Links: Box Score
ORONO, Maine – Jacari Carter knocked on history's door Saturday afternoon in the Merrimack College football team's narrow 31-26 loss to Maine at Alfond Stadium.
The wide receiver etched his name into the Merrimack record book with 18 catches on the day, which tied him for the second most in school history in a single game with Elfren Quiles. He was also one shy of tying the all-time record, which is held by Jeremiah Watts, who had 19 receptions against Southern Connecticut State on Oct. 30, 2009. Carter is now also tied for 15th in FCS history for single game receptions. Jerry Rice and Chas Gessner share that record at 24 catches.
Merrimack went down early after 10 straight Black Bear points, but the Warriors clawed back into the game in the second quarter with 20 points of their own to trail 22-20 at the halftime break.
In a defensive stalemate of a second half, Merrimack stayed in the game the whole way, then had a pair of shots to the end zone to take the lead in the final four minutes that fell incomplete.
The Essentials
Score: Maine 31,
Merrimack 26
Records: Merrimack (2-1, 0-0 NEC) | Maine (1-2, 0-2 CAA)
How It Happened
- A pair of fumbles plagued the Warriors in the early going and the Black Bears capitalized to take a 10-0 lead after the game's first seven minutes.
- Merrimack started to get in a rhythm offensively later on in the first quarter thanks in large part to Carter. The wide receiver was targeted 10 times in the opening 15 minutes and reeled in eight catches that helped Merrimack push through for its first touchdown of the day early in the second quarter when Victor Dawson ran in from one yard out. The ensuing extra point was blocked and returned for a two point conversion for the Black Bears.
- The Warrior defense stepped up and forced Maine to go three-and-out following the Dawson score to keep momentum alive and Merrimack utilized the good field position.
- Merrimack started the ensuing drive at the Maine 30 following a penalty on the Black Bears, then were forced into a third and goal from the 13. Westin Elliott called on Carter once again and he brought in his first touchdown grab of the day to stake the visitors to the lead.
- A big kickoff return from Maine led to a field goal, as the Black Bears quickly retook the lead at 15-13 with seven minutes to play in the half.
- Maine continued to swing momentum in its favor with a three-and-out stand of its own, then capitalized with 1:40 to play with a rushing touchdown to push the lead to nine.
- Rodney Samson received the following kickoff and maneuvered into Maine territory on a great return. With 90 seconds to play, Merrimack charged 41 yards on five plays capped by a 10-yard link from Elliott to Carter to make it a 22-19 game at the half.
- The Black Bears struck on a big passing play just over five minutes into the second half for a touchdown to stretch its lead to 29-19.
- Merrimack was intercepted on the ensuing drive, then forced a Black Bear punt. With 3:39 to play in the third, Elliott and his troops flew down the field for 71 yards on nine plays that was punctuated by a Tyvon Edmonds Jr. touchdown run from two yards out to get the visitors back in the game. The extra point was once again blocked and returned the other way for a two point conversion.
- The fourth quarter was played almost exclusively in Maine territory, but the Warriors fell just short on its late trip inside the red zone.
Individual Highlights
- Carter's final stat line included 23 targets, 131 yards and two scores.
- Elliott completed 29 of his 48 passing attempts for 282 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
- Dawson rushed for 40 yards on 11 carries.
- Pat Conroy had his best game as a Warrior with 74 yards on a trio of catches.
- Keegan Woods recorded a single game career-high nine tackles, which also led the Warriors.
Notes & Numbers
- Merrimack topped Maine in first downs, 26-18.
- The Warriors outgained the Black Bears, 362-265.
- Merrimack had more time of possession for the third straight game to start the year at 33:23 to 26:37.
Up next
The Warriors conclude their non-conference schedule next Saturday with a trip to Dover, Del. to take on Delaware State.
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