Utica, N.Y. (9/10/22) – The Kean University football team fell to host Utica University, 21-15, on Saturday afternoon in non-conference action.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Utica took advantage of their first possession and capped a nine play drive with a 21 yard reception to Nate Palmer for a quick 7-0 lead. The Cougar defense then scored the game's next points as Joel Anaya tackled James Salles in the endzone for a safety (7-2). One possession later it was Anaya again who tackled Nick Gicewicz this time in the endzone for a 7-4 score. The score remained that way until late in the third quarter as Palmer again got the Pioneers inside the redzone with a 27 yard grab and Sam Florio capped off the drive with a three yard rush to give Utica a 14-4 lead. Logan Matthews kicked a 26 yard field goal early in the fourth quarter (14-7). The Pioneers took advantage of an interception and quickly turned their next possession into a touchdown (21-7). The Cougars scored with time winding down as Robbie Nungesser completed a pass to Kyle Devaney. Kean went for two as Nungesser rushed across to pull the Cougars within a touchdown (21-15). The onside kick was unsuccessful and Utica was able to run down the waning seconds to seal the win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
Meir Pittman led the defensive unit with 11 total tackles, four tackles for a loss, two and a half sacks, three quarterback hurries and one pass breakup. Anaya had a big day with one blocked punt with a 31 yard return as well as forcing two safeties. Donte Jamison had 76 receiving yards, 54 rushing yards and 88 kickoff return yards. Nick Firth had five punts that all landed inside the 20 yard line, with punts downed, out-of-bounds or fair caught at the two, four, nine, 10 and 19 yard lines.
UP NEXT:
Kean travels to Catholic University in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, September 17th.  Â
