Merrimack's defense overpowers Fordham in season finale
The Warriors totaled 11 sacks and two interceptions in the win
Merrimack’s defense put an exclamation point on the 2024 football season with a 19-3 win over Fordham on Saturday.
The Warriors limited the Rams to just 31 yards of total offense. Fordham completed three passes, and the Merrimack defense had two interceptions.
Most impressive was Merrimack’s pressure up front. The Warriors totaled 11 sacks as a team and 15 tackles for a loss.
Jay Thompson led the afternoon with a career-high four sacks. Nicholas Lenon had two sacks, and other Warriors to find the quarterback included DJ Frazier (0.5), Brandon Roberts (1.5), Tyler Leavy (1.0), Favor Bate (1.0), and Deon Houston (1.0).
Including the sacks, Fordham had -29 yards of rushing.
Houston also had an interception. Tre Jordan III had an interception and two pass breakups.
Sophomore quarterback Ayden Pereira rushed for 136 yards on 17 carries and threw for a touchdown. Pereira was 12-of-15 passing for 131 yards, connecting with Jalen McDonald for a 12-yard touchdown and a 16-3 lead late in the third quarter. Lliam Davis's field goal made it 19-3 in the fourth quarter.
After Kendal Sims blocked a Fordham punt out of the end zone for a safety, Jermaine Corbett went over from a yard out for a 9-0 lead in the first quarter.
The Warriors finished the season 5-6 overall and 5-4 in FCS play. That matched last year’s record, but this year’s schedule was stronger, including two FBS opponents (Air Force and UConn) to start the season. Merrimack’s 2023 schedule was against FCS opponents and D-II Virginia Lynchburg.