GAME RECAP: New Haven Loses First D1 Game to Marist, 31-14

The opportunities were certainly there for New Haven, but the ball just couldn’t bounce their way.

There were certainly positives to take away. Once the defense settled in around the second quarter, the Chargers looked competitive. AJ Duffy had a coming out party as the real deal- and, likely, among the top quarterbacks in an NEC that might be defined by strong quarterback play. We thought Adam Urena’s game proved he was the real deal- and it did- but Duffy threw for video game numbers, dishing out 377 yards and 2 TDs to 1 INT.

Next week at Mercyhurst should be a lot of fun. And a lot of points.

But let’s get back to the inaugural 77 Classic.

The Chargers couldn’t get out of a hole dug in the first quarter, when Marist was able to get up two scores to reach 17-7. But a blocked field goal, muffed punt, and a goal line stand by the Red Foxes on 4th and goal at the 1 kept the Chargers from surmounting the two score deficit.

A final special teams gaffe- another muffed punt- led to the final Marist touchdown that ultimately made the game look more lopsided than it actually was.

Had the goal line stand gone the other way, had the field goal gone through the uprights, had the ball been fielded cleanly on punts- it was an “if only” game for the Chargers, who had their opportunities to take their first game as a member of Division I and the Northeast Conference.

Defensively, defensive back Dre Kirton paced New Haven with 10 tackles. New Haven seemed to miss the talents of Zaon Laney, as they were only able to eat up 18 rushing yards on the day. Evan Chieca and Logan Smith caught the two Duffy touchdown passes.