Union, N.J. (9/11/21) – Utica College used a second half surge to push past the Kean University football team by the final of 27-7 on Saturday afternoon in non-conference action.

Quarterback Sonny Badyna was 15-of-28 for 173 yards and two touchdowns in the air and added a third touchdown with a nine yard scramble on the ground for the Pioneers who improve to 2-0 on the young season.

Utica jumped on the board first as Nate Palmer broke through the right side for a 62 yard dash and a quick 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Kean (0-2) answered later in the same period as Antonio Scott lofted a 26 yard pass to Jake Zerillo to knot the game at seven-all.

The score would remain that way through intermission.

On their second possession of the second half, the Pioneers turned a fourth and five on the Kean 35 into what would be the game-winning touchdown as Badyna found Matt Brantley and a 14-7 lead.

Utica added insurance with seven minutes to go in the fourth quarter, taking advantage of good field position as Joey Nare registered a 37 yard punt return, setting up the Pioneers in the redzone.  Two plays later, Badyna took the ball himself for a nine-yard dash and a 21-7 advantage.

Elijah Parker scored the game's final points as Utica was set up with excellent field position again, taking advantage of a Cougar fumble deep into their own territory.  Badyna found Parker with a 14 yard pass for the final 27-7.

Jimmie Warren led the defense for the Pioneers as he recorded nine tackles, two sacks, and a pass breakup.  For Kean, Tanner Ash led all players with eight tackles on the day and a tackle for a loss.

The Cougars head into the bye week and will then travel to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in two weeks.