PITTSFORD, NY – The St. John Fisher Univesity football team opened the 2024 season with a 55-0 loss to Marietta College on Saturday afternoon at Growney Stadium. Fisher fell to 0-2 overall against Marietta, which won last year's meeting 31-7 at home. 

The Pioneers, with several key players back from that 8-2 2023 team, piled up 585 yards of offense, including 393 through the air and another 192 on the ground. Senior quarterback Connor Viestra completed 20 of 23 attempts for 337 yards passing and four touchdowns. He had another score on the ground. 

Receiver Dawson Snyder had seven catches for 79 yards and three scores. Fellow wideout Jay Melchiori had a game-high 132 yards receiving, with an 84-yard catch on Marietta's first offensive snap. 

Cardinals safety/linebacker Timothy Vanderbrink, safety Isaiah Bretz and inside linebacker Joe Miscia had eight tackles. Vanderbrink also broke up a pass.

Fisher's defense forced a turnover late in the contest, as defensive back Gavin Motto caused and recovered a fumble. 

Kyle Farewell averaged 40.7 yards per punt. 

Up Next

Fisher has a bye next week. It hosts Keystone College on Sept. 21.