Football | 9/22/2016 10:00:00 AM

Montclair, NJ - After being out on the road the first two weeks of the season, Montclair State returns to Sprague Field for its home opener against old rival Rowan University.

The Red Hawks are 1-1 following a 40-20 setback against No. 16 Salisbury University in their NJAC opener. Quarterback RYAN ADZIMA threw for 198 yards and two touchdowns while JOHN DISTEFANO added a 75-yard rushing score. Defensive lineman VINCENT CORDASCO had 10 tackles in the game against the Sea Gulls. Meanwhile, Rowan shutout William Paterson 31-0 scoring 24 points in the second half to break open a close contest while moving to 2-0 on the year.

This will be the 56th meeting between the Red Hawks and Profs with MSU holding a 31-24 advantage. Montclair has won seven of the previous 10 contests, however in the short run it is Rowan taking two of the last three, including a 13-7 win in Glassboro in 2015. Montclair and Rowan began its series in 1949 and played again in 1950 before it was put on hold. The schools renewed their rivalry in 1964 when Rowan (then Glassboro State) reinstated the football program.

Montclair State won that 1964 contest 21-20 en route to an undefeated season. Playing against Montclair that day was a freshman tight end named Rick Giancola, the same Giancola who now leads the Red Hawks. Giancola, the current winningest active coach in Division III (231) is a member of both school's Hall of Fame.