Union, N.J. (10/4/25) – The Kean University football team fell to Montclair State University in the NJAC opener for both on Saturday afternoon by the final of 38-28.
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Cougars started the game with a bang, using just three plays to get into the endzone. Derrick Hammond found a hole and marched 51 yards down the field for the game's first score.
After forcing a four and out, Kean scored with their second possession with a more traditional drive, 14 plays and 65 yards. Christian Bujno punctuated the drive with over the shoulder grab deep in the endzone for a 16-yard reception.
The Red Hawks tied things up on back-to-back drives. Diante Wilson rushed for a two-yard touchdown on a drive that spanned the first and second quarters to get on the board. MSU then took advantage of a Kean miscue on the ensuing kickoff, setting up excellent field position. Wilson again finished off the drive, this time with a one yard run to knot the game at 14-all.
With their new momentum, the Red Hawks forced a four and out, and took the lead on their next possession. Highlighting the action was a 69-yard reception from TJ Kachala to start the drive, capped by a six-yard quarterback keeper.
The Cougar defense tied things up just before the break as Chris Amos returned a 58-yard interception.
The Red Hawks took the lead for good on the opening drive of the second half as Kachala caught a ten-yard pass and scampered an additional 20 yards for a 28-21 advantage and the only score of the third quarter.
The teams' would trade touchdowns on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter before the Red Hawks put the game out of reach with a 27 yard field goal with under a minute to go.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
Bujno had five catches for 84 yards. Rodney Acquah led the defense with nine tackles.
Of note, neither team recorded a sack in the contest.
UP NEXT:
Kean travels Salisbury University on Saturday, October 11th.
