BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – Graduate student
Braden Lynn (Littleton, Mass.) was a perfect 12-for-12 for 194 yards and a touchdown, while classmate
Gregory Walker (Boxford, Mass.) added three more rushing scores to his tally as Plymouth State University downed Bridgewater State University, 42-21, in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) football game at Mazzaferro Field on Saturday.
Lynn orchestrated a near-flawless afternoon for the Panthers' offense. After punting on its first possession, Plymouth State scored touchdowns on six of its next eight drives, with the only exceptions a kneel-down to end the first half, and a goal line fumble to start the third quarter. PSU dominated the time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 41 minutes.
Walker found the end zone on three consecutive drives, scoring from 6, 2, and 6 yards out as the Panthers built a 21-7 halftime lead. Senior
Shawn Harrington (South Weymouth, Mass.) powered in from six yards out in the third quarter to make it 28-7, and the teams traded explosive plays in the final period to close out the scoring.
Plymouth State improves to 3-0 (2-0 MASCAC), while the Bears fall to 1-2 (1-1 MASCAC).
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 42, Bridgewater State 21
- Plymouth State (3-0, 2-0 MASCAC)
- Bridgewater State (1-2, 1-1 MASCAC)
How it Happened:
- Bridgewater State opened with a 13-play, 65-yard touchdown drive to take an early lead.
- After the teams traded three-and-outs, the Panthers took over near midfield. Lynn hit junior Jacob Morris (Kennebunk, Maine) for 13 yards, and Walker ripped off runs of 11, 12, 4, and 5 yards before punching it in from six yards to tie the game, 7-7, with 1:24 left in the first.
- Senior Jack Milano (Pelham, N.H.) sacked the Bears' quarterback on the next drive, then recovered a fumble one play later to give PSU solid field position. Junior Beau Fellows (Topsfield, Mass.) hauled in a 20-yard catch on third-and-three, while sophomore Devin Connally (Boynton Beach, Fla.) added a 12-yard grab to set up fourth-and-one at the BSU 18-yard line. Harrington picked up the first down on the ground, and four plays later Walker broke through for a 14-7 lead with 5:45 left in the half.
- The Panthers capitalized on a botched snap during BSU's next possession, setting up Walker's second TD run – another six-yarder – that stretched the lead to 21-7 with 2:33 on the clock.
- After receiving the second half kickoff, Plymouth State drove to the Bears' 1-yard line but lost the ball on fourth-and-goal. The defense quickly responded, though, as freshman Francesco Lopriore (West Boylston, Mass.) forced a fumble and classmate Tyrese Ryder (Ossipee, N.H.) recovered near midfield. A key nine-yard grab by senior Mitchell Cripps (Dracut, Mass.) kept the drive alive, and Harrington finished it with a six-yard TD for a 28-7 advantage late in the third.
- Bridgewater State struck back with a 52-yard touchdown pass just 15 seconds into the fourth quarter, but the Panthers answered immediately. On third-and-11, Lynn hit Connally for a 53-yard gain, then found Morris wide open in the end zone four plays later for a 35-14 cushion with 9:55 remaining.
- The Bears pulled within 35-21 after a quick scoring drive, but PSU sealed the win on its next possession. Walker and freshman Jayden Graham (Rutland, Vt.) split carries to push the ball past midfield, Connally moved the chains with a 13-yard reception on third-and-nine, and Lynn capped the drive by outrunning the defense on a 22-yard naked bootleg to close out the scoring.
By the Numbers:
- Lynn went 12-for-12 for 194 yards and a touchdown, while adding 25 rushing yards and another score.
- Walker topped 100 rushing yards for the third straight game, finishing with 112 and three TDs. Walker has nine total touchdowns (eight rushing) through three games.
- Connally led all receivers with six catches for 97 yards; Cripps added two grabs for 48 yards, and Morris added three catches for 29 yards and a TD.
- Ryder paced the defense with eight tackles (four solo), while Lopriore tallied six.
- Milano recorded the game's lone sack.
- Sophomore Seamus Ross (Windham, N.H.) converted all six PATs and averaged over 50 yards per kickoff.
- PSU converted 8-for-12 third downs (67%) and limited BSU to just 1-of-8 (13%).
- The Panthers dominated time of possession, 40:57 to 19:03.
- PSU now leads the all-time series 21-17-1. The Bears had won six straight at home; this marks Plymouth State's first road win in the series since 2010.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State hosts Mass. Maritime for a Homecoming Weekend clash on Saturday (Sept. 27). Kickoff is set for noon.
– 30 –
