Morgan Creighton
The Merrimack Warriors defeated the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils 16-14 at Duane Stadium on Saturday, September 20. It was an exciting matchup that featured a game-winning field goal for Merrimack with one second remaining in the game.
Merrimack entered the game with a 1-2 record, earning a home win against Division II Saint Anselm and losing away to FBS opponents Kent State and Kennesaw State. Central Connecticut State came into the game with a 2-1 record. They had wins over American International and Saint Francis and a loss to UConn. The game began with a scoreless first quarter, featuring five total punts and an interception from Merrimack QB Ayden Pereira. Early in the second quarter, Merrimack special teams came up with a huge play. DJ Frazier blocked a punt from Zack Bonini, meaning the Warriors offense would take over with excellent field position. On the very next play, Ayden Pereira ran the ball into the endzone for a five-yard touchdown. Carlton Thai converted the extra point and the Warriors were up 7-0. On CCSU’s next drive, quarterback Brady Olson threw a pass that was intercepted by Garry Rosemond Jr. On the next drive the Warriors were forced to settle for a field goal attempt, which Carlton Thai nailed to give Merrimack a 10-0 lead. The final drives of the second quarter featured two CCSU punts and a missed 28-yard field goal from Merrimack.
The halftime period featured exceptional performances from the Merrimack band, dance team, and cheer team, and allowed the players to get some much needed rest before the start of the second half. After a turnover on downs by the Merrimack offense on the first drive of the third quarter, the Warriors defense came up with a huge turnover. Jason Compoh forced a fumble that was recovered by Kendal Sims and returned for 26 yards to put the Warriors in a strong position to score. Merrimack kicker Carlton Thai converted a 38-yard field goal to give the Warriors a 13-0 lead over the Blue Devils.
Several drives went by without any scoring. The CCSU offense finally got on the board with a 21-yard rushing touchdown from running back Elijah Howard. The extra point cut Merrimack’s lead to just six points. Merrimack was forced to punt on their next possession, giving the Blue Devils a chance to take the lead. However, there was another massive play from the Warriors defense, as Kendal Sims recovered another fumble to give Merrimack excellent field position once again. Several plays later, Carlton Thai came out for a 28-yard field goal attempt that could give the Warriors a two possession lead and nearly put the game out of reach. Thai’s kick was blocked and returned all the way for a touchdown by CCSU. A block in the back penalty took the touchdown off the board, but it was still Blue Devils possession at the Merrimack 40-yard line. CCSU running back Elijah Howard powered in the endzone for a touchdown with 1:32 left in the game. The extra point gave Central Connecticut the lead 14-13. There was just one last chance for Merrimack to score and win.
A 25-yard kickoff return from Cooper Lehman got the Warriors drive off to a strong start. A run from Jalen McDonald and two runs from Ayden Pereira put Merrimack past midfield. Pereira then completed two passes to put the Warriors on the doorstep of the end zone. With three seconds left, Carlton Thai came out for a 19 yard field goal. He made it! The Warrior fans and bench erupted. The final play of the game was a Merrimack kick off with one second left, which was not returned. Merrimack had won the game 16-14!
Many Merrimack players produced stand out performances. Quarterback Ayden Pereira had 124 passing yards, 71 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Keshawn Brown had 50 receiving yards, and Matthias Latham had 49 rushing yards. The Warriors came up big defensively, forcing several turnovers including a Garry Rosemond Jr. interception. They held former Merrimack wide receiver Donovan Wadley to just 1 catch and 20 yards. Special teams also contributed to the victory, including Carton Thai’s game winning field goal. The Warriors next head to Long Island, New York to take on Stony Brook at 3:30pm on Saturday, September 27.
