2008 Woodie Awards
Red Hawks Win Homecoming Decisively
MSU Football Team Snaps a Two Game Losing Streak Against William Paterson
Miguel Alfaro
Issue date: 10/21/04 Section: Sports
The MSU football team caused great excitement during the homecoming game at Sprague Field. Along with a win, MSU snapped a two-game losing streak by beating the Pioneers of William Paterson University, 20 - 7.
What began as a rainy and cold homecoming game turned out to be a much-needed victory for the Red Hawks. They improved to 3 - 2 overall and 1 - 2 in the NJAC.
The Red Hawks began the game great by capitalizing on a fumble, which was recovered by Mike Ajadi on the Pioneers' 17-yard line. Senior quarterback, Mike Passero, gave MSU the opening lead by connecting with senior tight end, Chris Becker, on a nine-yard TD reception. The Pioneers fumbled the ball again on their own 20. After a holding penalty and a WPU sack of Passero, MSU added to their lead on a 30-yard field goal by sophomore kicker, Vincent Duffont, 10 - 0.
With 30 seconds left in the half, the Red Hawks began their drive at the Pioneers 48. Passero connected on two passes with junior wide receiver, Eric Ferriol. The Red Hawks sent in Duffont to extend their lead to 13 - 0 on a 42-yard field goal.
After connecting with Becker to keep the drive moving along, Passero hit Ferriol on two passes to bring the ball to the WPU 47. Senior wide receiver, Steve Armstrong, finishedwith a 47-yard touchdown catch from Passero, 20 - 0.
Unfortunately, the Red Hawks hurt themselves by committing six costly penalties late in the second half. The Pioneers took advantage and ended the shutout with a 67-yard drive that began late in the third quarter.
William Paterson moved the ball down to the MSU nine-yard line. The Red Hawks stopped the Pioneers on the first three downs but on fourth down, MSU was flagged for pass interference and the ball was spotted at the two.
The Hawks saw light when WPU was called for substitution infraction, which moved the ball to the MSU seven. After a couple of Pioneer rushes and some Red Hawks' offside penalties, the Pioneers finally scored on a touchdown run. The drive came a little late for William Paterson as the Hawks held on to win, 20 - 7.
The defense played a strong game by only allowing the Pioneers 129 yards of total offense. In addition, they forced two fumbles, which were turned into touchdowns. On the other hand, they committed 16 penalties for 129 yards. Offensively, MSU had 281 yards and was led by Passero, who threw for 119 yards and two touchdown passes. Seniors Armstrong and Becker each caught a touchdown. Sophomore Duffont kicked in two field goals of 30 and 42 yards.
This win was very important for the Red Hawks because it was their first win against a team in the NJAC. They suffered two crushing losses to Kean and Suny-Cortland, and could not lose this one because their last three games are against NJAC opponents.
What began as a rainy and cold homecoming game turned out to be a much-needed victory for the Red Hawks. They improved to 3 - 2 overall and 1 - 2 in the NJAC.
The Red Hawks began the game great by capitalizing on a fumble, which was recovered by Mike Ajadi on the Pioneers' 17-yard line. Senior quarterback, Mike Passero, gave MSU the opening lead by connecting with senior tight end, Chris Becker, on a nine-yard TD reception. The Pioneers fumbled the ball again on their own 20. After a holding penalty and a WPU sack of Passero, MSU added to their lead on a 30-yard field goal by sophomore kicker, Vincent Duffont, 10 - 0.
With 30 seconds left in the half, the Red Hawks began their drive at the Pioneers 48. Passero connected on two passes with junior wide receiver, Eric Ferriol. The Red Hawks sent in Duffont to extend their lead to 13 - 0 on a 42-yard field goal.
After connecting with Becker to keep the drive moving along, Passero hit Ferriol on two passes to bring the ball to the WPU 47. Senior wide receiver, Steve Armstrong, finishedwith a 47-yard touchdown catch from Passero, 20 - 0.
Unfortunately, the Red Hawks hurt themselves by committing six costly penalties late in the second half. The Pioneers took advantage and ended the shutout with a 67-yard drive that began late in the third quarter.
William Paterson moved the ball down to the MSU nine-yard line. The Red Hawks stopped the Pioneers on the first three downs but on fourth down, MSU was flagged for pass interference and the ball was spotted at the two.
The Hawks saw light when WPU was called for substitution infraction, which moved the ball to the MSU seven. After a couple of Pioneer rushes and some Red Hawks' offside penalties, the Pioneers finally scored on a touchdown run. The drive came a little late for William Paterson as the Hawks held on to win, 20 - 7.
The defense played a strong game by only allowing the Pioneers 129 yards of total offense. In addition, they forced two fumbles, which were turned into touchdowns. On the other hand, they committed 16 penalties for 129 yards. Offensively, MSU had 281 yards and was led by Passero, who threw for 119 yards and two touchdown passes. Seniors Armstrong and Becker each caught a touchdown. Sophomore Duffont kicked in two field goals of 30 and 42 yards.
This win was very important for the Red Hawks because it was their first win against a team in the NJAC. They suffered two crushing losses to Kean and Suny-Cortland, and could not lose this one because their last three games are against NJAC opponents.