New Rochelle, NY (09/04/04) - Freshman running back JOSH WALKOWITZ rushed for two fourth-quarter touchdowns and sophomore defensive back DERRICK SIMMONS returned a pass 50 yards for the final score as Montclair State, ranked 10th in Division III, scored 21 points in the final period for a 42-27 victory over Division I-AA Iona College at Mazzella Field on Saturday afternoon.

Senior wide receiver STEVE ARMSTRONG caught six passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns as the Red Hawks saw a 21-6 halftime lead evaporate before rebounding to snap a two-game opening-day losing streak to take a 3-2 lead in the series with the Gaels (0-1). It was the first time that the visiting won a game in the short series.

Montclair built its 15-point lead at half thanks in part to four interceptions in the first 30 minutes, however, the Gaels came back as William Martini scored on a one yard run (two-point conversion added) and Rick Wroblewski pulled down a five-yard pass from BJ Antonelli to tie the game at 21-21 with 13:26 to play in the fourth.

The Red Hawks would regain the momentum with an 85-yard drive as quarterback Mike Passero connected on two third-down conversions before Walkowitz burst 38 yards for the touchdown and a 28-21 lead. Iona would not go away as it used a solid kickoff return to midfield and pulled within one with 6:45 left as Dennis Calacione brought down a 36-yard pass from Antonelli. Montclair would then keep the lead as MORGAN BURKLOW blocked the extra point.

The teams then traded possessions before Montclair State added to the lead with a 61-yard drive. EUGENE VICK picked up a large part of the yardage as he ran 38 yards with another 15 added on a personal foul penalty. MSU moved to the one yard line and went for it on 4th-and-1. The move paid off as Walkowitz dove in for the touchdown with 1:11 to play.
Simmons would seal the game as he intercepted Antonelli's pass and returned it for the touchdown.

Passero, making his first start for Montclair State completed 11-of-21 for 204 yards. Vick carried 23 times for 118 yards while Walkowitz gained 55 yards on his seven carries. SEAY FLETCHER collected 14 tackles while Burklow added nine. TROY BISHOP, SHAWN MURRAY and SAL FAMA accounted for the other MSU interceptions.

Calacione had six catches for 138 yards while Antonelli completed 15-of-36 passes for 233 yards. Rudy Arcara rushed for 83 yards on 20 carries.

Montclair State jumped out to a 7-0 lead with 9:34 to play in the first quarter as Passero hit Armstrong in stride for a 76-yard touchdown. Iona would answer as a penalty negated what would have been a sixth Red Hawk interception and the Gael capitalized as Antonelli hit Campbell from 10 yards out. The extra point was wide left.

The Red Hawks went back on top on its next possession as Passero and Armstrong hooked up again, this time on a 42-yard score for a 14-6 lead. Linebacker Fred DeFinis extended the lead to 21-6 early in the second as he intercepted a pass and raced 49 yards for a score.

Montclair State is now off until September 18 when it returns to Sprague Field for its home opener against Frostburg State. Kickoff is set for 1:00 pm.