NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - The Merrimack College football team returns from its bye week and travels to face the Dartmouth Big Green this weekend.
Kickoff on Saturday is set for 1 p.m. ET.
"I think the bye week came at a good time for our football team," said head football coach Mike Gennetti, whose Warriors suffered a hard-fought loss at Yale on Oct. 3. "It allowed our guys to get their bodies back, recharge mentally, and address some of the things we need to improve on as a team, evaluate where we are as a program, and focus on getting better in all three phases of the game. At this point in the season, that extra time is valuable.
"The biggest thing now is making sure we take advantage of that rest and preparation as we get ready for Dartmouth," Gennetti continued.
The showdown in Hanover, N.H., marks Merrimack's second straight game against an opponent from the Ivy League. It also will be just the second time the two teams have faced each other as Dartmouth earned a 16-14 win at Duane Stadium in 2024.
The Big Green (1-3, 1-1 in Ivy) enter the contest after a loss to Yale, 28-7, on Oct. 10.
Through four weeks, Dartmouth has averaged 17.3 points and 311 yards of total offense per game. On the opposite side of the ball, Dartmouth's defense has allowed an average of 21 points and 378 yards per game.
"Dartmouth is a program that we have a great deal of respect for," Gennetti said. "They've established a tradition of winning football, and when you play a program like that, you're going to face a well-coached, disciplined, and physical football team. It's another great opportunity for our players and our program to compete against a quality Ivy League opponent. These are the types of games we embrace because they challenge us and allow us to continue growing as a football program."
Merrimack standout linebacker Micah Green, who is tied for the team lead in tackles (36), returns to face his former team after a four-year tenure with the Big Green.
"Micah has been a tremendous addition to our football program, not only because of what he's done on the field, but because of the type of person and teammate he is," Gennetti said. "He's brought maturity, experience, and a tremendous work ethic to our locker room. His production speaks for itself, but what I appreciate most about Micah is the way he approaches the game every day. He leads by example, holds himself accountable, and has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches."
