Montclair, N.J. – The William Paterson football team (5-5, 2-4 NJAC) defeated Montclair State (2-8, 0-6 NJAC), 17-14, Nov. 12 to finish the regular season postseason eligible for the first time in a decade. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• William Paterson was forced to punt on its first drive of the afternoon, but the kick was blocked by Montclair State and the Red Hawks took over at the Pioneers' three-yard line. It took just over one minute for Montclair State to punch in the score and grab an early 7-0 advantage.
• On the ensuing Red Hawks' possession, freshman James Nevels (Wilmington, Del./Delaware Military Academy) picked off the Montclair State quarterback and took the ball 32 yards into the end zone to even the score.
• With 4:04 left in the first quarter, Montclair State began a drive at its own five-yard line and drove all the way down the field for the score to regain the seven-point lead.
• After forcing a three and out, the Red Hawks got the ball back. However, on the first play of the drive, junior Devyn Blount (Neptune, N.J./Long Branch) forced a fumble that was scooped up by senior Matt Gore (Washington, D.C./Crossland). William Paterson took advantage of the Montclair State mishap and needed just five plays to score once junior Mele' Stallings (Newark, Del./Newark) connected with junior Taz Burton (Millville, N.J./Bridgeton) for a 30-yard catch and score.
• The Pioneers got possession to start the second half and capped the drive with a 29-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Jorge Leones (South Plainfield N.J./South Plainfield) that proved to be the difference maker in the contest.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Stallings completed a career-best 13-of-17 pass attempts for 165 yards and a touchdown.
• Rookie Nazir Dale (Camden, N.J./Brimm Medical Arts) totted the ball 35 times for a team-high 86 yards.
• Burton corralled four passes for 64 yards and a score.
• Senior Nazier Wright (Paterson, N.J./John F. Kennedy) tallied a team-best nine tackles with three tackles for loss.
• Blount and senior Key'maan Coleman (Rahway, N.J./Rahway) each recorded six tackles.
• The Pioneers finished the season postseason eligible for the first time since 2012, when the team went 5-5 on the year. 

 
FOLLOW THE PIONEERS:

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