FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2001

MONMOUTH FOOTBALL WINS SEASON OPENER FOR THE FIRST TIME
 

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.  – Monmouth University got a big push from its defense and special teams as the Hawks won their season opener for the first time in the history of the program with a 23-15 victory over Wagner College Saturday afternoon at Kessler Field in West Long Branch, N.J.

Monmouth (1-0, 1-0 Northeast Conference) jumped out to an early lead as Jay Roach equaled the school record with a 93-yard return for a touchdown on the opening kickoff to stake the Hawks to a 6-0 lead after a missed extra-point attempt.

The two teams struggled on offense for the remainder of the half, but Monmouth was able to add a Ryan Peterson 43-yard field goal in the waning seconds of the half. Joe Billups intercepted a pass and took the ball down to the Wagner 26 to set up the Peterson field goal, that tied a school record for distance and gave MU a 9-0 edge.

After a scoreless third quarter, Wagner (0-1, 0-1 NEC) capitalized on a Hawks’ miscue as Jeremy Balina picked up a fumble by Monmouth quarterback Bill Rankin and scampered 52 yards for a touchdown to cut the margin to 9-7 with 12:06 left in the contest.

Less than four minutes later the Seahawks took the lead as Monmouth went three-and-out on the next series and Wagner went on a 5-play, 51-yard drive that culminated in 9-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Smith to Daryn Plummer with 8:23 left on the clock. Smith and Plummer also converted on a two-point pass play to give Wagner a 15-9 advantage.

The Hawks looked to be dead in the water as their next possession was also three-and-out, but Monmouth’s defense held up and forced a Wagner punt. Bobby Smith blocked the punt for Monmouth and the Hawks recovered at the Seahawks’ 19-yard line. After two incomplete passes, Rankin hooked up with Jirmad Gordon on a 19-yard touchdown strike with 5:46 remaining. The extra-point by Peterson gave Monmouth a 16-15 lead.

Following a stalled Wagner drive, Monmouth put the contest away as Matt Merklinger scampered 70 yards to give the Hawks a 23-15 lead. Merklinger ended the day with 140 yards on 32 carries.

For Monmouth, it was the first victory on opening day in the nine-year history of the program.

The Hawks continue action on Saturday, September 15 as they host Robert Morris in a 1 p.m. contest.