Sep 11, 2009

Football Goes for First Win Saturday Against Husson

MERRIMACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Saturday, September 12, 2009, Game #2 vs. Husson, 1 p.m., Warrior Field

Watch Live / Live Stats / Game Notes (.pdf)

UPDATE
The Warriors go for their first win of the 2009 season when they battle Husson University (Div. III) Saturday in the second game of a season-opening three-game homestand. AIC defeated Merrimack 58-34 last weekend in the season opener in front of 1,376 fans at Warrior Field.

SERIES
The Warriors hold a 1-0 advantage over Husson, defeating the Eagles 42-7 on opening day last season at Warrior Field. Making his first career start, Kurt Leone threw for 334 yards in the first half, earning NE-10 Player of the Week honors. Using a no-huddle attack, Leone connected with six different receivers in the first half, including four for passing touchdowns, two of them to Chris Laham. The win was head coach John Perry’s first as Merrimack’s head coach.

LAHAM SETS RECEIVING TD MARK; CLOSES IN ON TOTAL TD’S RECORD
Chris Laham set the school record for career touchdown receptions against AIC, getting his 24th and 25th career touchdowns in last week’s loss to the Yellow Jackets. Laham passed Elfren Quiles, who totaled 23 career TD receptions. Laham, who has 27 career touchdowns (25 receiving, 2 special teams), needs just one more to tie the school record for career touchdowns set by Calvin Bryant (1997-99).

A HIGH-SCORING OPENER
The 92 combined points in the Merrimack -AIC game were the most scored in a Northeast-10 game since Southern Connecticut and Bryant combined for 112 points during the 2005 season. The 58 points surrendered by the Warriors are the most in school history since Southern Connecticut scored 62 in a 62-14 Warrior loss on September 23, 2005. The 38 points allowed by AIC were the most since they gave up 48 at Kutztown in 2007.

SUOZZO RUNS FOR THREE SCORES; THROWS FOR TWO OTHERS
Sophomore quarterback James Suozzo overcame four interceptions to rush for three touchdowns in a 15:02 span early in the second half. Suozzo, who had 82 rushing yards, threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-33 passing.

SMALLS IS BIG IN OPENER
Sophomore Anthony Smalls tallied 181 total yards against AIC. The Dorchester native rushed for 114 yards on 12 carries, including a 42-yard dash, and added three catches for 30 yards and two kicks for 37 yards.

SUCCESSFUL DEBUT AT DEFENSE FOR R. JOHNSON
After playing running back in his first three seasons at Merrimack, Richard Johnson successfully made the switch to defense, leading the Warriors with eight tackles in the season opener against AIC. Johnson also returned a kick for 50 yards.

EXPECTING A HIGH-POWERED OFFENSE
Merrimack, who racked up 412 yards of total offense in the season opener against AIC, returns its top players from an offense that averaged 423.4 yards per game last season, second in the Northeast-10. The wide receiver tandem of Jeremiah Watts and Chris Laham lead the way and are joined by Jake Manning, Ryan DiGregorio, Quivari Jackson, and Omari Mobley. James Suozzo returns for his sophomore year to anchor Merrimack’s high-powered offense at quarterback with his classmate, Anthony Smalls, taking over the primary running back duties. Merrimack’s offensive line is young, but talented, led by preseason All-American honorable mention David Bellmont and all-conference selection Jacob Bradley.

T. JOHNSON LOOKS TO CONTINUE INITIAL SUCCESS
Tony Johnson, who set the school record for sacks in a season with 11.5 as a freshman, returns for his sophomore campaign. Johnson led the Northeast-10 in sacks and was second nationally in sacks per game, while earning first-team all-conference honors. Johnson had five tackles, including one for a loss in the opener.

WATTS, LAHAM SET SIGHTS ON THE RECORD BOOK
Chris Laham (79 receptions, 1,568 yards) and Jeremiah Watts (75 receptions, 944 yards) both have legitimate chances to set school records for career receptions (134-Quiles) and career receiving yards (2,203-Quiles).

MORE WATTS
Watts led the Warriors last season with 72 catches for 924 yards, both second all-time in school history for a season. He was second in the conference in total receptions and receptions per game and 13th in the nation in receptions per game.

SCORING STREAK: 86 GAMES AND COUNTING
Merrimack has scored in 86 consecutive games, which is the 20th-longest active streak in Division II football. Valdosta State holds the current record having scored in 215 straight games while Bentley (107) and Southern Connecticut (99) are among the top-20.

OFFENSIVE LINE GETS ITS DUE
Merrimack’s offensive line allowed just 15 sacks last season, fewest in the NE-10. David Bellmont, Dylan Register, and Jacob Bradley return to lead the offensive line for 2009. The Warriors did not allow a sack in the season opener.

UPDATING THE RECORD BOOK - GAME EDITION
Merrimack set a school record with 647 total offensive yards in the October 10, 2008 48-42 loss to Saint Anselm. The Warriors tallied 358 yards rushing and 289 yards passing. The 358 rushing yards rank fourth all-time in school history for a single game.

UPDATING THE RECORD BOOK - SEASON EDITION
Perry’s 2008 offense set the school record with 4,234 total offensive yards and tied the school mark with 215 first downs. They also tallied 289 points and 2,815 passing yards, both second in school history.

CAPTAINS
The Warriors will have four captains for 2009, led by Chris Laham. Laham, who got a medical redshirt and a 5th year of eligibility, enters his second straight season as captain. Joining him as captains are Jeremiah Watts, Bernard Cooper, and Shane Brown.

PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS
Jeremiah Watts and David Bellmont were both named preseason All-Americans by Consensus Draft Services. They are the second and third players in school history to earn that honor after Andrew Jackson became the first preseason and postseason All-American in 2008.

CHICAGO CONNECTION
The 2009 Warriors feature eight players from the Chicago-area, including five freshmen, most notably running back Jimon Hill. Senior captain Bernard Cooper also hails from Illinois. Freshman Michael Wiggins (Dolton, IL) registered his first career sack against AIC.

REPLACING AN ALL-AMERICAN
The graduation loss of Andrew Jackson, who became the first first-team All-American in program history last season, left some giant shoes to fill. Richard Johnson is ready to step up and fill the cornerback and kick returning positions while Chris Laham takes over for Jackson on punt returns. Peter Early, Anthony Taylor, and Jason Fischer will also see significant time in the secondary. Tony Johnson, another All-American candidate, will wear Andrew Jackson’s No. 24 this season.

OTHER DEFENSIVE NOTABLES
Although there will be many new faces on defense this season, a lot of experience returns at the linebacker position. Shane Brown, Rhandy Audate, Tony Johnson and Marc Benjamin, linebackers who either started or saw significant playing time, all return, while Shawn Loiseau inherits a more prominent role as a sophomore. Up front, Garrett Boyd and Bernard Cooper anchor the line, with Anthony Taylor directing the secondary.

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS
Here is a glimpse of some newcomers as well as some returners who didn’t play much last year but will have an impact early this year.
Nick DesJardins: Recorded eight tackles last season but will start at defensive end as a sophomore in Merrimack’s 3-4 defense. Tallied seven tackles, including 1.5 for a loss in week 1.
Peter Early: Transferred from Holy Cross and will see significant time in the secondary after converting from wide receiver. Picked up four tackles last week.
Jimon Hill: Listed as the backup running back as a freshman. Rushed for 12 yards on two carries against AIC.
Shawn Loiseau: former Massachusetts Defensive Player of the Year will likely start at middle linebacker in his sophomore year. Tallied seven tackles in week 1.
Offensive Line: Sophomores Alex Sharp and Rob Maggiacomo are the likely starting guards in an offensive line without a senior. Freshmen Zach Gilbert, Travis Ianetta, Jim Peterson, and Dustin Chickering are all listed as back-ups.

BREAKING DOWN THE SCHEDULE
The Merrimack College football team, under the direction of second-year coach John Perry, has been selected to finish third in the Northeast-10 Conference in 2009 by the conference coaches. Six home games and tough road match-ups at American International and Southern Connecticut highlight the 2009 Merrimack College football schedule. The Warriors open its season with three straight home games, including non-conference battles with the Yellow Jackets on September 5 and Division III Husson University on September 12. After hosting Stonehill in the final game of this three-game homestand on September 18, they will head to Saint Anselm on September 26, looking to avenge last season’s 48-42 upset loss at the hands of the Hawks. The Warriors will host Bentley on October 3, then travel to Assumption on October 10 before hosting New Haven on October 17 for Homecoming Weekend. Merrimack’s season may, however, depend on the outcome of two late October road games that will see the Warriors visit the defending conference champion American International on October 24 and then travel on a short week for a Friday night battle with the preseason favorite Southern Connecticut State Owls on October 30. The Warriors will conclude their season on November 7 when they host Pace for Senior Day.

LAST MEETING
MERRIMACK 42, HUSSON 7 (9/6/08) @ Warrior Field
Making his first career start, Kurt Leone threw for 334 yards in the first half as Merrimack routed Husson College 42-7 at Warrior Field. The win was head coach John Perry’s first as Merrimack’s head coach. Using a no-huddle attack, Leone connected with six different receivers in the first half, including four for passing touchdowns, two of them to Chris Laham. The Warriors took the opening kickoff and marched right down the field as Leone connected with Jawara Loftis on a 24-yard pass to cap off an eight play, 63-yard drive. Moments later, Leone found Jeremiah Watts in the end zone from 25 yards out, and it was quickly 14-0 Merrimack just 5:54 into the first quarter. Leone then found Laham for two scores, one for 22 yards and the other for 29 yards, before Richard Johnson raced 79 yards down the right sideline to give the Warriors a 35-0 lead heading into halftime. After Justin Lindle got Husson on the board with a one-yard rush, preseason All-American Andrew Jackson answered right back returning the ensuing kickoff 81 yards for the touchdown. Laham finished with 153 yards receiving on 11 catches. Johnson rushed for 99 yards on 11 carries, while freshman Anthony Smalls debuted with 78 rushing yards. Loftis finished with five catches for 85 yards.

WARRIORS ON THE AIR
The Merrimack Athletics Department has teamed up with B2 Networks to deliver live broadband broadcasts for the second straight season. Warrior games that will be streamed online include all home football, basketball and hockey broadcasts. Games can be purchased on a season or single game basis.


Cross Country (M) Cross Country (W) Field Hockey Football Soccer (M) Soccer (W) Volleyball Basketball (M) Basketball (W) Ice Hockey Baseball Lacrosse (M) Lacrosse (W) Softball Tennis (M) Tennis (W) Lawler Completion Project Athletic Staff Directory Blue Line Club Cheerleading Compliance Composite Calendar Directions Facilities From the AD's Desk Intramurals Marketing & Promotions Merrimack Championships Quick Facts Recruiting Questionnaires SAAC SID Downloads Sponsorship Sports Medicine Strength and Conditioning Visitors Guide	Home \| Roster \| 2009 Schedule \| Standings \| Statistics \| News \| Coaches \| All-Time Letterwinners \| All-Time Records \| All-Time Results \| 2009 Season Tickets \| Career Stats \| Watch Home Games Live! \| Archives [Printer Friendly] Sep 11, 2009 Football Goes for First Win Saturday Against Husson MERRIMACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL Saturday, September 12, 2009, Game #2 vs. Husson, 1 p.m., Warrior Field Watch Live / Live Stats / Game Notes (.pdf) UPDATE The Warriors go for their first win of the 2009 season when they battle Husson University (Div. III) Saturday in the second game of a season-opening three-game homestand. AIC defeated Merrimack 58-34 last weekend in the season opener in front of 1,376 fans at Warrior Field. SERIES The Warriors hold a 1-0 advantage over Husson, defeating the Eagles 42-7 on opening day last season at Warrior Field. Making his first career start, Kurt Leone threw for 334 yards in the first half, earning NE-10 Player of the Week honors. Using a no-huddle attack, Leone connected with six different receivers in the first half, including four for passing touchdowns, two of them to Chris Laham. The win was head coach John Perry’s first as Merrimack’s head coach. LAHAM SETS RECEIVING TD MARK; CLOSES IN ON TOTAL TD’S RECORD Chris Laham set the school record for career touchdown receptions against AIC, getting his 24th and 25th career touchdowns in last week’s loss to the Yellow Jackets. Laham passed Elfren Quiles, who totaled 23 career TD receptions. Laham, who has 27 career touchdowns (25 receiving, 2 special teams), needs just one more to tie the school record for career touchdowns set by Calvin Bryant (1997-99). A HIGH-SCORING OPENER The 92 combined points in the Merrimack -AIC game were the most scored in a Northeast-10 game since Southern Connecticut and Bryant combined for 112 points during the 2005 season. The 58 points surrendered by the Warriors are the most in school history since Southern Connecticut scored 62 in a 62-14 Warrior loss on September 23, 2005. The 38 points allowed by AIC were the most since they gave up 48 at Kutztown in 2007. SUOZZO RUNS FOR THREE SCORES; THROWS FOR TWO OTHERS Sophomore quarterback James Suozzo overcame four interceptions to rush for three touchdowns in a 15:02 span early in the second half. Suozzo, who had 82 rushing yards, threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-33 passing. SMALLS IS BIG IN OPENER Sophomore Anthony Smalls tallied 181 total yards against AIC. The Dorchester native rushed for 114 yards on 12 carries, including a 42-yard dash, and added three catches for 30 yards and two kicks for 37 yards. SUCCESSFUL DEBUT AT DEFENSE FOR R. JOHNSON After playing running back in his first three seasons at Merrimack, Richard Johnson successfully made the switch to defense, leading the Warriors with eight tackles in the season opener against AIC. Johnson also returned a kick for 50 yards. EXPECTING A HIGH-POWERED OFFENSE Merrimack, who racked up 412 yards of total offense in the season opener against AIC, returns its top players from an offense that averaged 423.4 yards per game last season, second in the Northeast-10. The wide receiver tandem of Jeremiah Watts and Chris Laham lead the way and are joined by Jake Manning, Ryan DiGregorio, Quivari Jackson, and Omari Mobley. James Suozzo returns for his sophomore year to anchor Merrimack’s high-powered offense at quarterback with his classmate, Anthony Smalls, taking over the primary running back duties. Merrimack’s offensive line is young, but talented, led by preseason All-American honorable mention David Bellmont and all-conference selection Jacob Bradley. T. JOHNSON LOOKS TO CONTINUE INITIAL SUCCESS Tony Johnson, who set the school record for sacks in a season with 11.5 as a freshman, returns for his sophomore campaign. Johnson led the Northeast-10 in sacks and was second nationally in sacks per game, while earning first-team all-conference honors. Johnson had five tackles, including one for a loss in the opener. WATTS, LAHAM SET SIGHTS ON THE RECORD BOOK Chris Laham (79 receptions, 1,568 yards) and Jeremiah Watts (75 receptions, 944 yards) both have legitimate chances to set school records for career receptions (134-Quiles) and career receiving yards (2,203-Quiles). MORE WATTS Watts led the Warriors last season with 72 catches for 924 yards, both second all-time in school history for a season. He was second in the conference in total receptions and receptions per game and 13th in the nation in receptions per game. SCORING STREAK: 86 GAMES AND COUNTING Merrimack has scored in 86 consecutive games, which is the 20th-longest active streak in Division II football. Valdosta State holds the current record having scored in 215 straight games while Bentley (107) and Southern Connecticut (99) are among the top-20. OFFENSIVE LINE GETS ITS DUE Merrimack’s offensive line allowed just 15 sacks last season, fewest in the NE-10. David Bellmont, Dylan Register, and Jacob Bradley return to lead the offensive line for 2009. The Warriors did not allow a sack in the season opener. UPDATING THE RECORD BOOK - GAME EDITION Merrimack set a school record with 647 total offensive yards in the October 10, 2008 48-42 loss to Saint Anselm. The Warriors tallied 358 yards rushing and 289 yards passing. The 358 rushing yards rank fourth all-time in school history for a single game. UPDATING THE RECORD BOOK - SEASON EDITION Perry’s 2008 offense set the school record with 4,234 total offensive yards and tied the school mark with 215 first downs. They also tallied 289 points and 2,815 passing yards, both second in school history. CAPTAINS The Warriors will have four captains for 2009, led by Chris Laham. Laham, who got a medical redshirt and a 5th year of eligibility, enters his second straight season as captain. Joining him as captains are Jeremiah Watts, Bernard Cooper, and Shane Brown. PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS Jeremiah Watts and David Bellmont were both named preseason All-Americans by Consensus Draft Services. They are the second and third players in school history to earn that honor after Andrew Jackson became the first preseason and postseason All-American in 2008. CHICAGO CONNECTION The 2009 Warriors feature eight players from the Chicago-area, including five freshmen, most notably running back Jimon Hill. Senior captain Bernard Cooper also hails from Illinois. Freshman Michael Wiggins (Dolton, IL) registered his first career sack against AIC. REPLACING AN ALL-AMERICAN The graduation loss of Andrew Jackson, who became the first first-team All-American in program history last season, left some giant shoes to fill. Richard Johnson is ready to step up and fill the cornerback and kick returning positions while Chris Laham takes over for Jackson on punt returns. Peter Early, Anthony Taylor, and Jason Fischer will also see significant time in the secondary. Tony Johnson, another All-American candidate, will wear Andrew Jackson’s No. 24 this season. OTHER DEFENSIVE NOTABLES Although there will be many new faces on defense this season, a lot of experience returns at the linebacker position. Shane Brown, Rhandy Audate, Tony Johnson and Marc Benjamin, linebackers who either started or saw significant playing time, all return, while Shawn Loiseau inherits a more prominent role as a sophomore. Up front, Garrett Boyd and Bernard Cooper anchor the line, with Anthony Taylor directing the secondary. SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS Here is a glimpse of some newcomers as well as some returners who didn’t play much last year but will have an impact early this year. Nick DesJardins: Recorded eight tackles last season but will start at defensive end as a sophomore in Merrimack’s 3-4 defense. Tallied seven tackles, including 1.5 for a loss in week 1. Peter Early: Transferred from Holy Cross and will see significant time in the secondary after converting from wide receiver. Picked up four tackles last week. Jimon Hill: Listed as the backup running back as a freshman. Rushed for 12 yards on two carries against AIC. Shawn Loiseau: former Massachusetts Defensive Player of the Year will likely start at middle linebacker in his sophomore year. Tallied seven tackles in week 1. Offensive Line: Sophomores Alex Sharp and Rob Maggiacomo are the likely starting guards in an offensive line without a senior. Freshmen Zach Gilbert, Travis Ianetta, Jim Peterson, and Dustin Chickering are all listed as back-ups. BREAKING DOWN THE SCHEDULE The Merrimack College football team, under the direction of second-year coach John Perry, has been selected to finish third in the Northeast-10 Conference in 2009 by the conference coaches. Six home games and tough road match-ups at American International and Southern Connecticut highlight the 2009 Merrimack College football schedule. The Warriors open its season with three straight home games, including non-conference battles with the Yellow Jackets on September 5 and Division III Husson University on September 12. After hosting Stonehill in the final game of this three-game homestand on September 18, they will head to Saint Anselm on September 26, looking to avenge last season’s 48-42 upset loss at the hands of the Hawks. The Warriors will host Bentley on October 3, then travel to Assumption on October 10 before hosting New Haven on October 17 for Homecoming Weekend. Merrimack’s season may, however, depend on the outcome of two late October road games that will see the Warriors visit the defending conference champion American International on October 24 and then travel on a short week for a Friday night battle with the preseason favorite Southern Connecticut State Owls on October 30. The Warriors will conclude their season on November 7 when they host Pace for Senior Day. LAST MEETING MERRIMACK 42, HUSSON 7 (9/6/08) @ Warrior Field Making his first career start, Kurt Leone threw for 334 yards in the first half as Merrimack routed Husson College 42-7 at Warrior Field. The win was head coach John Perry’s first as Merrimack’s head coach. Using a no-huddle attack, Leone connected with six different receivers in the first half, including four for passing touchdowns, two of them to Chris Laham. The Warriors took the opening kickoff and marched right down the field as Leone connected with Jawara Loftis on a 24-yard pass to cap off an eight play, 63-yard drive. Moments later, Leone found Jeremiah Watts in the end zone from 25 yards out, and it was quickly 14-0 Merrimack just 5:54 into the first quarter. Leone then found Laham for two scores, one for 22 yards and the other for 29 yards, before Richard Johnson raced 79 yards down the right sideline to give the Warriors a 35-0 lead heading into halftime. After Justin Lindle got Husson on the board with a one-yard rush, preseason All-American Andrew Jackson answered right back returning the ensuing kickoff 81 yards for the touchdown. Laham finished with 153 yards receiving on 11 catches. Johnson rushed for 99 yards on 11 carries, while freshman Anthony Smalls debuted with 78 rushing yards. Loftis finished with five catches for 85 yards. WARRIORS ON THE AIR The Merrimack Athletics Department has teamed up with B2 Networks to deliver live broadband broadcasts for the second straight season. Warrior games that will be streamed online include all home football, basketball and hockey broadcasts. Games can be purchased on a season or single game basis.