Overall, Head Coach Joe King was very happy with his team’s performance offensively and defensively this weekend, adding that special teams, having been a “thorn in our side all year” made a “world of difference.”

Turnovers, however, were a problem for RPI all day. Three interceptions and a fumble, including two turnovers inside the end zone put a dampening effect on the success of the offense.

“Take turnovers out of the game, and the offense played extremely well,” King commented. “[Turnovers] bother me a lot.”

On the Engineers’ first drive, Jay Bernardo fumbled at the Mariners’ two yard line, halting a drive that started in Kings Point territory thanks to a great defensive stand. During Rensselaer’s next drive, RPI threatened to score again, but Catellier threw a pick in the end zone.

After a scoreless first quarter, Bernardo carried the Engineers into the end zone and put up the first points of the game for either team. King said he wanted to get Bernardo more touches, and he succeeded in that. Bernardo finished with 25 carries for 107 yards, and both rushing touchdowns for RPI.

The Engineers defense had an outstanding first quarter, but relinquished the lead when the Mariners’ running attack started to take form. Running back Jason Hardwick had an outstanding day for Kings Point finishing with a monstrous 300-yard, two touchdown performance.

King said that Hardwick is a “quality back” but was disappointed his defense could not do more to contain him.

The Engineers came right back and took the lead for good in the second after the Mariners’ first score. Catellier hooked up with Brendan McGowan from 24 yards out making it 14-7.

King has been very happy with McGowan’s play this season. He is becoming a “big play kid” for the Engineers’ offense. McGowan was honored by the Liberty League for a second time this season with a Rookie of the Week award for his game-high eight catches and 118 yards.

After halftime, the Engineers came out firing and extended their lead to 34-13. Senior Dan Stephens ran the opening kickoff back for 60 yards, and Bernardo pushed it in from there. Later in the third, Catellier found Jon Branche with a 25 scoring pass.

Two other players were recognized by the Liberty league this week for their play. Brett Kebea was named co-Special Teams Performer and Grant Cochran was given the nod for co-Defensive Performer. King had only good things to say about both.

“Brett’s done an excellent job filling in.” King said.

Cochran was moved this season from his natural position at strong safety, to his new home as a linebacker.

“Grant is starting to feel comfortable at inside linebacker,” King said. Cochran finished this weekend with a game-high 10 tackles.

Next weekend, the Engineers return home to play what King says might be “with the exception of Hobart, the best team we’ve seen.” WPI has a very good offense that averages over 32 points a game.