Football Crushes AIC in NE-10 Championship Game

The Yellow Jackets responded, though, answering the touchdown with 16 unanswered points to grab a nine-point cushion late in the second quarter. However, the Pioneers drove down the field for a field goal before halftime. Senior kicker Karsten Viste nailed a 22-yard field goal to reduce the gap to 16-10 at the break.

LIU Post owned the second half, outscoring the hosts by an overwhelming 48-9 margin. Following an AIC three-and-out, the visitors put together a quick drive resulting in a touchdown. It was Laurino who scampered into the end zone for a two-yard score. Although the Yellow Jackets responded with a touchdown of their own to go back in front 23-17, the Pioneers would not be denied of hoisting the championship trophy.

The Green and Gold went on to score three consecutive touchdowns to grab a commanding 37-25 advantage. The run was bookended by 25 and five yard passes to red-shirt senior wideout Kamron Palmer. A 28-yard strike from Laurino to red-shirt sophomore receiver Shane Hubbard in the end zone sandwiched those scoring drives. Leading by two possessions, the visitors kept their foot on the gas, as they took a 44-25 lead after Laurino found Palmer for a third time in the end zone, on a 72-yard deep ball.

A surprise onside kick followed, as the Pioneers jumped on top of the loose ball at the AIC 21-yard line. Three plays into that possession, red-shirt sophomore running back Mike Williams ran the ball in from 10 yards out to seal the victory.

Laurino continued his outstanding finish to his collegiate career, completing 30-of-57 passes for a season-high 413 yards and five touchdowns. He scrambled for 61 yards and a score as well. White and Williams also pitched in with touchdowns on the ground. Hubbard made 10 catches for a career-high 172 yards and a touchdown, while Palmer had five receptions for 118 yards and three scores.