Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State University football team returns off the bye week and is set for an evening showdown on homecoming against Wilkes on Saturday

GAME INFO
The game at Sprague is set for a 5:00 p.m. start time. Live coverage links and additional information on the event can be found at montclairathletics.com.
 
LAST TIME OUT

Montclair erased a 14-point second-half deficit and emerged victorious against Lycoming, 27-24. 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.

2025 TEAM LEADERS
MONTCLAIR STATE (1-1)
Passing Yards: LUKE HENRICH, 179
Passing Touchdowns: LUKE HENRICH, 2
Rushing Yards: DIANTE WILSON, 143
Rushing Touchdowns: DIANTE WILSON, 2
Receiving Yards: JALEN CARTER, 49
Receiving Touchdowns: Two tied at 1

Tackles: ALEX BUCHWALD, 23
Tackles for Loss: ALEX BUCHWALD, 7.0
Sacks: JOSE TEJEIRO, 1.0
Forced Fumbles: Two Tied for 1
Fumble Recoveries: RYAN VISALLI, 1
Interceptions: N/A
Pass Breakups: UMAR DAVIS, 2

Field Goals Made: Roger Rubenetti, 2
PAT's Made: Roger Rubenetti, 2
Punting Yards Average: Roger Rubenetti, 42.20
 
WILKES (1-2)
Passing Yards: Cooper King, 416
Passing Touchdowns: Cooper King, 3
Rushing Yards: Cooper King, 59
Rushing Touchdowns: Cooper King,
Receiving Yards: Justin Moore, 127
Receiving Touchdowns: Juju Fears, 2

Tackles: Tyler Wetzel, 31
Tackles for Loss: Cohen Creswell, 6.0
Sacks: Tyler Wetzel, 2.0
Forced Fumbles: Fredrick Mweu, 1
Fumble Recoveries: Rodrigue Damus, 1
Interceptions: Three tied with 1
Pass Breakups: Two tied with 3

Field Goals Made: Nick Volpone, 3
PAT's Made: Nick Volpone, 3
Punting Yards Average: Peter Zarafonitis, 42.27

SCOUTING WILKES
The Colonels enter the Saturday slate at 1-2 and are coming off a loss this past weekend at the hands of Muhlenberg, 26-18. In 2024, Wilkes put together a 7-4 season with a 5-1 record in the Landmark that saw them qualify for a bowl game. They competed in the Chesapeake Challenge Bowl Series, but were defeated by Washington & Lee, 40-21. According to the 2025 Landmark Preseason Poll, the

SERIES HISTORY
The Red Hawks and the Colonials square off for the eighth time and meet for the first time in over 15 years. Montclair has the slight advantage in the series at 4-3.

LAST MEETING
It's been since September 12, 2009, since Montclair last faced off with Wilkes. In that last contest, it was the Colonials who emerged victorious with a 37-10 win.
 
NEXT TIME OUT
Montclair State University will hit the road for its first NJAC matchup of the year, facing off with Kean at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4.