Kent, Ohio. – The Merrimack College Warriors dropped their season opener to Kent State, in a dramatic showdown at Dix Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Essentials
Score: Kent State 21,
Merrimack 17
Records: Merrimack (0-1) | Kent State (1-0, 0-0 MAC)
How It Happened
- The teams traded defensive blows, and both offenses were held scoreless through the opening quarter. Kent State struck first when Cade Wolford took a 30-yard pass from C.J. Montes into the end zone. Will Hryszko's extra point made it 7–0. Merrimack responded just before halftime, as Carlton Thai connected on a 26-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 7–3.
- Wolford again found the end zone for the Golden Flashes on a 79-yard touchdown reception, pushing the lead to 14–3. Merrimack countered with another Thai field goal from 37-yards, making it 14–6 entering the final quarter. The Warriors roared back early in the stanza. Seth Sweitzer hauled in a 36-yard pass from quarterback Ayden Pereira to tie the game at 14. A quick 45-yard field goal from Thai gave Merrimack their first lead of the day by three points. Kent State answered quickly. Da'Realyst Clark returned a kickoff 100 yards for a go-ahead touchdown, swinging the score to 21–17. The Warriors drove down the field in their final possession, making it to the Kent State 41-yard line.
Notes & Numbers
Up next
The Warriors head home to take on Saint Anselm College. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at Duane Stadium.
--
