William Paterson University Athletics

WAYNE, N.J. – William Paterson controlled both sides of the football as the Pioneers (4-4, 2-2 NJAC) earned a 20-6 victory against visiting Kean (3-5, 3-2 NJAC) Oct. 30.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Pioneer defense held strong in the red zone, limiting the Cougars to a 22-yard field goal 90 seconds into the second quarter (3-0).
• Freshman quarterback Spencer Lee (Hasbrouck Heights, N.J./Hasbrouck Heights) connected with sophomore wide receiver Taz Burton (Millville, N.J./Bridgeton) near midfield, and he took it to the house for a 77-yard touchdown at the 12:28 mark. Freshman Ronald Alvarez (Union City, N.J./Union City) added the extra point for a 7-3 WP advantage.
• Sophomore linebacker Alajuwon Bell's (Paterson, N.J./Garrett Morgan Academy) sack on third-and-nine forced a fumble recovered by freshman defensive lineman Nick Bianco (Cedar Grove, N.J./Cedar Grove), and seven plays later senior tight end William Frese (Waldwick, N.J./Waldwick) caught a Lee pass across the middle, turned his shoulders upfield and crossed the goal line, a 12-yard touchdown that made it a 14-3 Pioneer lead 6:26 before halftime.
• Alvarez kicked a 23-yard field goal as time expired, expanding William Paterson's lead to 17-3 at halftime.
• Kean connected on a 48-yard field goal with 9:46 on the clock in the third quarter (17-6).
• Freshman defensive back Jojo Kirby (Lewes, Del./Cape Henlopen) ended a Cougar drive with an interception near midfield with 3:20 remaining in the third, and Alvarez later converted the turnover into three points with a 34-yard field goal three minutes into the final period.
• KU three times had the ball inside the WP 40-yard line during the waning minutes, but a Devyn Blount (Long Branch, N.J./Long Branch) interception, a Yubir Rojas-Herrera (Matawan, N.J./Matawan Regional) forced fumble recovered by Nasir Adams (Newark, N.J./Hudson Catholic), and a Nazier Wright (Paterson, N.J./John F. Kennedy) pick ended the scoring threats.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Lee finished 15-for-24 for 172 yards and a touchdown.
• Sophomore Terrique Riddick (Bridgeville, Del./Woodbridge) rushed 23 times for 142 yards. Burton caught four passes for 95 yards and a score.
• Kirby led all players with 13 tackles (0.5 TFL), adding an interception.
• Senior Jared Salgado (Parsippany, N.J./Parsippany Hills) had seven stops (1.0 TFL) and a pass breakup.
• WP owned a 331-163 advantage in total offense and won the turnover battle, 5-1.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson will celebrate Senior Day Saturday, Nov. 6, before facing Montclair State at 1:00 p.m.

 
FOLLOW THE PIONEERS:

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