Unlike the previous match, where offense was the name of the game, this was a defensive struggle from the beginning. During this past weeks practice, the club worked hard at improving its defense and its rucking skills following their opening win against Southern Vermont  College. All this hard work was rewarded five minutes into the match when after several successful rucks, Jonathan "J.J." Kolis opened the scoring with a hard run down the right sideline and into the end zone for a quick 5-0 lead.

 

Minutes later, however, Champlain scored to take a 7-5 lead. But before the half ended, forward Ben Alibozek ran in his second try of the season to put the Trailblazers back in the lead 12-5 after Walt Pecor's successful conversion.  

 

The Trailblazers controlled the first 20 minutes of the second half, with Justin Pelczynski and then Kolis scoring. Pecor hit both conversions and the Trailblazers led 26-14. Champlain launched a furious comeback attempt to cut the lead to 26-19 and then 26-24, but MCLA's defense preserved the lead. 

 

All of the MCLA scoring was done by the club's local rookies. Alibozek, Kolis and Pelczynski were members of the Hoosac Valley Football Super Bowl team several years ago and Pecor is a former Drury High School soccer player.

 

The club is now at home for the remainder of the spring season. All matches will be played at the Zavatarro Athletic Complex and start at 1 p.m.

 

Remaining matches: