Game Report: Special Teams Misstep Proves Costly
Kent State defeated Merrimack 21-17 after Da’Realyst Clark's kick return for a TD late in the fourth quarter
Merrimack College had a golden opportunity to notch its first-ever win over an FBS opponent on Saturday. Instead, Kent State’s Da’Realyst Clark turned spoiler. Moments after the Warriors seized the lead late in the fourth quarter, Clark ripped off a kickoff return of more than 100 yards, flipping the game on its head.
Kent State held on for a 21–17 victory, snapping a losing streak that had stretched across nearly two full seasons.
Pereira Carries Warriors With Arm and Legs
Ayden Pereira was a one-man wrecking crew for Merrimack. For three quarters, the Warriors’ offense sputtered, unable to generate much momentum, and they were hampered by pre-snap penalties. They didn’t reach the end zone until midway through the fourth quarter—and even then, it took a moment of brilliance from their junior quarterback.
Pereira found Seth Sweitzer streaking down the middle for a 36-yard touchdown. Sweitzer slipped past the linebackers, outran the free safety, and hauled in the ball at the back of the end zone.
Statistically, Pereira put together a balanced line: 15 of 31 passing for 176 yards and the touchdown to Sweitzer. But his real damage came on the ground. He ran for 125 yards on 19 carries, including a 27-yard burst on Merrimack’s opening drive of the fourth quarter that set up the scoring strike.
In a game where the Warriors’ offense struggled to find its rhythm, Pereira was the difference—creating plays with both his arm and his legs when Merrimack needed it most.
Smith Steps In, Delivers on Two-Point Try
After the Sweitzer touchdown, Aveon Smith entered the game in relief of Pereira and promptly delivered. Rolling to his right, Smith sold the run, drawing Kent State’s defense out of position. That left tight end Cade Callahan all alone in the end zone, and Smith found him easily for the two-point conversion.
Smith finished the game with 30 yards gained on four carries.
Defense Delivered When It Matters Most
Merrimack’s defense came up with a game-changing play immediately after the Sweitzer touchdown. Bryce Warrick stormed into the backfield and jarred the ball loose from CJ Montes on a sack. Adrian Rufo pounced on the fumble, setting up a 45-yard field goal by Carlton Thai that gave the Warriors their first lead of the game late in the fourth quarter.
On the whole, Merrimack’s defense dictated the pace. The Warriors held Kent State to just 305 total yards, bottled up the run game at 2.6 yards per carry, and forced that critical turnover.
Special Teams Misstep Proves Costly
No sooner had Thai’s field goal given Merrimack its first lead than disaster struck on special teams. Kent State’s Da’Realyst Clark took the ensuing kickoff more than 100 yards to the house, flipping the scoreboard back in the Golden Flashes’ favor, 21–17.
The Warriors had opportunities to bring Clark down before he crossed midfield, but missed tackles kept him upright. Once he broke free, the open field was his, and so was the game’s momentum.
The Warriors moved the ball 34 yards on 11 plays on their next drive, but Kent State put the game away, forcing a turnover on downs with under two minutes left.
Merrimack’s New Look Hits the Mark
Unrelated to the football itself, Merrimack unveiled new uniforms from New Balance on Saturday, and they were an immediate upgrade.
I’ll say this now: I was never a fan of the old Under Armour look. Too bland, too generic.
The New Balance design, however, checks every box. The yellow-and-white stripe running down the middle of the helmet is a bold, clean touch, and the shield logo on the sides pops far more than the traditional “MC” ever did—at least when it comes to football uniforms. The all-white setup, replacing the darker pants on the road uniforms, was another smart move. I’m excited to see the new home uniforms debut next week.
Simply put, these uniforms are sharp.
Notebook: Warrick was a force on defense
Jabari Echols and Bryce Warrick each recorded a sack; Warrick added four tackles for loss in a disruptive performance.
Seth Sweitzer was targeted six times and led Merrimack in receiving with 59 yards on three catches, including a touchdown.
Jalen McDonald paced the Warriors with 10 targets.
Ayden Pereira finished as Merrimack’s leading rusher, with Aveon Smith second. The top non-quarterback runner was Brandon Wyatt, who managed 21 yards on eight carries.
Kendal Sims led the defense with nine tackles, while safety RJ Chapman posted a team-high five solo stops.
Carlton Thai went 3-for-4 in his debut as Merrimack’s kicker, highlighted by a 45-yard field goal that briefly gave the Warriors the lead in the fourth quarter.
Mike Ryan was steady in the punting game, averaging nearly 50 yards per boot.
Next Up: The Warriors return home to play St. Anselm next Saturday night under the lights at Duane Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.