NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — The Merrimack College football team wrapped up its spring session with the annual spring game under the lights at Duane Stadium on Friday night.
The event, which featured "Merrimack" going head-to-head against the "Warriors," served as the culmination after the team spent the last month practicing three times per week.
"I feel like it went really well," Merrimack head coach Mike Gennetti responded when asked how he felt about the spring session. "We got out of it healthy for the most part, and guys got a lot of work. Spring is necessary for all these guys to get the reps that they need, and they did a great job. I'm proud of the effort, proud of the accountability, the attention to detail that they've displayed. But we've still got a lot of work to do in preparation for the fall."
Gennetti, who enters his third season at the helm of the program, preached to players it was another step in the necessary process.
"I think it comes down to just reps and experience," Gennetti said. "There's a lot of things to improve on. We got to watch the tape and make those adjustments. But I think from an experience and rep perspective, all these guys need continued work. And I think the more situations that we can put them in, the better off they're going to be."
Gennetti was pleased by the turnout, which included students and community members as well as dozens of recruits and high school juniors who were invited by the Merrimack coaching staff. The entertainment included "Augie's On The Go" as well as the "Punt Catch Challenge" which gave Merrimack students the opportunity to catch a punt at midfield and win a prize.
"It was electric, a great atmosphere," Gennetti said. "IÂ was really, really happy to come out here. We had great weather. It was a great night for our program. A lot of positives in the spring game. To come out here and compete the way that our guys did was really positive. It was a great environment."
Gennetti hopes that type of support will continue when the calendar changes to the fall.
"Keep coming out and supporting us, supporting Merrimack athletics, it's growth, and our accomplishments," Gennetti said while speaking to students. "These guys love having you here, and the more we can have them engaged, the better."
The Warriors, who finished the 2025 season on a high note with a 27–26 victory over Fordham, are preparing for a challenging schedule which features road games at Wake Forest, Tarleton State, Dartmouth and Delaware.
"I'm hoping to put the most competitive and ferocious team on the field as I possibly can," Gennetti said. "These guys have worked really, really hard, and we're excited for the season."
