FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Interstat) — Mitchell Summers rushed for 243 yards and two touchdowns, including a decisive 49-yard score in the fourth quarter, to power the Sacred Heart Pioneers to a 32-14 victory over the Howard Bison in a non-conference football game Saturday at Campus Field.

The Pioneers, overcoming a sluggish start, erupted for 29 unanswered points in the second half to improve their record to 4-2. Howard, which led 14-0 at halftime, fell to 3-2.

The Bison controlled the first half behind a strong ground game. Anthony Reagan Jr. opened the scoring with a 35-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter. Howard quarterback Tyriq Starks then capped a 12-play, 70-yard drive with a 14-yard scoring run of his own with just over two minutes remaining in the second quarter to establish the 14-point halftime advantage.

Sacred Heart’s offense, which sputtered for much of the first half, found its rhythm immediately after the break. On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, Summers broke through the line and raced 80 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 14-7.

The Pioneers’ defense then stiffened, forcing a series of punts and setting up the offense with favorable field position. Quarterback Jack Snyder engineered several sustained drives, leading to three consecutive field goals by Matt Kling from 22, 19, and 25 yards. That surge gave Sacred Heart its first lead of the game at 16-14 late in the third quarter.

Snyder extended the lead early in the fourth quarter, connecting with Payton Rhoades on a 15-yard touchdown pass to cap a 12-play, 54-yard drive, pushing the score to 23-14.

Howard’s offense, which had moved the ball effectively in the first half, was stymied after halftime. The Bison managed just 64 total yards in the final two quarters and were plagued by penalties and sacks. The game was sealed when Summers exploded for his second long touchdown run, a 49-yard dash with 3:26 remaining to make it 30-14.

A safety on Howard’s ensuing possession, where Starks was called for intentional grounding in the end zone, provided the final margin.

Snyder finished the game efficiently, completing 11 of 18 passes for 147 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for 68 yards on 13 carries. Reagan Jr. was a bright spot for Howard, compiling 155 all-purpose yards with 116 rushing and 39 receiving to go with his first-quarter touchdown. Starks struggled through the air for the Bison, completing 11 of 21 attempts for 80 yards.

Sacred Heart travels to face Montana next Saturday. Howard will look to rebound on the road against Tennessee State.