Box Score Utica used a balanced attack to defeat the Misericordia University football team, 55-0, in the season opener, Saturday afternoon at Mangelsdorf Field.

The Pioneers opened the scoring with a 56-yard run on their opening possession and added two big-play scores in the second quarter to build a 27-0 halftime lead.

Utica scored twice in each quarter in the second half for the final margin.

The Pioneers rushed for 179 yards while gaining 271 yards through the air and added more than 200 in kick returns.

Quarterback Jeff Puckett led the Cougars with 69 yards rushing while Mark Rainey had 23 yards on six carries.

Colton Pyne had three receptions for 24 yards.

Chris Hutter led MU with seven tackles while Brandon Salazar, Dom Picarillo, Zak LaNunziata, Anthony Buffa and Isaiah all had four stops.

Matt Martin had a fumble recovery for the Cougars.

The Cougars struggled with field position throughout the contest as they started 13 drives inside their own 30-yard line while Utica started five drives inside Misericordia territory.

Misericordia will travel to Wilkes for its MAC opener, Saturday.