American International College

WALTHAM, Massachusetts - The American International College football team could not hold a fourth quarter lead, falling 27-17 to Northeast 10 Conference rival Bentley University on Saturday, November 7.

AIC is now 4-6 overall and 2-4 in the NE10.

AIC had a chance to strike first after Bentley fumbled deep in its own territory, but a touchdown was nullified by a pass interference penalty, and ultimately a field goal attempt went off-target. However, the defense forced a three-and-out and the offense was given a new chance. This time, things worked out, with Bo Catherwood dashing off a 25-yard run to open the drive with a bang, and Eric Neal Jr. had back-to-back catches, the last one for 32 yards to get within two yards of scoring. Catherwood did the rest, and Luke Sheets hit the PAT.

On the ensuing Bentley drive, the Yellow Jackets defense did the job once again, forcing another three and out. The punt attempt was a disaster for Bentley, as the snap went over the punter and out the back of the end zone for a safety. 

AIC nearly turned that two into eight, but this time it was the Falcons defense coming up big, with a near-goal-line interception to bring a sudden stop to AIC's drive at the Bentley four. The Falcons then drove down the field, pushing near to AIC's red zone, but were halted and turned the ball over on downs early in the second frame.

Another muffed snap on a punt led to the next scoring, but this time it was AIC on the wrong end, as the Falcons recovered the mistake at AIC's 14, and needed just two plays for a touchdown. The 9-7 score held up through the end of the half.

Bentley began with the ball, and AIC forced a three-and-out, but special teams woes hit again as AIC mishandled the punt, and Bentley recovered for new life at AIC's 43. They used the renewed drive to score seven on seven plays and take the lead.

Two drives later, AIC roared back. Hardley Gilmore made his biggest play of the day, hauling in a 53-yard catch into Bentley territory, and Christopher Washington did the rest, with back-to-back catches, the latter for a touchdown. After three, AIC held a 17-14 lead.

Late in the final frame, Bentley took the lead for good, driving 65 yards and pounding a rush in from the one with 3:45 to go. AIC's subsequent drive lasted three plays as an interception turned the ball over, and the Falcons broke a 35-yard touchdown run for the 27-17 margin.

Catherwood led AIC's rushing with 63 yards, while Gilmore had four catches for 85 yards; Washington netted five for 64 and Neal Jr. hauled in four for 50.

Mikai Gamble, Benjamin Antoine, and Joshua Isaacs each made eight tackles to co-lead the defense; all of Antoines were solo. Shamar Pink had 1.5 tackles for loss.

AIC returns home Saturday, November 14 for the team's Senior Day and season finale against Southern Connecticut State University. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.