Seawolves have won last three home openers at Kenneth P. LaValle StadiumStony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook hosts Division II American International College in the 2010 home opener Saturday at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium. Saturday's game is the second of three opponents from three different divisions to start the season for the Seawolves (South Florida - FBS, American International - Division II and Brown - FCS). Stony Brook has won three straight home openers and four of the last five. The Seawolves won all four home games last season and have not suffered a defeat at LaValle Stadium since November 1, 2008 when Gardner-Webb edged Stony Brook, 34-33. Playing their first FBS opponent in school history, the Seawolves fell to South Florida, 59-14. After junior Brock Jackolski forced a fumble and sophomore Rich Vitale fell on the ball, Stony Brook tied the game at seven when junior quarterback Michael Coulter hit Jackolski for a 27-yard touchdown. Sophomore Miguel Maysonet had 11 carries for 72 yards and junior Eddie Gowins totaled 54 yards on 16 carries. Junior Jordan Gush had four catches for 58 yards, including a 31-yard reception that set up Gowins' three-yard touchdown run as the Seawolves took a 14-7 lead. Senior captain Arin West led the Stony Brook defense with nine tackles. The Seawolves have signed to face three FBS opponents going forward (Buffalo - 2011, Army - 2012 and Boston College - 2013).
The Opponent
American International, a Northeast-10 school located in Springfield, Massachusetts, lost to C.W. Post, 20-11, on Saturday in its season opener. Roosevelt native Mike Mayo led the Yellow Jackets with 14 rushes and 83 yards. Rob Parent threw a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to Andre Samuels. Allen Bush blocked an extra point and Nathaniel Ricks returned it all the way for the two points. Ryan Brooks added a field goal early in the game. American International has 12 players from Long Island on its roster. The Yellow Jackets were picked to finish fourth in the NE-10 preseason poll.
The Series
American International leads the all-time series, 2-1. Stony Brook rallied to defeat AIC, 23-22, on October 21, 1995 in the first meeting. The next two games took place in 1997 and 1998 as American International won 30-7 and 35-7.
