Links: Box Score
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Merrimack College Football team fought to get back to within a score in the third quarter, but a fourth quarter field goal from the hosts was too much to overcome in the Warriors' 20-10 loss to Sacred Heart Saturday afternoon at Campus Field.
Westin Elliott connected with
Pat Conroy on a 61-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter to bring the deficit to seven, but the Warrior offense could not get any traction after that. Sacred Heart drove for an 11-yard field goal with 7:42 to seal the eventual 20-10 decision.
Donte Williams,
Wes Matthews and
Caleb Holden had interceptions to spark the defense and
Tyvon Edmonds Jr. led the rushing game with 39 yards on 11 attempts.
The Essentials
Score: Sacred Heart 20,
Merrimack 10
Records: Merrimack (3-3, 0-2 NEC) | Sacred Heart (3-3, 1-1 NEC)
How It Happened
- The Pioneers jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead on their first drive of the afternoon capped by a 13-yard passing touchdown.
- Merrimack struggled to move the ball throughout the rest of the first quarter and looked to be destined to be down by two scores early in the second quarter, but Cam Tillman came up with a big play. He recovered a fumble at Merrimack's own two-yard line to stop a Pioneer drive and shift momentum.
- On the ensuing drive, Elliott and company drove 76 yards on 14 plays in just under six minutes and finished it off with a Lliam Davis field goal from 32 yards out to get on the board.
- Sacred Heart had a late second quarter stall at the Warrior 13, but it converted on a 23-yard field goal to claim a 10-3 lead at the half.
- Merrimack could not get anything going on its first drive of the third quarter, then the hosts went 87 yards in just eight plays to stretch the lead to 17-3.
- The Warriors were stopped again on the following drive, then got pushed back into their own red zone, but Matthews came up with a big play. He elevated for an interception in the end zone to give Merrimack the ball back.
- Just like Holden's interception, the visitors created momentum off the turnover and quickly moved the ball downfield after. The offense needed just four plays to soar 80 yards that ended with Conroy's massive catch to pull the Warriors to within seven.
- In the fourth, Merrimack drove to the Sacred Heart red zone midway through the quarter after a Pioneer field goal, but failed to put any points on the board.
- The Pioneers held the ball for the rest of the game to take the win.
Individual Highlights
- Elliott threw for 176 yards on 13-for-25 passing.
- Jacari Carter led the receiving core with four catches for 47 yards.
- Brandon Roberts and Nick Martino shared the team lead in tackles with eight apiece.
- Williams topped the team with one and a half tackles for loss.
- Matthews also registered a pass breakup.
- Williams, MelTeon Davis and Nicholas Lenon all had a sack.
Notes & Numbers
- Merrimack led in time of possession at 31:17 to 28:43.
- The Warriors converted on both fourth down chances.
Up next
Merrimack heads to Brookville, N.Y. Saturday to take on LIU in an NEC matchup. Kickoff is set for 12:00 pm and can be seen live on ESPN3.
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