Salisbury, Md. (11/10/23) – The Kean University football team fell just short in their season finale falling to host Salisbury University, 31-28 on Friday night.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Trailing 7-0 in the first quarter, the Cougar defense set things up with a fumble recovery in Salisbury territory. Javohn Arrington recovered the fumble on the play.
Two Sea Gull penalties helped Kean along and Rocco Pellegrini found John Kountouris for a 17-yard strike to put Kean just outside the endzone. Two rushes from Anthony Summey and Kean tied things up at seven-all.
Trailing 14-7 in the second quarter, Kean tied things up with an eight play, 76-yard drive. Highlighting the action was a 55-yard reception from Zymir Mobley.
Down 24-14 in the fourth quarter, Kean got right back in it with a 13 play, 71-yard drive that was capped by a two yard rush up the middle from Pellegrini.
Unfortunately for the Cougars, Salisbury took their first play on the next possession 65 yards down the field with a rush from Jadyn Thomas. Two plays later the Sea Gulls found the endzone for a 31-21 lead.
Kean didn't quit and scored with under a minute to go with a 44-yard reception from Matt Vingara.
Down to their last opportunity, Salisbury recovered the onside kick try and ran out the clock for the win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
Pellegrini was 14-of-33 for 209 yards and two touchdowns. Mobley finished with 73 receiving yards. On defense, Tommie Lee Pierson had a team-high 13 tackles, three tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks.
