Boston College moved to 4-0 in the ECRC Sunday with a 27-16 defeat of previously 3-1 New England College, putting the Eagles on equal footing with undefeated AIC.

BC actually gave up their first points of their conference season in this game, having logged three straight shutouts. Still, the Eagles were pleased to have dispatched the Lions.

“It was a huge win for us today,” said BC co-captain Ben Nathan. “NEC was definitely an unknown for us coming in, and we're glad to come out with the W.”

Nathan said this game was BC’s most physical to date, and sets them up nicely for next weekend.

“We're glad that we had such a test before our tough match against UMass next weekend,” said the captain.

Tom Whittam scored two tries for Boston College, while Joey D'Antonio and Connor Shaw added one each. Co-captain D’Antonio added two conversions and a penalty.

Despite giving up their first points of the season, BC still was pleased with their defensive effort.

“Defense was the key for us today,” said Nathan. NEC kept producing quick ball and our defenders were ready to make one-on-one tackles.” 

Centers Dan Casey and Danny Schatzman set the tone defensively today and made several thundering tackles.

Meanwhile BC continues to execute well in the scrums and lineouts.

“Today we were able to get good ball from our set pieces to advantage of the space outside,” said Nathan. “Tom Whittam switched from the forward pack to wing this year, and his speed has been a great asset for us.”

Meanwhile, on Saturday, AIC rolled again, beating Fairfield 96-8. with Jihad Khabir and Deshae Edwards scoring three tries each.

"Penalties were a bit of a concern, but one of the highs for our team [is] an ability to roll with the punches,” said junior AIC flanker Brian Lizotte. “We lost two players to cards [at different times] and we were able to roll with the punches.”

"Our structure was pretty solid but we need to finish better,” added scrumhalf Kurtis Werner. “We need to take the sure thing and not worry about looking good or being fancy.”

AIC Coach Josh Macy said his players stayed committed to the game plan, and they played well as a group - they just needed to cut down the penalties around the rucks.

Meanwhile, Northeast defeated UConn 35-30 to claim their first win of the season. Middlebury shut out Albany 36-0 to even their record at 2-2. But it’s a three-team race now in the ECRC, and the third team, UMass, has some serious work to do. The Minutemen, however, face BC this coming weekend, and AIC two weeks after that.