Union, N.J. (11/2/19) – The Kean University football shutdown William Paterson University for the third straight season, this time by the final of 37-0 on Saturday afternoon in NJAC action.

Dante Capozzoli led the Cougar defense with a game-high 12 tackles along with four tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. 

Kean (3-5, 2-3 NJAC) started with good field position on their first possession (H45).  Facing their second third down on the drive, Tyrae Taylor found Myles Toppin for a 24 yard strike and a first down in the redzone.  Later in the drive Kean decided to go for it on a fourth and four at the 10 yard line and this time it was Paris Crawford with the reception bringing the Cougars inside the one yard line with a fresh set of downs.  Taylor finished the drive with a one yard plunge and Logan Matthews added the extra point for a quick 7-0 lead.

Early in the second quarter DeShawn Reed recovered a fumble by the Pioneers (2-6, 0-5 NJAC) deep in WP territory.  Matthews turned the opportunity into three points with a 23 yard field goal as Kean went ahead, 10-0. 

The defense collected points in the very next series as Capozzoli stripped George Crespo with a 12 yard sack and Reed scooped up the loose ball, returning it six yards for a touchdown (17-0). 

Kean closed out the half with a 12 play, 89 yard drive as Taylor found Donte Jamison for a 36 yard touchdown reception and a 23 point advantage.

The Cougars received the opening kickoff for the second half and Jamison gave the Cougars great field position with a 51 yard return.  Jason Giresi muscled his way to the one yard line with a 22 yard rush and finished off the drive with a touchdown one play later (30-0).

Kean closed out the scoring early in the fourth quarter as Jessey Asare used a 15 yard sprint for what would be the final (37-0).

The Cougar defense collected five sacks on the day, including 10 tackles for a loss.  In total they forced three turnovers with two forced fumbles and an interception.  Reed tallied two fumble recoveries along with a half sack and three tackles.

Offensively Taylor was 12-of-18 for 171 yards and a touchdown in the air with 21 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.  Toppin had 92 receiving yards on six catches.

For William Paterson, William Frese had two catches for 58 yards.  Andrew Anthony led the defense with 10 total tackles with Hassan Willliams hauling in a 24 yard interception.

Kean heads to the road to close out the second as they take on Wesley College next Saturday.