ALFRED, N.Y. — The Alfred State Pioneers football team looks to kick off the 2023 season and to continue building on what has been steady improvement in the team's recent success. The Pioneers achieved five overall and three Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) wins last year.
In the preseason poll, voted on by the league's five head coaches, the Pioneer team is predicted to finish 3rd overall this season. Alfred State and Vermont State University Castleton (VTSU Castleton) each received 15 points in the poll, behind defending champ Gallaudet with 18 points and Anna Maria College with 16.
2022 Pioneer Season Review
Record: 5-5
ECFC Record: 3-3
Offensive Spotlights
Jake Palmer the All-ECFC and All-Region halfback who racked up over 1000 yards in 2022, will look to build upon a successful college career. Palmer led the ECFC in touchdowns, with 15 over 201 carries last campaign. Clay Hughes has been named a captain for the Pioneers this season. The Junior Offensive Lineman will lead the Pioneer offense and powerful run-game throughout the year.
Defensive Spotlights
Rylie Van Fleet, the senior safety returns for the 2023 season. As a second-year captain for Alfred State, Van Fleet will lead the Pioneer defense, coming off an All-ECFC campaign in 2022. Van Fleet tallied 24 solo tackles and 3 interceptions in ECFC play last season. Silas Eganlauf will also be returning this season and has also been named a team captain for 2023. Egenlauf had a First Team All-ECFC season from the linebacker position last season. He tallied 21 solo tackles and had six tackles for a loss last season.
Schedule Overview
Season Opener @ Misericordia (Sat., Sep. 02, 1 p.m.)
Home Opener: vs. Husson (Sat., Sep. 16, 12 p.m.)
Conference Opener: vs. Lyon (Sat., Oct. 07, 12 p.m.)
The Pioneers have a ten-game slate, with five of them to be played at Pioneer Stadium. They open with back-to-back road games. Heading to Misericordia to open on Sept. 02 and Rochester (N.Y.) under the lights on Sept. 9. Then the Pioneers will host Husson for a game on Sept. 16 for their home opener. Homecoming is set for October 14, against ECFC rival Anna Maria at 12 p.m. The last game of the regular season is slated to be at Dean on Nov. 11.
Pioneers Home Games
Sept. 16 vs. Husson 12 p.m.
Sept. 23 vs. Hilbert 1 p.m.
Sept. 24 vs. Defiance 12 p.m.
Oct. 7 vs. Lyon 12 p.m.
Oct. 14 vs. Anna Maria 12 p.m. (Homecoming)
Nov. 4 vs. Vermont State Castleton 12 p.m
