BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – Bridgewater State claimed its 10th consecutive victory over Worcester State Friday night under the lights at Swenson Field for the Lancers' first Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) game of the season .
With this loss, the Lancers fall to 0-3 on the season, while the Bridgewater State Bears improve to 2-1.
Bridgewater State took the early run on their second drive, as they put up seven on the board on a three-yard run from sophomore quarterback Alex McLaughlin (Littleton, Mass.) and a kick from sophomore Jacab Junker (Dighton, Mass.) in the first quarter.
Worcester State would then receive the ball, and tally up nine plays in their third drive, landing three points as freshman Adrian Lingo (Sharon, Mass.) accomplished a 35-yard field goal to make the score 7-3 Bears.
With just a minute remaining in the first quarter, the Lancers took the lead, as senior quarterback Trevor Vasey (Cumberland, R.I.) and senior Kemani Jones (Milton, Mass.) paired up at the Bridegwater State 48, rushed for a total of 13, and passed for a total of two to get to the Bears' 35-yard line. On 3rd and two, Vasey completed a 29-yard pass to junior Arron Witkus (Chelmsford, Mass.). With another good kick from Lingo, the Lancers were on top 10-7 going into the second quarter.
The second quarter was back and forth between the two teams, as Bridgewater took the lead on a 23-yard pass from their quarterback junior Danny Higgins (Manahawkin, NJ). Worcester State would then again answer with a touchdown from junior Derek Moore (Mendon, Mass.), taking lead once again at 16-14.
With just 25 seconds left in the second quarter, Bridgewater was able to successfully take the lead off a 29-yard field goal and take the 17-16 lead going into the second half of play.
Bridgewater was able to complete a pass for a touchdown on their second drive in the third quarter, widening their lead to 24-16.
The fourth quarter is where it all came down to, as the Lancers tried to catch up to the Bears. With 12:41 left in the final quarter, Bridgewater's junior Liam Murphy (South Hadley, Mass.) increased the Bears' lead to 11 with a 26-yard field goal.
Worcester State would soon answer with a 10-yard run from Jones for a touchdown, and then a two-point conversion from Vasey to tighten the gap 22-27.
Back on the Bears' end, senior Michael Viola (Wrentham, Mass.) received a stunning 73-yard pass from quarterback McLaughlin turning the tables in Bridgewaters' favor, 34-22.
Worcester State would score once again with 34 seconds on the clock on a 31-yard pass from Vasey to senior Terrence Gibson (Rockland, Mass.), but that would not clear the win for them, as they fell with a final score of 34-28.
Vasey went 36-63 in completions, with a total of 316 yards and three touchdowns.
Leading the Lancers in rushing yards was Jones with 100, with one touchdown on the night. Receiving for the Lancers, Witkus led the team with 83 yards, while Gibson came behind him with 60.
On the defensive end junior Shane Gleim (N. Grosvenordale, Conn.) led the team with 11 tackles (8 solo). Freshman Mike Holder (Lowell, Mass.) recorded three tackles, while forcing three breakups on the Bears' end.
Overall, Bridgewater Sate outnumbered Worcester State 480-448, and also in time of possession 35:29-24:31.
Next weekend the Lancers will take on another MASCAC competitor, as they will host Mass. Maritime on their home field on Sep. 26 at 1 p.m.
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