-20 triumph against Buffalo State (1-6, 0-5 NJAC) Oct. 21 at WPU's Wightman Stadium.

The Pioneers were clinging to a 17-14 lead in the fourth quarter and the Bengals were threatening with a third-and-goal play from the WPU five-yard line. But, Anderson stepped up and picked off a Dan Aquilio pass one yard deep in the end zone, racing the length of the field to find paydirt while also establishing a new school record with his 100-yard return (99, Paul Kergides, vs. Kean, Sept. 30, 2000). Junior Ricky Krautman's (Wyckoff, N.J./Ramapo) extra point gave the Pioneers a more-comfortable 24-14 lead with 9:10 to play in the game.

Buffalo State's next possession resulted in a punt, but junior Kareen Moon (Staten Island, N.Y./Susan B. Wagner) could not handle the kick and the Bengals recovered the ball at the Pioneers' 30-yard line. Five plays later, Aquilio scored from one yard out, but the extra-point attempt failed, making it a 24-20 contest with 5:35 on the clock.

A 44-yard completion from freshman quarterback Bryan Petite (Center Reach, N.Y./Newfield) to Moon helped set-up a 38-yard field goal by Krautman, giving WPU a seven-point lead (27-20, 1:54). Senior Dan Casasnovas (Belleville, N.J./Passaic Valley) ended Buffalo State's last hope when he hauled in his second interception of the season with 1:15 remaining.

After staging comeback bids the last two weeks, the Pioneers built an early 17-0 lead against Buffalo State. On the first play of the game, senior David Packard (Howell, N.J./Howell) fielded a short kickoff and rumbled 73 yards for a touchdown. The Pioneers also scored at the conclusion of their first offensive possession, as freshman Kieron Gardiner (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield) crossed the goal line on a three-yard carry, making it a 14-0 score with 9:41 to play in the first quarter.

Krautman tacked on a 20-yard field goal early in the second quarter to make the score 17-0 (10:09). The Bengals cut that lead by a touchdown, scoring their only points of the first half on a one-yard run by Bob Vesona at the 6:03 mark.

Petite completed nine of 18 passes for 137 yards in his second career start. Sophomore Mike Vicci's (Clark, N.J./Arthur L. Johnson) carried 19 times for 66 yards, while Gardiner had 37 yards and a touchdown on 11 rushes. Moon caught three passes for 93 yards, and Malone had three catches for 27 yards.

The William Paterson defense was again stellar, compiling three interceptions, three sacks, seven tackles-for-loss and 10 passes defended. Freshman Jared Burke (Egg Harbor Twp., N.J./ Egg Harbor Twp.) led the Pioneers with seven tackles (all solo), while seniors Kyle Harkins (Milltown, N.J./Spotswood) and Shadee Davis (New Brunswick, N.J./New Brunswick) each collected six tackles, including a sack and two tackles-for-loss each. Anderson added two interceptions to his five solo tackles and four passes defended.

The Pioneers will next play at Kean Saturday, Oct. 28, at 1:00 p.m.