Seahawks host Bears in NEFC opener

• LAST TIME OUT FOR SRU: After only leading 21-19 at halftime, Salve Regina used its strong running game and opportunistic defense to pull away with a 49-19 victory Saturday afternoon in a non-conference collegiate football game against Castleton University. The major difference in the game came on the ground, as the Seahawks compiled 286 rushing yards while holding Castleton to just 16 yards rushing. Sam Pascale earned 135 yards on 25 carries, while James Dawson finished with 129 yards on 22 carries. Quarterback Brandan Basil completed 14-of-23 pass attempts for 244 yards and two touchdowns.

• THE SERIES: This will be the sixth meeting between Salve Regina and Coast Guard with the Seahawks holding a 4-1 series edge. Salve Regina won the first four meetings before Coast Guard took down the Seahawks 21-20 last season in New London, Conn. with a last second field goal.

• KEY PLAYER TO WATCH FOR SRU: Junior running back James Dawson scored three touchdowns last week and is the Seahawks all-purpose yardage leader with 201 yards rushing, 36 receiving, and 24 returning kicks. 

• LAST TIME OUT FOR COAST GUARD: Sophomore quarterback Ethan Goldcamp came off the bench and threw for 380 yards including 319 of those in the second half with three second half touchdowns, the first three of his career, as Coast Guard finished with a school record 492 passing yards, but it wasn't enough as the Bears, who trailed by 20 at halftime, fell just short of a stunning comeback falling to Catholic 37-35 on Parents' Weekend.

The loss coupled with the 31-27 loss to Merchant Marine the week before marks the first time in the 93-year history of the program that the Bears have scored 27 or more points in back-to-back games and lost both.

• KEY PLAYER TO WATCH FOR COAST GUARD: Both quarterbacks for Coast Guard could see action. Senior quarterback Derek Victory is 58 of 95 for 695 yards with seven touchdowns while sophomore Ethan Goldcamp, who got his first playing time on Saturday, replacing an injured Victory, is 26 of 49 for 431 yards with three touchdowns. Coast Guard is one of 25 teams in Division III that has not thrown an interception this season. Victory has 244 consecutive pass attempts without throwing an interception dating back to last season.

• WHAT'S AT STAKE: This is the first New England Football Conference (NEFC) game of the year for both teams.

• HOME COOKING: The Seahawks have won 16 in a row over NEFC opponents at home and have won their last ten home games overall, and 22 of their last 24 in Middletown, R.I. The final game of 2013 (a 48-35 loss to Western Conn. St. in ECAC Bowl Championship) and the first game of 2014 (a 7-6 setback to Montclair St.) were the last two defeats for Salve Regina at home.