Dubs in the Streets in the Town of New Haven: Chargers Win the 77 Classic

The New Haven Chargers posted the NEC’s first win of the season in a statement victory last night over the Marist Red Foxes, one of the teams that prognosticators have pointed to as a potential dark horse in the Pioneer League this season. What stands out about the victory was how hard-fought it was. The Chargers looked like the better team throughout, but the score remained close and in Marist’s favor until late.

There’s a big difference in saying “there’ll be days like these” and taking the loss versus having one of those days and pulling out the win. Especially against a quality opponent like Marist, led by QB Sonny Mannino. But Mannino and the Red Foxes were stifled by the New Haven defense all day. As a team, Marist could only rush for 90 net and get 70 net yards. Compare that to the Chargers, who ran for 107 and pulled in 311 through the air with two touchdowns. Marist was able to pull in a pick six in the 2nd quarter along with a blocked punt, or this game may not have been very close on the scoreboard.

Zaon Laney made his return with 45 net yards and a long of 16, while Duffy found Issac Glaudin 7 times through the air for 99 yards and a TD. Nate Burleson II caught two passes for 78 yards and a score.

The biggest plays came in the 4th quarter, when New Haven scored on a 19 yard field goal to take the lead 22-21. After forcing a 4th down, the defense came up big once again to force the turnover on downs. A gutsy 4th down completion of their own on a pass to Dom Grguric iced the game, as the Chargers could subsequently kneel.

Two things really jump out to me here. First, this defense looks improved in its second year under Coach Powell’s system. It’s been a rough week for the Pioneer League, but Marist is a quality opponent and this victory hinged on the defense’s ability to continue to shut down the Red Foxes even when they were collecting points in other ways. If the defense doesn’t have a standout performance, we’d look back on this one as a disappointment.

Secondly- the Chargers had so much more balance this year compared to last year in their play calling. Having Zaon Laney back is going to be huge for this offense, as they won’t have to be one dimensional. Their play calling last night proved it.

The Chargers are 1-0 entering conference play against Stonehill next week.