ONEONTA, N.Y. - The Hartwick Football team opened up their season in grand fashion, stifling the Mariners of Maine Maritime Academy as Head Coach Matt Rogers secured his first career coaching victory.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Maine Maritime 7 Hartwick 56

• Location: Oneonta, N.Y. | Wright Stadium

• Records: Maine Maritime (0-1, 0-0 CNE) Hartwick (1-0, 0-0 Empire 8) 

BY THE NUMBERS 

• The Hawks ran the ball with authority, totaling 281 yards on the ground with Akil Williams (Chester, N.Y.) leading the charge with 118 yards.

• Nicholas Massaregli (Pelham, N.Y.) was a touchdown machine, finding paydirt three times on the ground and one receiving touchdown as well.

• Kyle Trinkle (Monroe, N.Y.) led all receivers with five receptions and 73 yards, Dennis Riordan led the aerial attack with 220 yards.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hartwick Hawks officially kicked off their 2025 campaign after some heavy pregame rain, taking on Maine Maritime after coming away victorious in their previous matchup last fall in Maine.

The first drive of the Matt Rogers era was executed with perfection as a balanced attack through the air from Dennis Riordan (New City, N.Y.), and the dynamic duo of Williams and Massaregli gaining steam on the ground. The Blue and White would march their way down the field as Massaregli punched it in for six with a four yard rush to start the day.

The defense led by captains Brennan McNeilly (Lindenhurst, N.Y.) and Benjamin Kirkland (Buffalo, N.Y.) impressed in their first drive as well, forcing a three and out as the Hawks began to gain momentum. The Hawks kept rolling as Massaregli was able to find the end zone again, putting the Hawks up 14 after six minutes of play.

After being held scoreless in the first, Maine Maritime would find their lone score after a 30 yard rush from Auston Harris to put the Mariners on the board. Coach Rogers' team followed suit, displaying their run game as well as Williams willed his way for a 14 yard touchdown, picking up 36 yards on the drive.

John Acompora-Miller (Huntington Station, N.Y.) gave the ball right back to the Hawks, jumping a pass on first down to collect his first career collegiate interception. Riordan worked the no-huddle offense beautifully to end the first half, capping off the drive with a six yard strike to the corner of the end zone to an open Miles Perry (Ilion, N.Y.) to conclude the half 28-7.

With the second half underway, the Hawks still looked to push the pace, getting on the board by way of a 31 yard touchdown reception by Trinkle. As the defense forced yet another stop, the offense capitalized and found the end zone as Massaregli made it three touchdowns on his day with 2 minutes remaining in the third.

The biggest play of the day would come at the opening of the fourth quarter as Riordan was able to find Massaregli in the flat and he was able to turn on the burners for a 52 yard score. THe Hawks kept rolling as the Mariners' first play would be blown up by Malik Holder (Coram, N.Y.) for a loss of six yards.

Eli Brown-Kendrick (Endicott, N.Y.) capped off the scoring for the Hawks with a rush up the middle to cap off the stellar day for the Hawks.

COMMENTS FROM HEAD COACH MATT ROGERS

"I loved how our guys came right out of the gate, ready to compete. We played a four quarter game, and I thought our guys responded well. It was a great way to start and we are ready to move forward and start prep for Buffalo State."

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

The Hawks will head to Buffalo State for a 12PM matchup against the Bengals on Saturday, September 13th.

About Hartwick College:

Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.