Image via Merrimack Football X account @Merrimack_FB
Joseph Bunch- Sports Writer
NORTH ANDOVER, Ma- The Merrimack Warriors are coming off an 0-2 start to the season after competing against two FBS opponents (Air Force and UCONN). Merrimack showed promise competing against both by keeping Air Force to only 166 rushing yards and averaging 3.0 rushing yards per attempt, which was below what Air Force averaged last season. Although Merrimack vs UCONN didn’t turn out the way the Warriors had hoped, there were still promising plays like Justin Lewis’ 72-yard touchdown to Seth Sweitzer. On Saturday September 14th, the Warriors traveled to Lewisburg Pennsylvania where they took on the 1-1 Bucknell Bison.
This weekend, Merrimack went into the Bisons house and dominated all around. The Warriors won 31-21 against Bucknell and now have a 1-2 record on the season.
Mike Gennetti decided to start Ayden Pereira this week after having Malakai Anthony start the last two weeks. Pereira looked very good this week controlling the offense going 11/15 with 147 passing yards and 1 touchdown. Merrimack’s very own Donovan Waddley who was on the Walter Payton’s award watch list this preseason had 3 receptions for 73 yards.
Along with the impressive passing game, the Warriors combined for 266 rushing yards led by the Long Branch, New Jersey native Jermaine Corbett who had 166 yards on 19 rushing attempts with a touchdown as well. Malakai Anthony also joined Corbett on the day with a 2-yard touchdown rush.
The Warrior defense showed up this week as they held Bucknell’s quarterback to 5.5 yards per pass attempt. Ralph Rucker IV threw for only 141 yards on 17 for 30 passing attempts. Along with that, Bucknell’s run game only tallied 96 total yards. Donte Williams and Grant Jackson had the 2 interceptions Rucker IV threw during the game.
Merrimack had 7 total sacks for their defense as well. Sophmore Paris Lenon led the way for the defense with four sacks out of the Warriors seven. Senior Jay Thompson had two sacks as well.
The Warriors aim to extend their winning this Saturday at 1 PM as they face the University of Maine at Duane Stadium in North Andover, marking Merrimack’s home opener.
