NORTH ANDOVER, MA — In a dramatic Senior Day finish at Duane Stadium, Merrimack College football capped its 2025 season with a thrilling 27–26 comeback victory over Fordham University.
The Warriors erased a 13-point second-half deficit behind a resilient performance from quarterback Ayden Pereira, who threw for 167 yards and two touchdowns, including two clutch scores in the fourth quarter.
After trailing 26–13 early in the final quarter, Pereira ignited the rally with a 66-yard strike to Austin Palmer at the 7:53 mark, cutting the deficit to six. Following an interception by Will Claude on the ensuing Fordham drive, the Warriors capitalized again — Pereira found Cade Callahan for a 5-yard touchdown with 2:56 remaining, giving Merrimack its first lead of the day.
Fordham had one last chance, but senior captain Jason Compoh put the game on ice with a strip sack. It was none other than DJ Frazier (8 tackles) who jumped on the ball to give possession back to Merrimack. Frazier's recovery of a late Fordham fumble allowed the Warriors to run out the clock.
On special teams, Carlton Thai had another productive day for the Warriors nailing two field goals each from 27 yards. Thai hit the game winning PAT late in the fourth quarter after the touchdown caught by Callahan. Garry Rosemond Jr. provided a spark with an 11-yard punt return touchdown in the second quarter.
Merrimack's defense came up big when it mattered, generating two interceptions (Claude and Nate Palanica Jr., who also had a 26-yard return) and nine tackles for loss. The offense leaned on Pereira's dual-threat ability — he also rushed for 77 yards on 16 carries — to sustain drives late in the game.
