Game Report: Thai’s last-second kick lifts Merrimack past CCSU
Carlton Thai’s 19-yard field goal with one second left capped a game-winning drive for Merrimack College on Saturday night at Duane Stadium, as the Warriors edged Central Connecticut State, 16-14.
The Warriors built a 13-0 lead before the Blue Devils stormed back with two touchdowns in the final nine minutes of the fourth quarter to grab a 14-13 advantage. But after allowing the go-ahead score, Merrimack responded with a crisp 66-yard march in seven plays over 1:24, setting up Thai’s decisive kick.
Pereira Delivers on Final Drive
After Elijah Howard’s touchdown run gave CCSU the lead, Merrimack took over at its own 32-yard line with 1:25 left.
Jalen McDonald opened the series with a 7-yard run, and Ayden Pereira followed with consecutive gains of 13 yards to cross midfield. Keshawn Brown then hauled in a 23-yard strike from Pereira, and another completion to tight end Cade Callahan pushed the Warriors to the CCSU 8.
Matthis Latham nearly punched it in, but the Blue Devils’ defense held firm. Following a timeout, Thai drilled the game-winner, despite CCSU appearing to get a hand on the kick.
Offense Finds Life Late
Merrimack’s offense sputtered most of the night, but Pereira and his unit were at their sharpest when it mattered most.
The sophomore quarterback went just 12 of 29 for 124 yards with two interceptions, and the passing game rarely found rhythm. The ground game, however, carried the night with 190 yards on 42 attempts (4.5 average).
Brown emerged as a bright spot, catching four passes for 50 yards and playing a pivotal role in the late surge.
Defense Controls the Game
While the final score suggests a tight contest, Merrimack’s defense turned in a commanding effort. The Warriors limited CCSU to 2.8 yards per carry and just 88 rushing yards on 31 attempts.
Blue Devils quarterback Brady Olson completed 14 of 32 passes for 174 yards but was intercepted once. Merrimack forced three fumbles, recovering two, and held CCSU to a single red-zone trip all evening.
In total, CCSU managed only 262 yards of offense.
Next Up
The Warriors (1-0) travel to Stony Brook next Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff.