Wayne, N.J. (9/30/23) – The Kean University football team suffered a 21-9 defeat at William Paterson University on Saturday in the NJAC opener for both.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Pioneers (1-2, 1-0 NJAC) jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first two quarters.

William Paterson scored their first touchdown of the day after a 31-yard punt return and a 15 yard Kean penalty set them up just outside the redzone.  A five-yard reception from Matt Clarke completed the drive for a 7-0 lead.

The Pioneers made it 14-0 in the second quarter as Nazir Dale ran for a 10-yard score.

WP's final score of the day happened with 5:48 left in the quarter with a seven-yard reception from Taz Burton.

The Cougars got on the board late in the third quarter as Logan Matthews knocked through a 41-yard field goal.

Late in the fourth quarter, Robbie Nungesser found John Manfre Jr. on the second play of the drive for a 70-yard reception.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

Nungesser was 23-for-38 for 240 yards.  He added 48 yards on the ground.

Manfre registered 103 receiving yards on the day on four catches.

As a team the Cougars collected 294 yards of offense (compared to WP's 228).

Jamma Ndiaye had three total tackles, two for a loss, a sack for 11 yards while forcing and recovering a fumble.

Sean Mena had a team-best six tackles with a fumble recovery.

UP NEXT:

Kean returns home to host Montclair State University on Saturday at 1 p.m.