Montclair, NJ – Facing a two-possession deficit early in the third quarter, the Montclair State University football team (1-1) rallied with 17 unanswered points to propel the Red Hawks to a 27-24 victory in its home opener against Lycoming (0-2) on Saturday.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Montclair received the opening kickoff after Lycoming deferred. The first possession was a tough one for the Red Hawks, who went three-and-out. On the punt attempt, the snap went through the legs of ROGER RUBINETTI and was recovered in the end zone by Lycoming for the game's first score.
• After another three-and-out, the Warriors drove from their own 38-yard line to inside the MSU 10. The Red Hawks held them out of the end zone, but Lycoming converted a field goal to extend the lead to 10-0.
• Montclair answered with a seven-play, 78-yard drive. LUKE HENRICH opened it with a 23-yard run from the MSU 22, and DIANTE WILSON ripped off runs of 11 and 29 yards to set up CHRISTOPHER ARNOLD's seven-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 10-7 heading into the second quarter.
• Lycoming responded with a seven-play, 73-yard drive, capped by a 31-yard touchdown run to go back ahead by double digits, 17-7.
• Montclair then pieced together the longest drive of the game—14 plays over 6:32—converting two fourth downs. Though they couldn't punch it in, Rubinetti hit a 37-yard field goal to make it 17-10.
• After forcing a punt, MSU drove deep into Lycoming territory before a penalty erased what would have been Arnold's second touchdown of the day. The Red Hawks attempted a field goal, but it was blocked, and the Warriors held a 17-10 lead at halftime.
• Lycoming opened the second half with a seven-play, 68-yard drive, finishing with a one-yard touchdown run to extend the margin to 24-10.
• On the next possession, Henrich connected with JALEN CARTER on a perfectly placed deep ball for a 49-yard touchdown. The extra point was missed, leaving the score at 24-16.
• Montclair tied the game early in the fourth quarter with a 10-play, 58-yard drive. Arnold broke free for a 24-yard run, and Wilson converted on third down at the Lycoming 18. Facing third-and-goal from the eight, Henrich found GIANPAUL CORTES on a drag route, and Cortes beat the defense to the pylon for the touchdown. Arnold powered in the two-point conversion to even things at 24-24.
• The Red Hawks grabbed their first lead on the next possession. A holding penalty threatened to stall the drive, but Henrich's 20-yard run kept it alive. Rubinetti later drilled a 26-yard field goal to put MSU up 27-24.
• Lycoming mounted one last push, converting three third downs and advancing to the Montclair 10. On first-and-goal, BRANDON LUCIA forced a fumble at the edge of the line, and RYAN VISALLI recovered. Initially ruled down by contact, the call was overturned on review, sealing the Red Hawks' comeback win.

 
INSIDE THE RESULTS

• Montclair rushed for 245 yards, its highest total since October 7, 2023 (275 vs. Kean). Henrich (105) and Wilson (102) became the first MSU duo to surpass 100 rushing yards in the same game since November 2, 2013. Henrich also went 8-for-12 through the air for 119 yards and two touchdowns.
• ALEX BUCHWALD led the defense with 10 tackles, including one for loss. Visalli and JAQUIL BOYD added eight tackles apiece.
• JOSE TEJEIRO recorded the first sack of the season, while Lucia forced the defense's first turnover.

 
FROM THE FIELD

"Proud of the guys for bouncing back after a tough first half. We preach overcoming adversity, and we did just that in the second half. Going to heal up during the bye week and get ready for an exciting homecoming matchup with Wilkes." – Head Coach Mike Palazzo
 
UP NEXT

Montclair State enters its bye week before returning to action for its Homecoming matchup against Wilkes on Saturday, September 27, at 5:00 p.m.