New Britain, Conn. – The Merrimack College football won its seventh straight game on Saturday afternoon after beating Central Connecticut State University 20-14. With the win, the Warriors have now tied the program record in victories in just their third full season in Division I.
Gavin McCusker threw for third touchdowns, all to
Pat Conroy in the victory. All three were from within the 20-yard line, giving Merrimack a boost offensively. On the other side of the ball,
Jay Thompson led the team in tackles with 11 total, including one sack. He also had one and a half tackles for a loss.
The Essentials
Score: Central Connecticut State 14,
Merrimack 20
Records: Merrimack (8-2) | Central Connecticut State (1-9)
How It Happened
- The Blue Devils get into the end zone first after an over eight minute, 87-yard drive, taking a seven-point lead. After a short kick and great Rodney Samson return, McCusker found Conroy wide open in the back of the end zone, tying the game at seven. After two punts a piece, Central Connecticut was driving up the field. On a pass to the end zone, Tommie McKoy III picked off the Blue Devil quarterback. The interception was his first of the season. The game was tied at seven as both teams headed into the locker room for halftime.
- After all punts in the third, the final play of the quarter was a 60-yard pass from Jack Zergiotis to Donovan Wadley. The pass set up a nine-yard touchdown pass from McCusker to Conroy. The Warriors took their first lead of the game 14-7. After forcing a four and out the Merrimack offense took the field. Early in the drive McCusker found Jelani Mason for a deep pass that was tipped and caught. The pass set up another McCusker to Conroy connection to put the Warriors up two scores. Central Connecticut scored once more, but it was not enough to beat Merrimack.
Notes & Numbers
- Donte Williams ranked second in tackles for the Warriors with eight total on the day.
- Wadley had three catches for 69 yards.
- Merrimack ran for 106 yards on the ground in the victory.
Up next
The Warriors head home for the final game of the season against Saint Francis (PA). Both teams are undefeated in conference play, which means the winner will be crowned the champion of the Northeast Conference. Kickoff is set for noon and can be seen on ESPN3.
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