VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson football team (2-2, 1-0 NJAC) captured a 21-9 home victory over Kean (0-4, 0-1 NJAC) to open New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) action Sept. 30.  

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• With 7:32 on the clock in the first quarter, the Pioneers began their drive at the Kean 24-yard line. Sophomore Nazir Dale (Camden, N.J./Brimm Medical Arts) carried the ball on the first two plays for 16 yards before the Pioneers were backed up following a holding call. However, junior quarterback Christopher Leimberg (Kearny, N.J./Kearny) found Jeremy Connelly (Cresskill, N.J./Cresskill) for a 10-yard completion before connecting with senior Matt Clarke (Long Branch, N.J./Long Branch) in the end zone on a five-yard toss to put WP ahead, 7-0.
• On the Pioneers first drive of the second quarter with 12:50 remaining in the frame, WP worked its way down the field to set up Dale for a 10-yard rushing score that extended the lead to 14-0.
• The Pioneers tacked on another touchdown in the half on their ensuing drive once Leimberg found senior Taz Burton (Millville, N.J./Bridgeton) in the end zone for a seven-yard score that gave WP a 21-0 advantage with 2:12 on the clock.
• On a drive with 6:11 remaining in the third quarter, the Cougars put themselves in position for a field goal try and connected on a 41-yard attempt to trim the deficit to 18 (21-3).
• Late in the fourth quarter, the Cougars scored their lone touchdown of the afternoon on a 70-yard catch and score with 3:28 left to play.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• It marked the second straight year that the Pioneers won their conference opener.
• It's the first time that WP won its conference opener in back-to-back season since the 1992-93 campaigns.
• Leimberg completed 14 passes for 120 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
• Dale totted the ball 14 times for 81 yards and a score.
• Burton reeled in a team-best six receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown.
• Clarke had three catches for 22 yards and a score.
• Sophomore Jayce Harmon (Milford, Del./Sussex Tech) made a team-high nine tackles with a career-best three sacks.
• Senior Devyn Blount (Long Branch, N.J./Long Branch) tallied seven tackles.
• Senior RJ Massey (Bridgeville, Del./Woodbridge) notched an interception to pair with two tackles.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson will face off against Salisbury Saturday, Oct. 7, at 1:00 p.m. in Salisbury, Md.  

 
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