Carlton Thai’s 19-yard field goal with another second left a game-winning drive for Merrimack College on Saturday evening in Duane Stadium, while the Warriors Central Connecticut State, 16-14.
The Warriors built a 13-0 lead before the Blue Devils stormed back with two touchdowns in the last nine minutes of the fourth quarter to gain a 14-13 benefit. But after having allowed the Go-Ahead score, Merrimack responded with a fresh 66-Yard Mars in seven games over 1:24, so that the decisive kick of Thai was set up.
After Elia Howard’s Touchdown Run gave CCSU the lead, Merrimack took over on his own 32-yard line with 1:25.
Jalen McDonald opened the series with a 7-year run, and Ayden Pereira followed with successive win of 13 meters to cross midfield. Keshawn Brown then brought in a 23 -meter strike from Pereira, and another completion of a tight end CALLAHAN CADE Pushed the Warriors to the CCSU 8.
Matthis Latham It almost hit, but the defense of the Blue Devils held. After a time-out, Thai drilled the game winner, despite the fact that CCSU seemed to get a hand on the stairs.
The attack by Merrimack sputtered most of the night, but Pereira and his unit were at their sharpest when it mattered the most.
The second -year Quarterback only went 12 of 29 for 124 Yards with two interceptions, and the passing game rarely found rhythm. The ground game, however, wore the night with 190 yards on 42 attempts (4.5 on average).
Brown appeared like a bright spot, caught four steps for 50 meters and played a crucial role in the late Golf.
While the final score suggests a tight match, the defense of Merrimack has made an impressive effort. The Warriors limited CCSU to 2.8 yards per Carry and only recruiting 88 hurrying at 31 attempts.
Blue Devils Quarterback Brady Olson Completed 14 of 32 passes for 174 Yards but was once intercepted. Merrimack forced three junk, recovered two and held CCSU to a single red zone trip all evening.
In total, CCSU managed only 262 yards of violation.
The Warriors (1-0) will travel to Stony Brook next Saturday for a kick-off of 3.30 pm.
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