Game Report: Stony Brook Runs Away from Merrimack, 35-10

Merrimack’s passing game sputtered on Saturday afternoon, as Stony Brook handed the Warriors a 35-10 defeat at LaValle Stadium.

The Warriors completed just six of 24 passes for 60 yards, though Ayden Pereira did connect on a touchdown strike to Keshawn Brown. On the ground, Merrimack rushed 45 times for 163 yards but failed to find the end zone.

Defensively, the Warriors struggled to contain Stony Brook’s rushing attack. The Seawolves gashed them for 251 yards on 44 carries — an average of 5.7 yards per attempt — the most success any team has had on the ground against Merrimack this season. Roland Dempster powered the effort with three rushing touchdowns.

Merrimack punted on its first three possessions, including two three-and-outs. The Warriors’ best drive came early in the second quarter, a 13-play, 72-yard march that ended with a touchdown. But momentum stalled, as Merrimack punted on its next three series. By the time Carlton Thai drilled a 47-yard field goal late in the third, the Warriors trailed 28-7.

On defense, Kendal Sims paced Merrimack with 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks, while RJ Chapman added seven tackles and an interception.

The Warriors will look to regroup next Saturday when they host Robert Morris as part of Homecoming Weekend (1 p.m. kickoff). The Colonials (1-3) are coming off a bye week. Their lone win came against West Liberty on Sept. 13, with losses to West Virginia, Youngstown State, and Dayton.