Union, N.J. (3/13/21) – The Montclair State University football team used an early offensive surge to top Kean University on Saturday by the final of 41-12 in the season opener for both.

Carsen Johnson collected 212 receiving yards on five catches to lead the Red Hawks (1-0).  His performance set a new single game standard for MSU.

Anthony Broccoletti was 10-of-22 with 123 passing yards and two touchdowns for Kean (0-1).

Zahir Wilder took the opening kickoff and ran it back 93 yards for the game's first points.  The Red Hawks scored on their next possession as Ja'Quill Burch used a 55 yard strike to Johnson for a 14-0 lead. The two would connect on a 76-yard completion in the second quarter when the Red Hawks marched 86 yards in six plays, capped by a Makai Mickens one yard run extending the lead to 21-0 with just over eight minutes to play.

The Cougars responded as Myles Toppin used back-to-back plays to pick up 51 yards, the first a 45 yard strike and the later a six yard catch for the touchdown.  MSU recorded two more scores in the quarter with a 34 yard touchdown reception by Clarence Wilkins and a 41 yard field goal from Anthony Marinelli.

That would be all the offense MSU needed as the Cougars were unable to overcome the deficit in the final 30 minutes.

Burch finished 11-of-22 with 284 yards and two touchdowns for MSU.

Kean will remain at home and will face off against William Paterson next Saturday at noon.