Warrior Football Back in Action This Weekend

HAMILTON, N.Y. – The Merrimack College Football team is headed to Colgate this Saturday to take on the Raiders. 
 
 What to Expect

• The Warriors beat the Raiders secondary last year for 300 yards including a touchdown passes of 36 and 46 yards.
• The Warriors ran for a combined 243 yards in last year's efforts. 103 yards coming from Quarterback Ayden Pereira, 72 from RB Brendon, and 50 coming from graduate Jermaine Corbett
• There were two forced fumbles and two interceptions against Colgate last year. This year the Warriors are up to 13 turnovers, including eight interceptions and five forced fumbles.
• Kicker Charlton Thai has been a vital part of the Warrior Special Teams unit. After being awarded the Gold Helmen for his performance in week 4 against Central Connecticut, Thai has been lights out. The senior has nailed three field goals from 40+ yards, one of which being good from 47. He's also made four kicks from 30+ for the Warriors.

 
Run Mack Run

• Much of the Warriors offense has leaned on the run game. Quarterback Ayden Pereira leads the team in attempts (126), yards (561), and tds (3). Highlighted by 131-yard effort on the ground against Maine, Pereira hit a personal milestone of 1,000 rushing yards that day. Running back DeMarcus McElroy accounts for 200 of the teams rushing yards while leading the Warriors in yards per attempt. Recently, it has been junior Running back Galamama Mulbah who has been the one to score on the ground. He plowed his way into the endzone against Harvard for a 20-yard touchdown.

The Warrior Defenders

• Tied for second in the FCS in interceptions, RJ Chapman is up to four interceptions this year after a highlight reel pick against undefeated Harvard two weeks.
• Senior linebacker Kendal Sims has been the backbone of the Warrior defense this year, leading the team in total tackles (48), tackles for a loss (5.5), sacks (3.5), and forced fumbles (2)
• DJ Frazier leads the team in solo tackles (30) and it tied for first in the FCS with two blocked kicks.

Matchup History

• In a 51-17 rout last year at Duane Stadium, the Warriors breezed past the Raiders. Junior Quarterback Ayden Pereira had a career high of 295 passing yard with 15 of 20 passes completed. Pereira went for 103 rush yards on top of throwing for nearly 300 yards during his video game like performance.
• Junior Brendan Wyatt ran for 72 yards and two scores in the win last year.
• The Warriors had three takeaways in a 34-point second half in the team's last matchup.  

 
Kickoff against the Raiders is slated for 1pm. Follow live on ESPN+