Upper Montclair, NJ - With its defensive unit dominating the contest, Montclair State College opened its 40^th Intercollegiate football season before 6,818 fans Saturday night downing East Stroudsburg State, 16-6

The invading Warriors had drawn national attention a week ago in piling up 520 yards against Lafayette and the contest had been billed as a classic battle – high-powered offense against ironclad defense, but it failed to come off.

With defensive end MIKE VAN ZILE and linebacker PETE CONTALDI keeping constant pressure on quarterback Steven Mummaw, East Stroudsburg State gained only 63 net yards in the game.

Mummaw, who put on a gritty performance under a heavy pass rush, completed eight of 24 passes. He was dumped seven times with Van Zile getting credit for three tackles and JOHN BRUNELLI three interceptions.

While the Indians defense sparkled, coach Clary Anderson's offense did the job.

Montclair State got on the scoreboard with 12 minutes left in the second period when halfback PARKER SNARE, a promising sophomore from Annandale, ripped off a 16-yard end sweep to score. The talented halfback did a tight ripe act down the right sideline on the run. BOB BREWSTER converted and the Indians led, 7-0.

The home team added three more points in the second period when Brewster booted a 25-yard field goal after and Indians drive ran out of gas at the East Stroudsburg State 15-yard line.

East Stroudsburg State only had the football for 22 plays in the second half, but the Indians added only one more touchdown.

Quarterback RON GARA climaxed a 57-yard TD march when he slammed over from the Warriors one. The extra point try failed.

East Stroudsburg State got on the scoreboard when defensive end Joe Vancho picked off a Gara fumble in midair and raced 75-yards to paydirt.

Anderson now in his 29^th season as a head coach kept his record intact of never having lost and opening game. It was the second straight victory over East Stroudsburg State in as many years.

Van Zille was out of this world as a punter. The talented kicker had a brilliant 48-yard average and boomed on 70 yards for his single-game high.

The Montclair State football program saluted the late Vince Lombardi and its regular series on outstanding high school coaches spotlighted Don Ahern of Bayonne.

The Indians will return to action Saturday night when they host Delaware State in what shapes up to be a grudge match. The Hornets were one of the two teams that inflicted a loss on Montclair State last season. Game time will be at 8:00 pm.

 

Score by Period
Montclair State	0	10	0	6
East Stroudsburg	0	0	0	6
MSC - 16-yard run (Brewster Kick) MSC - Brewster 25-yard FG MSC - Gara 1-yard run (kick failed) ESS - Vancho 75-yd fumble return
		MSC		ESS
First Downs		6		14
Rushing		268		63
Passing		43		34
Passes		3-10-1		8-24-3
Punts		7-48.0		10-34.7
Fumbles Lost		2		1
Penalties-Yards		5-39		3-26