SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts- The American International College football team returned to action against Pace University on Saturday, September 17. A first quarter field goal by the Yellow Jackets proved to be enough, as they notched their first win of the season.


The strong Yellow Jacket defense forced a three-and-out on the Setters' first possession. The Yellow Jacket offense started its first offensive drive on the team's own 42. Nine plays later, Christopher Boetler found himself lining up for a 21-yard field goal. The kick went through the uprights and put the game's only points on the board.


The ball was on the Yellow Jackets' 20 when the Setters sent out their field goal unit to try and tie the game. Cyriacus Ibezim rushed from the left side of the line and blocked the kick, and the Yellow Jackets gained possession by the turnover on downs.


The Yellow Jacket defense held the Setters to 10 possessions of four plays or less in the game. Omari Manhertz led the team in sacks with two and a half for a total loss of six yards. Jerrod Shelby recorded six solo tackles and assisted on eight, to lead the team with 14 total tackles.


Devonte Dillon had an interception which he returned for 26 yards, while Cyriacus Ibezim also caught one from the Setter quarterback. Joseph Czelusniak threw for 120 yards on 14-23 passing with one interception. Kwame Jarvis went 8-12 with 61 yards in the air. Willie Brown IV netted 82 yards on the ground in 18 runs with a long of 27 yards. Ju'an Williams had six receptions for 75 yards.