It is safe to say this season has not gone exactly how the team wanted it to go this season, moving to a tough 1-6 record with just 4 games left in their season. The team has dealt with injuries since the start of the season and has been missing key players in key positions all year.
Duquesne came into this game as the favorite and the leading team in the NEC with a record of 4-2. Stonehill won the coin toss and deferred, giving Duquesne the ball first.
Stonehill started the game with an interception from Sophomore linebacker Charles Battaglia, giving them some early momentum. Stonehill’s offense this week was led by Junior Quarterback Jack O’Connell for the third straight game after starter Ashur Carraha suffered a back injury.
O’Connell and the offense struggled to get anything going in the first half, being held to just 6 points in the first half. Stonehill’s only score of the half came off the back of an incredible 52-yard touchdown from Junior Wide Receiver Brigham Dunphy.
It was a completely different story for Duquesne in the first half, exploding on offense and putting up 31 points in the first half. Duquense Quarterback Darrius Perrantes, delivered an incredible performance with three touchdowns in the first half.
After struggling through the first half, Stonehill was showing little signs of life as the first half ended. However, they started the second half with back-to-back passing touchdowns from O’Connell to Graduate Wide Receiver Jacob Flynn.
Unfortunately for Stonehill, Perrantes kept his incredible game going with back-to-back touchdowns to start the second half as well. Duquesne slowed down for the rest of the half only adding a field goal in the fourth quarter, but Stonehill kept fighting.
Stonehill scored a touchdown with just under two minutes to go, bringing the lead down to 21. Stonehill would then try an onside kick and successfully recover the ball for their first onside kick recovery since Sept. 26, 2015.
O’Connell through one last touchdown pass with 46 seconds left to Junior Tight End Cole Clarke. It was by no means a perfect day for the Skyhawks, but there were some positives.
Sophomore Linebacker Charles Battaglia won NEC Rookie of the Week for his six tackles and one interception performance. As well as Quarterback Jack O’Connell had his best game as the starter throwing for 231 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Stonehill keeps their season going as they travel to Loretta Pa, to take on Saint Francis University on Saturday Nov. 2.
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