FITCHBURG, Mass. - The New England College football team played their first road game of the season on Saturday, traveling to Fitchburg State for a non-conference matchup against the Falcons. 

The NEC defense forced a Falcons punt on their first drive of the game, but from that point on it was all Fitchburg State. They scored touchdowns on their next three drives to jump out to a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter. By halftime, the Falcons lead had grown to 41-0.  

The Pilgrims struggled with turnovers on the afternoon, finally forcing one of their own on a Fitchburg State fumbled punt which was recovered by junior Aidan McDonald (Salem, N.H.). On NEC's next offensive play, an interception sent the ball right back to the Falcons. The chain of turnovers continued just three plays later as freshman Nick Riker (Steep Falls, Maine) forced and recovered a fumble by an FSU ball carrier.  

The following drive by the 'Grims saw their offense move the ball into the red zone for their best scoring chance of the day. But a Fitchburg State strip sack put an end to the offensive opportunity and led to a long 17 play drive for the Falcons that ended in a turnover on downs. NEC would run a few more plays before the clock hit triple zeroes with a final score of 48-0. 

The NEC defense totaled two sacks as both sophomore Erik Menger (Stratham, N.H.) and sophomore Ethan Cenesca (Manchester, N.H.) both got to the quarterback in the backfield. The team combined for seven tackles-for-losses. 

NEC turns their attention to conference play as they begin Conference of New England (CNE) action next Saturday as they visit Nichols College for a 1:00 PM matchup. 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.