WEST HAVEN, Conn. – The Merrimack College Football team is back in New England for a matchup against the Chargers of New Haven.
Who to Watch
- Quarterback Ayden Pereira is coming off one of his best games of season last week against Colgate. The New Hampshire native completed a season high 21 passes during the contest and came two yards shy of breaking his season high in passing yards. Pereira ran in for a 16-yard touchdown, diving over the pylon.
- It's been junior Galamama Mulbah has been leading the Warrior backfield for the past two weeks. Mulbah's ability to break tackles and ferocious his speed carried him to a career day against Colgate. The rusher tallied his first Warrior touchdown against Harvard and broke his career high in yards (71) last week against the Raiders. He leads the Warriors in yards per rush with 5.1.
- 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 four field goals from 40+ yards, two of which being good from 47. He's also made four kicks from 30+ for the Warriors. In the waning seconds of last week's game against Colgate Thai hit a field goal to tie the game and force overtime.
Mack Attack
- Quarterback Ayden Pereira leads the team in attempts (137), yards (596), and tds (4). Highlighted by 131-yard effort on the ground against Maine, Pereira hit career high milestone of 1,000 rushing yards that day. Running back DeMarcus McElroy accounts for 210 of the teams rushing yards. Galamama Mulbah and Brendon Wyatt have scored rushing touchdowns in their last two games. Both of them plowed their ways into the endzone for 20-yard scores.
Defense, Defense, Defense
- Tied for fourth 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 (56), tackles for a loss (5.5), sacks (3.5), and forced fumbles (2). He added his third fumble recovery of the season last week against Colgate.
- DJ Frazier leads the team in solo tackles (31), and it tied for first in the FCS with two blocked kicks.
- The Warriors are coming off another great defensive week forcing two fumbles and an interception
Matchup History
- Since moving up to D1 in 2019 the Warriors haven't faced the Chargers until now
- Warriors have won 3 of the 10 career contests
- Last matchup between the two teams was September of 2018 (UNH wins 18-44)
- Warriors won the last two games in West Haven
Kickoff against the Chargers is slated for 3:30pm. Follow live on NEC Front Row!
For continuing coverage of Merrimack College Athletics, and follow the Warriors on Twitter and Instagram @merrimack_fb
