/seasons/2023/boxscores/20230930_2yfy.xml
2023
Game Leaders
William Paterson
Pa:
Christopher Leimberg - 120
Ru:
Nazir Dale - 81
Rec:
Taz Burton - 58
Kean
Pa:
Robbie Nungesser - 240
Ru:
Robbie Nungesser - 48
Rec:
John Manfre Jr. - 103
Team Stats
Kean
William Paterson
Passing Yards
240
120
Rushing Yards
54
108
Turnovers
1
2
Time of Poss.
30:41
27:45
More news about: William Paterson
WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson football team (2-2, 1-0 NJAC) captured a 21-9 home victory over Kean (0-4, 0-1 NJAC) to open New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) action Sept. 30.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- With 7:32 on the clock in the first quarter, the Pioneers began their drive at the Kean 24-yard line. Sophomore Nazir Dale carried the ball on the first two plays for 16 yards before the Pioneers were backed up following a holding call. However, junior quarterback Christopher Leimberg found Jeremy Connelly for a 10-yard completion before connecting with senior Matt Clarke in the end zone on a five-yard toss to put WP ahead, 7-0.
- On the Pioneers first drive of the second quarter with 12:50 remaining in the frame, WP worked its way down the field to set up Dale for a 10-yard rushing score that extended the lead to 14-0.
- The Pioneers tacked on another touchdown in the half on their ensuing drive once Leimberg found senior Taz Burton in the end zone for a seven-yard score that gave WP a 21-0 advantage with 2:12 on the clock.
- On a drive with 6:11 remaining in the third quarter, the Cougars put themselves in position for a field goal try and connected on a 41-yard attempt to trim the deficit to 18 (21-3).
- Late in the fourth quarter, the Cougars scored their lone touchdown of the afternoon on a 70-yard catch and score with 3:28 left to play.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- It marked the second straight year that the Pioneers won their conference opener.
- It's the first time that WP won its conference opener in back-to-back season since the 1992-93 campaigns.
- Leimberg completed 14 passes for 120 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
- Dale totted the ball 14 times for 81 yards and a score.
- Burton reeled in a team-best six receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown.
- Clarke had three catches for 22 yards and a score.
- Sophomore Jayce Harmon made a team-high nine tackles with a career-best three sacks.
- Senior Devyn Blount tallied seven tackles.
- Senior RJ Massey notched an interception to pair with two tackles.
UP NEXT:
- William Paterson will face off against Salisbury Saturday, Oct. 7, at 1:00 p.m. in Salisbury, Md.