Oct 8, 2009

Football Travels to Assumption Looking for Fifth Straight Win

MERRIMACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Game #6 at Assumption College, October 10, 2009, 1 p.m.

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

WARRIORS GO FOR FIVE STRAIGHT AT ASSUMPTION

UPDATE
3-0 in the Northeast-10 for the first time in school history, the Merrimack football team looks to continue its streak against Assumption College Saturday.

SERIES
The Warriors hold a 12-2 series advantage against the Greyhounds. They have won the last four meetings and eight of the last nine dating back to the 2001 season, when Northeast-10 play began.

FIRST 3-0 START IN CONFERENCE PLAY IN SCHOOL HISTORY
With the 14-12 win against previously unbeaten Bentley, Merrimack is 3-0 in the conference for the first time in school history.

REGIONAL RANKINGS
Merrimack debuted tenth in the first edition of the regional rankings. The top six teams in the Northeast region will qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Merrimack last appeared in the NCAA Tournament in the 2006 season.

OFFENSE RANKED FIFTH IN THE COUNTRY
Through the first five games, the Merrimack offense is averaging 485.4 yards per game, tops in the conference and fifth in the country. They average 102 more yards per game than anyone else in the conference (Bentley is second - 383.8/game). The Warriors average 79.2 more yards rushing (266/game) than second-ranked SCSU (186.8/game) and rank seventh in the nation.

SMALLS AMONG NATIONAL RUSHING LEADERS
Sophomore Anthony Smalls, who was named the Northeast-10 Player of the Week on September 28, rushed for a career-high 219 yards in the 41-31 win over Saint Anselm. He now has 816 yards in five games, tops in the conference. He averages 163.2 yards per game, third nationally. Smalls, who is first in the league with 186.4 all-purpose yards, has gone over the 100-yard rushing mark in all five games this season.

ROAD WARRIORS
The Warriors have won five straight road games dating back to a 20-7 loss at Bryant on September 13, 2008.

LOISEAU NAMED NE-10 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sophomore linebacker Shawn Loiseau has totaled 56 tackles in five games, averaging 11.2 per game, third in the Northeast-10, and tops among all freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Loiseau posted a game-high 17 tackles against Bentley, earning NE-10 weekly honors.

LAHAM NETS TENTH TOUCHDOWN IN WIN OVER BENTLEY
Chris Laham picked up his tenth touchdown of the season in the 14-12 win over Bentley, tops in the conference. Laham, who also leads the NE-10 and is fifth nationally with 111.4 receiving yards per game, has 35 career TDs (33 receiving), tops in school history. He has a chance to break the school record for touchdowns in a season, which is 17 set by Calvin Bryant in 1999.

SUOZZO SOARS TO RUSHING, PASSING LEADERS
After tallying 438 total yards against Stonehill, sophomore James Suozzo totaled 388 (237 passing, 151 rushing) more in the 41-31 win over Saint Anselm. Suozzo is second in the Northeast-10 in total offense with 314.6 total yards per game and is third in the conference in rushing offense with 97.8 yards per game, tops among quarterbacks. Suozzo has rushed for eight touchdowns, tied for first in the conference, while throwing for 11, 10 of them to Laham.

OFFENSE EXPLODES IN 42-21 WIN OVER STONEHILL
In a 42-21 win over Stonehill, the Merrimack offense totaled 630 offensive yards, including 227 in the first quarter and 260 in the first 16 minutes. The 630 yards were just 17 yards shy of the school record, set last season against Saint Anselm. Chris Laham caught nine passes for 211 yards, finishing just 18 yards shy of the single game school receiving record.

SUOZZO GETS THE GOLD HELMET, NE-10 HONORS
James Suozzo was named the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston Gold Helmet Award winner and the Northeast-10 Player of the Week for his outstanding play in leading the Warriors to a 42-21 win over Stonehill. Suozzo, who had 227 total yards in the first quarter, passed for 324 yards and three scores and rushed for 114 yards and two TDs. He is the first Merrimack player to earn a Gold Helmet since Colin Temple in 2005.

SNAPPING THE ROAD STREAK
The victory against Stonehill marked the first time since 1999 (10 meetings) that the home team prevailed in the Merrimack-Stonehill series.

LAHAM BREAKS TOUCHDOWN RECORD
Chris Laham set the all-time school record for career touchdowns against Stonehill with his 29th career touchdown in the first quarter, breaking Calvin Bryant’s (1997-99) old mark. Earlier this season, Laham set the school mark for career TD receptions with 26 against AIC. On his career, he has 33 receiving and two special teams touchdowns.

DESJARDINS LEADS NE-10 IN FUMBLE RECOVERIES
Nick DesJardins recovered his fourth fumble of the season against Bentley Saturday and ranks tops in the conference in fumbles recovered. DesJardins, who recovered a fumble in the end zone against Stonehill for his first career touchdown, has 3.5 sacks and and two forced fumbles on the season.

DEFENSE BLANKS THE EAGLES; STOPS FALCONS
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. Merrimack’s defense did not allow a touchdown against Bentley.

OFFENSIVE LINE LEADS TOP-RANKED OFFENSE
The Merrimack offensive line, led by tackles Jacob Bradley and David Bellmont, have allowed just six sacks this season, fewest in the conference. They have paved the way for Anthony Smalls’ and James Suozzo’s offensive success, as the Warriors are averaging 266.0 rushing yards and 485.4 total yards per game, tops in the conference. Merrimack’s offensive line allowed just 15 sacks last season, fewest in the NE-10.

T. JOHNSON GETTING IN THE BACKFIELD
After setting the school mark for sacks in a season as a freshman with 11.5, Tony Johnson has 4.5 for the season, tied for second in the NE-10. Johnson leads the NE-10 with 10.5 tackles for a loss.

FISCHER PICKS A PAIR
Sophomore Jason Fischer totaled two interceptions in the 23-0 victory over Husson, marking the first two picks of his career. He also totaled four tackles and broke up a pass in the win.

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.

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.

ON PACE TO SET OFFENSIVE SCHOOL RECORDS
Merrimack, which has racked up 2427 total yards this season, is on pace to set the school record for total yards in a season (4234, 2008). The Warriors have 1330 rushing yards in five games and have the school mark of 2470, set in 1999, in their sights.

FRESHMEN MAKING AN IMPACT
Numerous freshmen have seen playing time this season, having an immediate impact, especially on defense and special teams. Pat McGrath has five tackles while Michael Wiggins and Michael Jones have four tackles apiece. Jimon Hill and Michel Wheeler have combined for 53 yards rushing backing up Smalls.

WATTS, LAHAM SET SIGHTS ON THE RECORD BOOK
Chris Laham (104 receptions, 2047 yards) and Jeremiah Watts (88 receptions, 1102 yards) both have legitimate chances to set school records for career receptions (134-Quiles) and career receiving yards (2,203-Quiles).

SCORING STREAK: 90 GAMES AND COUNTING
Merrimack has scored in 90 consecutive games, which is the 20th-longest active streak in Division II football. Valdosta St. holds the current record having scored in 219 straight games while Bentley (111) and Southern Connecticut (103) are among the top-20.

UPDATING THE RECORD BOOK - GAME EDITION
Against Saint Anselm, the Warriors tallied 364 yards rushing, 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 offensive yards and tied the school mark with 215 first downs. They 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.

BREAKING DOWN THE SCHEDULE
The Merrimack College football team 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 34, ASSUMPTION 7 (11/8/08)
Jawara Loftis caught two touchdown passes in his final collegiate game as Merrimack cruised to a 34-7 win over Assumption College in a non-conference matchup. Loftis tallied three catches for 105 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown pass 17 seconds into the third quarter that gave the Warriors a 14-0 lead. The game was scoreless until freshman James Suozzo connected with classmate Quivari Jackson on a two-yard touchdown pass with 11 seconds remaining in the first half. Suozzo marched his team 80 yards in six plays over 1:19 with the big play a 54-yard pass on third-and-five to Jackson bringing the visitors down to the Assumption five yard-line. The Warriors needed just one play on their first drive of the third quarter as Suozzo found Loftis for the 51-yard score. After Assumption cut the score to 14-7 on a Joey Fabiano touchdown pass, the Warriors responded in five plays, with Suozzo finding Loftis in the end zone from seven yards out, extending the lead to 21-7. With time winding down in the third, Suozzo and Jackson combined on their second score of the day, as the freshman tallied his second receiving touchdown of the day and third of the season, this time from 17-yards out. Merrimack rounded out its scoring behind a three-yard touchdown run from Jake Manning early in the fourth quarter. Suozzo finished with a career-high four touchdown passes on 24-of-39 passing for 338 yards, while Jeremiah Watts concluded a stellar season with nine more catches for 101 yards. Watts finishes the season with 72 catches, second-most in school history for a single-season, for 924 yards and nine touchdowns. Jackson set a career-high with seven catches for 87 yards and two scores, while Manning, with running backs Richard Johnson and Anthony Smalls out of the lineup with injuries, rushed for 60 yards on 19 carries. Mike O’Brien tallied his sixth interception of the season, while preseason All-American Andrew Jackson added a pick of his own and also caught one pass for 32 yards offensively. Dennis Works and Shane O’Connor each recovered a fumble, as the Warriors’ defense tallied five sacks.

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.


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SERIES The Warriors hold a 12-2 series advantage against the Greyhounds. They have won the last four meetings and eight of the last nine dating back to the 2001 season, when Northeast-10 play began. FIRST 3-0 START IN CONFERENCE PLAY IN SCHOOL HISTORY With the 14-12 win against previously unbeaten Bentley, Merrimack is 3-0 in the conference for the first time in school history. REGIONAL RANKINGS Merrimack debuted tenth in the first edition of the regional rankings. The top six teams in the Northeast region will qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Merrimack last appeared in the NCAA Tournament in the 2006 season. OFFENSE RANKED FIFTH IN THE COUNTRY Through the first five games, the Merrimack offense is averaging 485.4 yards per game, tops in the conference and fifth in the country. They average 102 more yards per game than anyone else in the conference (Bentley is second - 383.8/game). The Warriors average 79.2 more yards rushing (266/game) than second-ranked SCSU (186.8/game) and rank seventh in the nation. SMALLS AMONG NATIONAL RUSHING LEADERS Sophomore Anthony Smalls, who was named the Northeast-10 Player of the Week on September 28, rushed for a career-high 219 yards in the 41-31 win over Saint Anselm. He now has 816 yards in five games, tops in the conference. He averages 163.2 yards per game, third nationally. Smalls, who is first in the league with 186.4 all-purpose yards, has gone over the 100-yard rushing mark in all five games this season. ROAD WARRIORS The Warriors have won five straight road games dating back to a 20-7 loss at Bryant on September 13, 2008. LOISEAU NAMED NE-10 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK Sophomore linebacker Shawn Loiseau has totaled 56 tackles in five games, averaging 11.2 per game, third in the Northeast-10, and tops among all freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Loiseau posted a game-high 17 tackles against Bentley, earning NE-10 weekly honors. LAHAM NETS TENTH TOUCHDOWN IN WIN OVER BENTLEY Chris Laham picked up his tenth touchdown of the season in the 14-12 win over Bentley, tops in the conference. Laham, who also leads the NE-10 and is fifth nationally with 111.4 receiving yards per game, has 35 career TDs (33 receiving), tops in school history. He has a chance to break the school record for touchdowns in a season, which is 17 set by Calvin Bryant in 1999. SUOZZO SOARS TO RUSHING, PASSING LEADERS After tallying 438 total yards against Stonehill, sophomore James Suozzo totaled 388 (237 passing, 151 rushing) more in the 41-31 win over Saint Anselm. Suozzo is second in the Northeast-10 in total offense with 314.6 total yards per game and is third in the conference in rushing offense with 97.8 yards per game, tops among quarterbacks. Suozzo has rushed for eight touchdowns, tied for first in the conference, while throwing for 11, 10 of them to Laham. OFFENSE EXPLODES IN 42-21 WIN OVER STONEHILL In a 42-21 win over Stonehill, the Merrimack offense totaled 630 offensive yards, including 227 in the first quarter and 260 in the first 16 minutes. The 630 yards were just 17 yards shy of the school record, set last season against Saint Anselm. Chris Laham caught nine passes for 211 yards, finishing just 18 yards shy of the single game school receiving record. SUOZZO GETS THE GOLD HELMET, NE-10 HONORS James Suozzo was named the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston Gold Helmet Award winner and the Northeast-10 Player of the Week for his outstanding play in leading the Warriors to a 42-21 win over Stonehill. Suozzo, who had 227 total yards in the first quarter, passed for 324 yards and three scores and rushed for 114 yards and two TDs. He is the first Merrimack player to earn a Gold Helmet since Colin Temple in 2005. SNAPPING THE ROAD STREAK The victory against Stonehill marked the first time since 1999 (10 meetings) that the home team prevailed in the Merrimack-Stonehill series. LAHAM BREAKS TOUCHDOWN RECORD Chris Laham set the all-time school record for career touchdowns against Stonehill with his 29th career touchdown in the first quarter, breaking Calvin Bryant’s (1997-99) old mark. Earlier this season, Laham set the school mark for career TD receptions with 26 against AIC. On his career, he has 33 receiving and two special teams touchdowns. DESJARDINS LEADS NE-10 IN FUMBLE RECOVERIES Nick DesJardins recovered his fourth fumble of the season against Bentley Saturday and ranks tops in the conference in fumbles recovered. DesJardins, who recovered a fumble in the end zone against Stonehill for his first career touchdown, has 3.5 sacks and and two forced fumbles on the season. DEFENSE BLANKS THE EAGLES; STOPS FALCONS 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. Merrimack’s defense did not allow a touchdown against Bentley. OFFENSIVE LINE LEADS TOP-RANKED OFFENSE The Merrimack offensive line, led by tackles Jacob Bradley and David Bellmont, have allowed just six sacks this season, fewest in the conference. They have paved the way for Anthony Smalls’ and James Suozzo’s offensive success, as the Warriors are averaging 266.0 rushing yards and 485.4 total yards per game, tops in the conference. Merrimack’s offensive line allowed just 15 sacks last season, fewest in the NE-10. T. JOHNSON GETTING IN THE BACKFIELD After setting the school mark for sacks in a season as a freshman with 11.5, Tony Johnson has 4.5 for the season, tied for second in the NE-10. Johnson leads the NE-10 with 10.5 tackles for a loss. FISCHER PICKS A PAIR Sophomore Jason Fischer totaled two interceptions in the 23-0 victory over Husson, marking the first two picks of his career. He also totaled four tackles and broke up a pass in the win. 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. 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. ON PACE TO SET OFFENSIVE SCHOOL RECORDS Merrimack, which has racked up 2427 total yards this season, is on pace to set the school record for total yards in a season (4234, 2008). The Warriors have 1330 rushing yards in five games and have the school mark of 2470, set in 1999, in their sights. FRESHMEN MAKING AN IMPACT Numerous freshmen have seen playing time this season, having an immediate impact, especially on defense and special teams. Pat McGrath has five tackles while Michael Wiggins and Michael Jones have four tackles apiece. Jimon Hill and Michel Wheeler have combined for 53 yards rushing backing up Smalls. WATTS, LAHAM SET SIGHTS ON THE RECORD BOOK Chris Laham (104 receptions, 2047 yards) and Jeremiah Watts (88 receptions, 1102 yards) both have legitimate chances to set school records for career receptions (134-Quiles) and career receiving yards (2,203-Quiles). SCORING STREAK: 90 GAMES AND COUNTING Merrimack has scored in 90 consecutive games, which is the 20th-longest active streak in Division II football. Valdosta St. holds the current record having scored in 219 straight games while Bentley (111) and Southern Connecticut (103) are among the top-20. UPDATING THE RECORD BOOK - GAME EDITION Against Saint Anselm, the Warriors tallied 364 yards rushing, 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 offensive yards and tied the school mark with 215 first downs. They 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. BREAKING DOWN THE SCHEDULE The Merrimack College football team 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 34, ASSUMPTION 7 (11/8/08) Jawara Loftis caught two touchdown passes in his final collegiate game as Merrimack cruised to a 34-7 win over Assumption College in a non-conference matchup. Loftis tallied three catches for 105 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown pass 17 seconds into the third quarter that gave the Warriors a 14-0 lead. The game was scoreless until freshman James Suozzo connected with classmate Quivari Jackson on a two-yard touchdown pass with 11 seconds remaining in the first half. Suozzo marched his team 80 yards in six plays over 1:19 with the big play a 54-yard pass on third-and-five to Jackson bringing the visitors down to the Assumption five yard-line. The Warriors needed just one play on their first drive of the third quarter as Suozzo found Loftis for the 51-yard score. After Assumption cut the score to 14-7 on a Joey Fabiano touchdown pass, the Warriors responded in five plays, with Suozzo finding Loftis in the end zone from seven yards out, extending the lead to 21-7. With time winding down in the third, Suozzo and Jackson combined on their second score of the day, as the freshman tallied his second receiving touchdown of the day and third of the season, this time from 17-yards out. Merrimack rounded out its scoring behind a three-yard touchdown run from Jake Manning early in the fourth quarter. Suozzo finished with a career-high four touchdown passes on 24-of-39 passing for 338 yards, while Jeremiah Watts concluded a stellar season with nine more catches for 101 yards. Watts finishes the season with 72 catches, second-most in school history for a single-season, for 924 yards and nine touchdowns. Jackson set a career-high with seven catches for 87 yards and two scores, while Manning, with running backs Richard Johnson and Anthony Smalls out of the lineup with injuries, rushed for 60 yards on 19 carries. Mike O’Brien tallied his sixth interception of the season, while preseason All-American Andrew Jackson added a pick of his own and also caught one pass for 32 yards offensively. Dennis Works and Shane O’Connor each recovered a fumble, as the Warriors’ defense tallied five sacks. 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.