Springfield, Mass. (9/14/19) – Springfield College broke a 14-all deadline with just 22 seconds left in regulation to push past the Kean University football team by the final of 21-14 on Saturday afternoon in non-conference action.
The Cougar (0-2) defense was led by five players who finished with double-digit tackles on the day in Peter Lejawa, Dietrich Trumbauer, Jemel Daniels, Kory Kenny and Dante Capozzoli. Anthony Bassani and Kenny added two forced fumbles as well.
The Pride's (1-1) Chad Shade broke free for a 45-yard score down the left sideline at the 11:04 mark of the first quarter to give Springfield a 7-0 lead following Christian Hutra's extra point on their first possession.
Kean answered right back as Jessey Asare found running room between the tackles for a 29 yard touchdown with 7:33 remaining in the first as he capped off a seven-play, 69-yard drive that lasted just 3:23.
Springfield fumbled on its first play on its next two drives, but the Cougars were unable to take advantage of a pair of short fields. The Pride were able to find the end zone again with 5:42 remaining in the first half when David Wells plunged in from five yards to make it a 14-7 game.
Kean would again respond and knot the game up heading into the half as they scored their final touchdown of the game with just 46 seconds remaining left in the quarter. The Cougars needed just nine plays to go 73 yards as they converted a pair of third downs, including a 3rd-and-20 on a pass and catch from Anthony Broccoletti to Aubryn Bryan II, before Broccoletti connected with Kyle Santini in the back corner of the end zone to tie the game.
Neither team would manage to find the end zone in the third quarter, before the Pride answered with eight minutes left in regulation. Over the next 7:38, Springfield would grind out an 18-play drive that covered 85 yards. After Springfield was whistled for a false start on their one yard line, Ryan Deguire would get free on the left side as he turned the corner and slide into the end zone for the game-winning score.
Kean would make one final push, but David McMullen made a pair of pass breakups in the waning seconds to seal the non-conference win.
Broccoletti threw for 164 yards and a score on 13-of-25 attempts, while Asare ran for 64 yards and a score.
The Cougars head into the bye week and will next face their final non-conference opponent of the season in Dean College on September 28th.
