The Warriors rushed for 211 yards, and safety Danny Simms returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in Saturday night’s 23-14 road win over Maine at Alfond Stadium.
The victory was Merrimack’s first of the season after the Warriors dropped their home opener to Rhode Island and lost on the road to FBS opponent Delaware last week.
“For us to come up here to the CAA, on the road, and get a win is great for our kids,” head coach Mike Gennetti said. “They’ve worked so hard, bought in so much. I’m just very grateful to get this win and coach these kids.”
Maine took the lead late in the first quarter when kicker Samuel Tremblay connected on a 41-yard field goal. But Simms returned a blocked punt 12 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, putting Merrimack ahead for good.
The Warriors added another defensive score in the third quarter when Deandre Ricks returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown.
DeMarcus McElroy found the end zone later in the third quarter on a 4-yard run.
Merrimack finished with 211 rushing yards, led by Matthias Latham, who had 72 yards on 16 carries, and quarterback A.J. Hairston, who added 65 yards on 10 carries. Hairston completed 9 of 16 passes for 73 yards with one interception.
The victory was capped late in the fourth quarter when Dwayne Green Jr. recorded a sack that resulted in a safety.
It was Merrimack’s first win over a CAA opponent.
The Warriors held Maine to just 199 yards of total offense. Simms led Merrimack with eight tackles and also recorded an interception in addition to his touchdown on the blocked punt.
Merrimack will travel to Tarleton State next weekend. The Texas-based FCS program entered this weekend ranked No. 5 nationally in the FCS and defeated FBS opponent Bowling Green last week.
On Saturday night, Tarleton State beat McNeese State on a last-second field goal.
Next Saturday’s game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff.