Records fall as Bengals pick up first win, 82-17

Buffalo State recorded its first win of the season in historic fashion, defeating Western Connecticut State on Saturday by a score of 82-17.

The Bengals, who steamrolled the Colonials 71-3 last season, set multiple team records on Saturday including points scored in a game, offensive yards gained and touchdowns scored in one game.

"Sometimes, you look at the scoreboard and you go, ‘How did that happen? How did we get so many points?'"said head coach Jerry Boyes.

"I'd like to think that we executed a lot better today than we have been,"Boyes continued. "You kind of reserve judgment a little bit until you actually watch the film on Sunday and see what really went on. But I'm obviously pleased with the way we took care of business today."

Junior quarterback Ryan Lehotsky led the Bengals'offensive output with 225 yards passing and two touchdowns, while running backs Rich Pete, Brooks Estarfaa and Bryan Whitlock spearheaded the ground game with a combined 242 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Sophomore Mike Doherty led the team's receivers with five catches for 91 yards and a touchdown.

The Bengals totaled 438 yards rushing and five touchdowns and found most of their success while operating out of a pistol formation, which is a modified version of the shotgun.

"We use a lot of different formations, but it's easier to run some of our outside running plays out of (the pistol),"Lehotsky said.

"We came out trying not to make any mistakes, and our offense needed to score some points,"he added. "The last two weeks we didn't score too many points, so we needed our offense to break out this week."

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bengals limited the Colonials to just 61 yards rushing and 319 yards of total offense. Senior linebacker Cory Martin led the defense with six tackles, while junior defensive end Steve Phillips contributed to the team's point total by forcing a fumble, which was returned for a touchdown by sophomore defensive tackle Salvatore Vacchio.

The Bengals'special teams added to the scoring with two punt returns for touchdowns. Sophomore wide receiver Caesarae Lewis took one 72 yards for a score, which was bested by an 83-yard return by junior defensive back Jaleel Harris.

Boyes said this year's tilt was similar to last year's, where Western Connecticut State turned the ball over multiple times and allowed the Bengals to score twice on special teams.

Heading into Saturday's game against nationally ranked Montclair State, Boyes seemed content to move past his team's record-breaking win and focus on a team that has traditionally been among the best in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.

"Having success in one game is like we just birdied a hole in golf,"Boyes said. "We've got a bunch of holes left to play, and one birdie or shot does not make a round. One win does not make a season. How we handle this and move onto the next game will define us as a team."

The Red Hawks, who have had 11 winning seasons over the past 14 years, will present a major challenge for the Bengals.

"Montclair State is a very good football team that knows how to play tough and physical," assistant coach Matt Hanhold said. "They are fundamentally sound and do not make mistakes. We have to play our game well for four quarters in order for Saturday's outcome to be successful."

Tony Fiorello can be reached at fiorello.record@live.com.