Reading, Pa. (Sept. 16, 2023) - Widener University (3-0) jumped out to a 14-0 lead after two and a half minutes of action and rolled to a 57-7 win over Alvernia University (0-3) on Saturday afternoon in MAC football action at Alvernia.

After the Pride returned the opening kickoff for 42 yards, they set the tone for the day on their first offensive play of the game. Sitting on the 50 yard line, Widener quarterback Chase Diehl hit Isaac Hostetter for a 50 yard connection to put the Pride on the board, 7-0.

Alvernia had a third and short on its next drive, but back-to-back penalties and a sack pushed Alvernia back to a 4th and 23 on its own 17. Alvernia lined up to punt, but the Widener gunner went at Alvernia punter Hunter Bojanic untouched and blocked the punt for a Pride touchdown to give them a 14-0 lead with 12:26 remaining in the first quarter.

Alvernia had an opportunity to start its next offensive drive in solid territory after the punt was muffed, but Alvernia could not stick the recovery.

On Alvernia's next offensive drive, Alvernia worked its way 80 yards down the field on four pass completions by Colin Payne and and rushes by Ryan Matyas and Dohnavin Layborn-Boddie, Facing a 3rd and 10, Alvernia opted to go for it, but the attempt was no good.

Alvernia got the ball right back after Widener's next play was picked off by Alvernia's Khysir Young.

Alvernia had excelled field position, but turned the ball back over on an interception five plays later.

The Golden Wolves secondary kept up the pressure though, and Taron Gale grabbed an interception of his own with 31 seconds to play in the quarter.

Alvernia took over on the Widener 48 and worked its way down to the Widener 29 as the opening quarter came to a close. Payne opened the second quarter with a 10 yard pass to Joseph Perkins to the Widneer 7, and then connected with Dachan Thompson for a seven yard touchdown pass to get Alvernia on the board. 

But, that would be the last time Alvernia scored. Alvernia punted the ball away or had a turnover on downs on the next 10 Alvernia drives.

Widener led 31-7 at the half and scored 26 unanswered in the second half for the 57-7 win.

Payne finished with 87 yards passing on 11 completions (24 attempts). Ozmere Jones led all Alvernia runners with 47 yards on 13 carries. Thompson finished with 57 yards,

Alvernia is back in action on Saturday at Misericordia.