GAME RECAP: New Haven Tames Albany, 24-17
No one deserved last night more than the New Haven fans. Since we’ve welcomed them into the league, it’s hard to think of a more passionate fanbase. I talked to these folks up in Erie. I’ve met them through the cyberworld of Twitter (X?) that we inhabit. And I’ve talked to their coaches, athletic director, their players, their athletic department staff… everyone that I think I could have talked to connected to the program at this point. And I can’t imagine finding a more passionate group of people anywhere.
I hope you all received a game ball in some way or another. You’ve earned it.
After a rocky two weeks for the program with losses against Marist and Mercyhurst, the Chargers got off of the bus and didn’t stop marching down the field for the entire first half. They exploded early with a 10-0 lead at the end of the first which grew to 24-7 at the half. AJ Duffy threw touchdown passes to three different receivers (Matt Chandler, Evan Chieca, and Nikkem Reynolds) and Liam Quigley added a 38 yard field goal. At one point, the Chargers led 24-0 before Albany finally pushed in a 1 yard run near the conclusion of the half.
It was a more balanced offensive attack for New Haven with 180 passing yards and 114 rushing. It took a village to get those yards on the ground, with Brian Thomas pacing the backs for 43 and Zaon Laney returning with 8 carries for 41. Joshua Tracey didn’t earn a touchdown through the air, but led receivers with 65 yards. It seemed like the ball had to get everywhere for New Haven to move the sticks, and in the first half they certainly accomplished that.
The second half required the defense to hold Albany out of the end zone as the offense finally was slowed down. Albany actually had 436 total yards, but with 396 of those through the air, there wasn’t much balance and definitely plenty of doubt that the Great Danes could run the ball if the occasion called for it. Albany quarterback Jack Shields through 53 times but was sacked 6 times by a hungry Chargers pass rush that was ready to let out some early season frustration. The Chargers forced three turnovers (2 INT, 1 fumble) while they took care of the ball. When you’re up 3 turnovers to none, you tend to win football games, regardless of how you’re outgained.
And make no mistake, the Great Danes could compile yardage. The 436 yards for UAlbany certainly dwarfs the 296 the Chargers could put up, but with turnovers and the 12 penalties they committed to 8 for New Haven, it was one of those games that reminds fans of offense that there’s a lot more to it than moving the ball in football. For one thing, you have to score, and Albany couldn’t do enough of that. Football is about discipline, taking care of the ball, and overcoming adversity. The Chargers handed Albany 24 points worth of adversity, and the Great Danes simply couldn’t overcome it even when they began to slow down the offensive side of the ball.
The game was finally sealed with Albany reaching the red zone and looking to tie up the game. Coach Powell’s defense had to stand firm just one more time. Holding them to a 4th down, Albany’s quarterback Shields dropped back to pass and was met by two Chargers who forced through the offensive line and brought him down for a sack. Give game balls to Stephen Conwell and Pete Melle for bringing down Shields when it mattered most, too. Duffy kneeled out the clock and New Haven got on the board at 1-2.
For New Haven, this is their first win as a Division I program and the first career win for Head Coach Mark Powell. This one goes in the media guides permanently for both of them. For the NEC, it caps off a curious weekend that saw the league go 2-0 against the CAA. The depth in this league might be surprising to pundits paying attention, but to NEC fans it just adds to the excitement for conference play to begin in earnest.
