MANSFIELD, Pa.— The Cornell sprint football team struggled to put together any sort of offensive attack Saturday night as the team opened the season with a 48-3 road loss against CSFL North foe Mansfield. 

The Mountaineers got out to an early lead, controlling possession for 11:17 compared to the Big Red's 3:34 during the first quarter. By the end of the frame, Cornell trailed 7-0 and things only continued to worsen for the team as it couldn't catch a break the remainder of the contest.

Two special teams touchdowns in the first half of the game sparked the Mountaineers, and the team never looked back as it earned just its second-ever win over Cornell. 

Mansfield's first touchdown of the night came just under six minutes into the game when a low snap caused the ball to sail past punter Charles Snajdr-Trinch. The Big Red worked to stop the ball, but it made its way to the Cornell end zone where the Mountaineers recovered the fumble for a touchdown. 

Yet another botched punt attempt by Cornell— this one coming in the second quarter— put the Mountaineers up 14-3 before Mansfield QB Cahsid Raymond ran for a 75-yard touchdown. Just two minutes later, Raymond found teammate Isaiah Grunden in the end zone to give Mansfield the 28-3 advantage at half. 

The third quarter saw three consecutive Big Red drives end in three consecutive interceptions by Mansfield's Nakiem Scott. All three interceptions led to subsequent scoring opportunities and the third quarter would see two more touchdowns and a pair of field goals for the Mountaineers to blow the lead open and cruise to the final horn. 

Nate Roy and Calvin Hosler teamed up for one sack on the night while Matt Peck totaled eighth tackles (7 solo). Freshman Evan Nicholas played all over the field Saturday night, leading the Big Red in both reception yards (45) and rushing yards (54). Spending time under center, Nicholas threw three interceptions, was sacked twice and collected 11 passing yards. He was also responsible for the kick that gave Cornell its lone points of the night. Xavier Martinez, the Big Red's starting quarterback, threw for 106 yards with 11 completions on 28 attempts. 

The Big Red will look to bounce back Oct. 1 when the team hosts Caldwell at Schoellkopf Field.