Union, N.J. (10/5/24) – The Kean University football team pushed to a 25-18 win over William Paterson University on homecoming.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Cougars (1-3, 1-0 NJAC) had good field position thanks to a Chris Amos interception early in the first quarter. Despite the drive stalling, George Chrissafis was able to put points on the board with a 39-yard field goal.
Kean went ahead 10-0 early in the second quarter, with a 12 play, 95-yard drive, capped by a Da'Von Craft two-yard rush.
The Pioneers (1-3, 0-1 NJAC) made it 10-6 with a 52-yard reception from Nigel Jennings to Kyree Hinton. WP tried for two, but failed.
Kean added to their lead as Craft found open space and rushed for 48 yards and a 17-6 advantage.
William Paterson closed out the first half scoring with just seconds on the clock as Jennings found Caleb Rippey for a 16-yard catch. Again the Pioneers went for two and were not successful.
After a scoreless third quarter, William Paterson took their first lead of the day (18-17) as Connor Katz plunged through the goal line on fourth down and inches. Again William Paterson tried for two and couldn't convert.
Kean regained the lead for good with an eight play, 82-yard drive, eating up four minutes on the clock late in the fourth quarter. Rocco Pellegrini found a wide open Julian Jones for the 15-yard catch and run. The Cougars elected to go for two and converted as Pellegrini's pass to Matt Vingara was good.
The Kean defense held, forcing a four and out for William Paterson and the Cougars were able to run out the clock for their first win of the season.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
Craft finished with two touchdowns while recording six rushes for 66 yards.
Christian Bujno had seven completions for 86 yards.
Amos led the defense with eight tackles, two tackles for a loss (23 yards), one sack (16 yards), one interception (18 yards) and two pass breakups.
For the Pioneers, Quamire Green led all players with 14 tackles.
UP NEXT:
The Cougars head to the road to take on Montclair State University on Saturday evening.
