NEWPORT NEWS, VA--Quarterback Mike Mikolaichik was 14-for-28 for a career high 296 yards with three touchdowns and Buffalo State (2-5/2-2) blocked four punts and an extra point as the Bengals defeated The Apprentice School (2-6/0-5), 30-19, in an Atlantic Central Football Conference battle today in Newport News, Va.

Buffalo State opened the scoring on the final play of the first quarter when freshman James Perkins broke a career-long 35-yard run for a score. Buffalo State forced the Builders to punt after just three plays on their next possession, and Michael Holbok blocked his first of two punts on the day, to give the Bengals possession near midfield. Mikolaichik connected with Jonathan Allen from 48 yards on the next play, and after a second failed point after try, Buffalo State led 12-0.

The Bengals extended their lead to 18-0 early in the second half, when David Barabas blocked an Apprentice punt, and Nick Warren recovered the ball in the end zone for the score. The Builders closed the deficit to 18-7 on the ensuing possession, when Travis Reid reeled in a 39-yard pass from Robby Goodman. Apprentice got on the board again with 2:59 remaining in the half, when Goodman scored on a 49-yard quarterback keeper. Following a failed conversion try, the Bengals led 18-13. Buffalo State reclaimed the two-score lead on its next possession, when it drove 60 yards on eight plays, capped by a seven yard touchdown pass from Mikolaichik to Allen.

Mikolaichik connected with HT Williams from 49 yards out for the Bengals final score of the day early in the fourth quarter, but the Bengals failed to tack on the extra point for the fifth time of the day. Apprentice completed the scoring with a three yard scoring pass from Goodman to Ben Brown with 43 second to play in the game.

“We put together a complete game for the first time today,” said Buffalo State Head Coach Paul Shaffner. “I was very impressed with the way we moved the ball up and down the field on offense, and our defense and special teams made a number of big plays for us.”

Jeff Shostak led the Bengals receiving corps with six catches for a career-high 118 yards. Allen finished with four grabs for 97 yards and the two scores. Perkins totaled 82 yards on 14 carries. On defense, Perry Taglienti led the way with 12 tackles, including 2.5 for loss and seven solo stops. Barabas had seven stops, two blocked kicks and a forced fumble.

Goodman was held to just 5-for-21 passing from 84 yards, but managed to rush for 63 yards on nine carries. Fred Canady led the Builders‘ defense with 10 tackles, including a sack and six solo stops.