D3-CFB Game Preview: #13 Springfield Pride (0-0) vs. Western New England Golden Bears (0-0)

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Venue & Game Details

Location: Stagg Field – Springfield, Massachusetts

Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET

Broadcast: FloCollege (video), Springfield College Sports Network (audio), live stats via Springfield Athletics

Capacity: ~3,500

Weather Forecast (Springfield, MA – Kickoff)

Conditions: Mostly sunny, warm

Temperature: ~78°F (26°C)

Wind: WSW at 6–9 mph

Precipitation: <10%

Impact: Ideal early‑season football weather; light wind unlikely to affect passing or kicking

Injury Report

#13 Springfield

No major preseason injuries reported; triple‑option QB David Wells returns healthy after leading the Pride to the NCAA quarterfinals in 2024.

FB Nick Bainter and SB Isaiah Cashwell‑Dixon both available after minor knocks in camp.

Western New England

No significant absences; QB Anthony Felice back under center after throwing for 2,300+ yards last season.

WR Jared Martino cleared to play after missing the final two games of 2024.

Team Records & 2024 Recap

#13 Springfield: 11‑2 overall, NEWMAC champions, NCAA quarterfinalist (lost 27‑3 to North Central).

Western New England: 6‑4 overall, 4‑2 CCC; closed season with back‑to‑back wins.

Recent Form (Last 5 Games – 2024 Season)

Springfield

L @ North Central 27‑3 (NCAA Quarterfinal)

W @ Cortland 40‑28 (NCAA Second Round)

W vs. UMass Dartmouth 54‑27 (NCAA First Round)

W @ SUNY Maritime 55‑20

W @ Merchant Marine 42‑7

Western New England

W @ Nichols 56‑28

W vs. Univ. of New England 24‑6

L @ Husson 49‑42 (OT)

L vs. Endicott 41‑7

W vs. Curry 47‑21

Key Player Matchups

QB David Wells (SPF) vs. WNE Linebackers

Wells’ decision‑making in the triple option will test WNE’s discipline; he rushed for 1,100+ yards in 2024.

FB Nick Bainter (SPF) vs. DT Chris Ward (WNE)

Bainter’s inside power runs vs. Ward’s ability to clog the A‑gaps.

QB Anthony Felice (WNE) vs. Springfield Secondary

Felice’s quick release and accuracy against a Pride defense that allowed just 14.7 PPG last year.

WR Jared Martino (WNE) vs. CB Isaiah Williams (SPF)

Martino’s vertical threat vs. Williams’ physical press coverage.

Special Teams

Springfield’s option offense shortens games; any special teams score or field position swing could be decisive.

Series History

All-Time: Springfield leads 6‑5

Current Streak: Springfield has won 3 straight (2022–2024)

Last 3 Meetings:

2024: Springfield 38‑32 (home) — Pride jumped out 28‑19 at half, held off late rally.

2023: Springfield 28‑14 (away) — Defense forced 3 turnovers.

2022: Springfield 42‑14 (home) — Dominant rushing performance.

Betting Trends

Springfield: 9‑3 ATS in 2024; 5‑1 ATS at home; OVER in 4 of last 6.

WNE: 4‑6 ATS in 2024; 1‑3 ATS vs. ranked opponents; OVER in 6 of last 8.

Head-to-Head: OVER has hit in 2 of last 3 meetings; average combined points in last 3 = 56.0.

Game Odds

Springfield Pride                                              – 13

Western New England Golden Bears       54

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025