Sep 17, 2009

Football Opens Conference Play Friday Night Hosting Stonehill

MERRIMACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Friday, September 18, 2009, Game #3 vs. Stonehill College, 7 p.m., Warrior Field

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

UPDATE
The Warriors close out a season-opening three-game homestand and open conference play on Friday night when they host Stonehill College. The Warriors blanked Husson 23-0 last weekend, while Stonehill lost to AIC 35-17 in its conference opener.

SERIES
The Warriors hold an 8-5 advantage lifetime against the Skyhawks, including a 21-16 victory last season at Stonehill. Incredibly, the visiting team has won the last nine meetings between the two schools, dating back to the 2000 season.

SMALLS HAS CAREER DAY
Sophomore Anthony Smalls continued his early-season success as he rushed for a career-high 188 yards in a 23-0 win over Husson. Smalls, who picked up 154 yards on 15 carries in the first half, has 302 rushing yards in two games this season, leads the conference with a 151 yards per game average, and is second in all purpose yards per game with 189.

LAHAM TIES TOUCHDOWN RECORD
Chris Laham, who set the school record for career touchdown receptions against AIC, picked up his 28th career touchdown (26 receiving, 2 special teams) against Husson. He needs just one more to break the school record for career touchdowns set by Calvin Bryant (1997-99).

DEFENSE BLANKS THE EAGLES
The Warriors defense forced three turnovers and limited Husson to just 218 total yards in the 23-0 victory. It marked their first shutout since October 27, 2007, when they blanked Pace 31-0.

FISCHER PICKS A PAIR

Sophomore Jason Fischer totaled two interceptions in the 23-0 victory over Husson last weekend, marking the first two picks of his career. He also totaled four tackles and broke up a pass in the win. Fischer has helped fill the void left by graduated All-American Andrew Jackson and injured Anthony Taylor.

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 SOARS TO TOP OF SCORING LEADERS IN NE-10
Sophomore quarterback James Suozzo overcame four interceptions to rush for three touchdowns in a 15:02 span early in the second half against AIC. In addition, he had 82 rushing yards and threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-33 passing. Through two games, Suozzo is third in the conference in total offensive yards with 273.5 and second in total point with 12.0 per game.

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.

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. Last season, Johnson led the Northeast-10 in sacks and was second nationally in sacks per game, while earning first-team all-conference honors. Johnson forced a fumble and had eight tackles against Husson, and tallied five tackles the week before in the opener against AIC.

EXPECTING A HIGH-POWERED OFFENSE
Merrimack, who racked up 473 yards of total offense against Husson and 412 yards 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.

WATTS, LAHAM SET SIGHTS ON THE RECORD BOOK
Chris Laham (84 receptions, 1664 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: 87 GAMES AND COUNTING
Merrimack has scored in 87 consecutive games, which is the 20th-longest active streak in Division II football. Valdosta State holds the current record having scored in 216 straight games while Bentley (108) and Southern Connecticut (100) 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 have allowed just two sacks this season.

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 and some returners who didn’t play much last year but will have an impact early this year.
Nick DesJardins: Tied for third on the team with 13 tackles, while leading the team with three QB hurries. On the year, has .5 sacks and two tackles for a loss.
Peter Early: Transferred from Holy Cross and will see significant time in the secondary after converting from wide receiver. Has five tackles in two games and is starting at cornerback after Anthony Taylor went down with an injury.
Jimon Hill: Listed as the backup running back as a freshman. Rushed for 12 yards on two carries against AIC and had four carries against Husson.
Shawn Loiseau: former Massachusetts Defensive Player of the Year will likely start at middle linebacker in his sophomore year. Leads team with 16 tackles, after getting nine against Husson.
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 21, STONEHILL 16 (10/25/08) @ Stonehill
James Suozzo threw for three touchdowns while junior tailback Richard Johnson rushed for 114 yards as visiting Merrimack defeated Stonehill College 21-16. Suozzo threw for 245 yards on 27-of-40 passing, while Johnson rushed 114 yards on 26 carries. Merrimack trailed 10-7 at half but stormed back as Suozzo found Ryan DiGregorio and Jeremiah Watts for third quarter touchdowns to pull ahead 21-10. It was Watts’ second score of the game, as earlier he and Suozzo connected on a 17-yard pass in the second quarter to tie the score at seven. The Warrior defense stymied the Skyhawk offense in the second half as Stonehill had just two offensive drives of over 30 total yards in the final 30 minutes. One of those drives resulted in a late touchdown, while the other was erased on a fumble recovered by J.D. Wild. Bernard Cooper added a first-half interception, which nullified another drive as Stonehill had marched down the field 73 yards after starting at its own seven yard line. Senior All-American Andrew Jackson also picked up an interception, as the Warriors forced four turnovers. Merrimack added five sacks, led by two from senior Joe Jolicoeur. Wilson Perjuste, Tony Johnson, and Shane Brown each tallied one each with Brown leading the team with nine tackles. Watts added to his team lead in receptions as he pulled in seven catches for 85 yards and two scores. Johnson also contributed eight receptions for 52 yards out of the backfield, while DiGregorio totaled five catches for 50 yards. Suozzo added 60 rushing yards, including a 30-yard run.

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 17, 2009 Football Opens Conference Play Friday Night Hosting Stonehill MERRIMACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL Friday, September 18, 2009, Game #3 vs. Stonehill College, 7 p.m., Warrior Field Watch Live / Live Stats / Game Notes (.pdf) UPDATE The Warriors close out a season-opening three-game homestand and open conference play on Friday night when they host Stonehill College. The Warriors blanked Husson 23-0 last weekend, while Stonehill lost to AIC 35-17 in its conference opener. SERIES The Warriors hold an 8-5 advantage lifetime against the Skyhawks, including a 21-16 victory last season at Stonehill. Incredibly, the visiting team has won the last nine meetings between the two schools, dating back to the 2000 season. SMALLS HAS CAREER DAY Sophomore Anthony Smalls continued his early-season success as he rushed for a career-high 188 yards in a 23-0 win over Husson. Smalls, who picked up 154 yards on 15 carries in the first half, has 302 rushing yards in two games this season, leads the conference with a 151 yards per game average, and is second in all purpose yards per game with 189. LAHAM TIES TOUCHDOWN RECORD Chris Laham, who set the school record for career touchdown receptions against AIC, picked up his 28th career touchdown (26 receiving, 2 special teams) against Husson. He needs just one more to break the school record for career touchdowns set by Calvin Bryant (1997-99). DEFENSE BLANKS THE EAGLES The Warriors defense forced three turnovers and limited Husson to just 218 total yards in the 23-0 victory. It marked their first shutout since October 27, 2007, when they blanked Pace 31-0. FISCHER PICKS A PAIR Sophomore Jason Fischer totaled two interceptions in the 23-0 victory over Husson last weekend, marking the first two picks of his career. He also totaled four tackles and broke up a pass in the win. Fischer has helped fill the void left by graduated All-American Andrew Jackson and injured Anthony Taylor. 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 SOARS TO TOP OF SCORING LEADERS IN NE-10 Sophomore quarterback James Suozzo overcame four interceptions to rush for three touchdowns in a 15:02 span early in the second half against AIC. In addition, he had 82 rushing yards and threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-33 passing. Through two games, Suozzo is third in the conference in total offensive yards with 273.5 and second in total point with 12.0 per game. 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. 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. Last season, Johnson led the Northeast-10 in sacks and was second nationally in sacks per game, while earning first-team all-conference honors. Johnson forced a fumble and had eight tackles against Husson, and tallied five tackles the week before in the opener against AIC. EXPECTING A HIGH-POWERED OFFENSE Merrimack, who racked up 473 yards of total offense against Husson and 412 yards 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. WATTS, LAHAM SET SIGHTS ON THE RECORD BOOK Chris Laham (84 receptions, 1664 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: 87 GAMES AND COUNTING Merrimack has scored in 87 consecutive games, which is the 20th-longest active streak in Division II football. Valdosta State holds the current record having scored in 216 straight games while Bentley (108) and Southern Connecticut (100) 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 have allowed just two sacks this season. 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 and some returners who didn’t play much last year but will have an impact early this year. Nick DesJardins: Tied for third on the team with 13 tackles, while leading the team with three QB hurries. On the year, has .5 sacks and two tackles for a loss. Peter Early: Transferred from Holy Cross and will see significant time in the secondary after converting from wide receiver. Has five tackles in two games and is starting at cornerback after Anthony Taylor went down with an injury. Jimon Hill: Listed as the backup running back as a freshman. Rushed for 12 yards on two carries against AIC and had four carries against Husson. Shawn Loiseau: former Massachusetts Defensive Player of the Year will likely start at middle linebacker in his sophomore year. Leads team with 16 tackles, after getting nine against Husson. 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 21, STONEHILL 16 (10/25/08) @ Stonehill James Suozzo threw for three touchdowns while junior tailback Richard Johnson rushed for 114 yards as visiting Merrimack defeated Stonehill College 21-16. Suozzo threw for 245 yards on 27-of-40 passing, while Johnson rushed 114 yards on 26 carries. Merrimack trailed 10-7 at half but stormed back as Suozzo found Ryan DiGregorio and Jeremiah Watts for third quarter touchdowns to pull ahead 21-10. It was Watts’ second score of the game, as earlier he and Suozzo connected on a 17-yard pass in the second quarter to tie the score at seven. The Warrior defense stymied the Skyhawk offense in the second half as Stonehill had just two offensive drives of over 30 total yards in the final 30 minutes. One of those drives resulted in a late touchdown, while the other was erased on a fumble recovered by J.D. Wild. Bernard Cooper added a first-half interception, which nullified another drive as Stonehill had marched down the field 73 yards after starting at its own seven yard line. Senior All-American Andrew Jackson also picked up an interception, as the Warriors forced four turnovers. Merrimack added five sacks, led by two from senior Joe Jolicoeur. Wilson Perjuste, Tony Johnson, and Shane Brown each tallied one each with Brown leading the team with nine tackles. Watts added to his team lead in receptions as he pulled in seven catches for 85 yards and two scores. Johnson also contributed eight receptions for 52 yards out of the backfield, while DiGregorio totaled five catches for 50 yards. Suozzo added 60 rushing yards, including a 30-yard run. 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.