William Paterson University Athletics

EWING, N.J.- The William Paterson football team (2-3, 0-1 NJAC) fell on the road at The College of New Jersey (2-2, 1-0 NJAC), 15-14, in a hard-fought defensive battle Oct. 2.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• After a scoreless first quarter, TCNJ took the lead late in the first half off a 36-yard field goal. 
• Freshman quaterback Spencer Lee (Hasbrouck Heights, N.J./Hasbrouck Heights) connected with sophomore wide receiver Taz Burton (Millville, N.J./Bridgeton) for a 12 yard score, putting the Pioneers ahead at 7-3 with 14:51 left tp go in the third quarter.
• TCNJ answered back the next drive with a passing touchdown of their own making it a 10-7 game at the 7:16 mark.
• Junior linebacker Alujuwon Bell converted a 20-yard scoop and score off junior linebacker Nazier Wright's (Paterson, N.J./John F. Kennedy) forced fumble to push the Pioneers ahead 14-9 with five minutes left in the third.
• Back-to-back TCNJ field goals put them up 15-14 at the beginning of the fourth quarter. 
• A turnover late from the Pioneers ended a promising drive and gave TCNJ possession back with just over four minutes left to play.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Wright finished his impressive day with 12 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss and a forced fumble, all career highs. 
• Burton finished with four catches for 97 yards and a touchdown.
• Lee was 19 for 35 with 275 yards through the air with one touchdown and two turnovers.
• Sophomore running back Terrique Riddick (Bridgeville, Del./Woodbridge) rushed 18 times for 64 yards.

UP NEXT:

• The Pioneers host Christopher Newport next Saturday, Oct. 9, at 1:00 p.m. for their annual Homecoming game.

FOLLOW THE PIONEERS:

• http://www.wpupioneers.com/socialmedia