Links: Box Score
LORETTO, Pa. – Sophomore quarterback
Christian Carter posted a five-yard rushing touchdown and redshirt-sophomore cornerback
Darion McKenzie returned an interception 30 yards for a score to give the Merrimack College football team a 14-13 first-half lead over Saint Francis University on Saturday, but the Red Flash recovered in the second half to claim a 42-14 victory over the Warriors from Degol Field.
The contest marked Merrimack's second of four games this season against Northeast Conference (NEC) opponents as the Warriors continue playing in their first season as a NCAA FCS member. Merrimack has scored the first touchdown in each of its first three games this season, and has held first-half leads against both of its NEC foes.
The Warriors return home next weekend when Merrimack hosts Mayville State at Duane Stadium at 1 p.m. on campus. Tickets, parking passes and more can be purchased
here.
The Essentials
Score: Saint Francis 42,
Merrimack 14
Records: Merrimack (1-2) | Saint Francis (2-1)
Location: Degol Field | Loretto, Pa.
How It Happened
- For the third straight week to start the year, Merrimack's offense scored the first touchdown. On its first drive of the day, Merrimack marched 64 yards down the field on six plays, scoring on a five-yard quarterback keeper by Carter. Sophomore Matt Brehon had a 29-yard run to setup the touchdown by Carter
- Saint Francis scored later in the first quarter, and added a pair of field goals to take a 13-7 lead. With 2:20 left, the Red Flash began a drive at its own 20-yard line. After gaining five yards, McKenzie intercepted a pass in the flat and raced 30 yards the other way, putting Merrimack back in front, 14-13
- The hosts had one more answer in the first half, getting the ball back after McKenzie's interception and driving 68 yards on just three plays to move back in front, 20-14
- Saint Francis added two more touchdown drives in the third quarter, with its first scoring drive in the third quarter ending with a two-point conversion. The Red Flash began the fourth frame with a 35-14 edge, and tacked on one more score to make it a 42-14 contest with under 13 minutes left
Individual Highlights
- The receiving combination of sophomores Anthony Norcia, Johnny Rosario and redshirt-senior Marquis Spence posted four catches each. Rosario led the group with 78 yards through the air
- McFadden and Brehon combined to rush for 90 yards on 15 carries. Both running backs averaged over 5.5 yards per carry
- Carter completed 14 passes on the day for 172 yards
- Junior defensive back Jovan Grant continued his breakout start to the season, posting a career-best 14 total tackles. His eight solo stops also led the team on Saturday
- McKenzie's second-quarter interception was his team-leading second of the season
Notes & Numbers
- McKenzie became the second Warrior in as many weeks to return an interception for a touchdown; redshirt-junior Michael Mercuri accomplished that same feat last week at Central Connecticut. McKenzie scored his first career touchdown on the play, as well
- The Warriors lead the NEC with five interceptions through three games
- Saturday marked the first ever game between Merrimack and Saint Francis
- Total Yards (Rushing-Passing-Total): SFU - 150-276—426 // MC - 102-172—274
- Takeaways (INT/FR): 4 (3/1) // 1 (0/1)
- Sacks: 0 // 0
- Total 1st Downs: 22 // 16
- 3rd Down Conversions: 7-15 // 3-11
- 4th Down Conversions: 0-1 // 0-0
- Time of Possession: 36:18 // 23:42
Up Next
The Warriors return to Duane Stadium for Week 4, hosting Mayville State at 1 p.m. on campus. Tickets, parking passes and more can be purchased
here.
