HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College football program gave their fans their first-ever look at the nascent program on a football field as they hosted their first-ever intrasquad blue-white scrimmage on Sunday afternoon at the John Stark Regional High School Football Field in Weare, New Hampshire, cheered on by fans, family members and members of the NEC campus community.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The first competitive play by Pilgrims' football players in 51 years came on a rushing play when sophomore running back Aidan McDonald (Salem, N.H.), playing for the white team, took the handoff and rushed outside to the left for a short gain before being tackled by freshman defensive back Jasiah Sales (Keene, N.H.), playing for the blue team. The crowd applauded as the play was announced over the public address system.
- Later in that same drive, sophomore quarterback Icean Taylor (Manchester, N.H.), under center for the white team, took the snap and using his speed to rush it wide left, beating the defense for a 35-yard touchdown. It was the first scoring play the 'Grims had seen since the program's revival.
- Later in the first half with the white team again starting at the blue 35, it would be running back Dontrell White (Weare, N.H.) busting out for a long touchdown, demonstrating the potential play-making ability of the 'Grims' skill position players.
- Later, playing without lineman on either side of the ball, freshman quarterback Jackson Lombardo (Medford, Mass.) found freshman wide receiver Lago Conrado (Methuen, Mass.) on a slant as Conrado beat two defenders for another score.
- Not to be outdone, the blue team, playing as the defense, stuffed the offense behind the line of scrimmage on multiple occasions while deflecting passes on others. Standouts included defensive backs Kaevryel Madison (Concord, N.H.), Ethan Cenesca (Manchester, N.H.) and Jojo Ramos (Manchester, N.H.) and defensive lineman Seb Coppola (Essex, Vt.).
UP NEXT
- NEC will open their pre-varsity schedule on Saturday, September 7th at Plymouth State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. The Pilgrims begin varsity play in the fall of 2025.
