Montclair, N.J. (10/12/24) – The Kean University football team improved to 2-0 in the NJAC with a thrilling 16-13 win under the lights at Sprague Field.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Cougars (2-3, 2-0 NJAC) started off the game with a bang as Aly Marzouk took the opening kickoff 75 yards down the field and an MSU penalty put them inside the redzone. On the first play from scrimmage, Rocco Pellegrini found Julian Jones for an 11-yard touchdown reception. George Chrissafis' extra point gave Kean a 7-0 early lead.
Later in the same quarter, Robbie Nungesser intercepted Aidan McLaughlin's pass and returned the ball 36 yards to again setup the Cougars inside the redzone. Pellegrini needed just one play again as he found Christian Bujno in the endzone for the 19-yard reception. Chrisaffis' extra point was good as Kean led 14-0 after one quarter of play.
Montclair (2-3, 0-2 NJAC) scored in the second quarter as the Red Hawks started with good field position after a bobbled punt attempt from the Cougars. McLaughlin plunged the one yard for the score after a four play, 26-yard drive.
The score would remain this way until late in the game with under two minutes to go. The Red Hawks were pinned deep in their own territory after a 33-yard punt from Chrissafis. McLaughlin engineered a six play, 95-yard drive, completed with a five-yard reception by Anthony Roige to pull MSU within one (14-13) with 43 seconds on the clock. Montclair initially set up for two, but changed formations for a kick with their PAT attempt. Jeremyiah Johnson came off the left side and blocked the kick and Tommie Lee Pierson scooped up the loose ball and marched down the field to convert it for two points for the Cougars.
Kean recovered the onside kick from Montclair on the next play and was able to kneel out the remaining 40 seconds to earn their second straight win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
Jones recorded 86 yards on the ground in addition to his 11-yard touchdown reception.
Defensively Chris Amos led the defense with 12 tackles, one interception, two pass breakups and a quarterback hurry.
Pierson finished with 11 tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery.
UP NEXT:
Kean will travel to The College of New Jersey next Saturday at 3 p.m.
