Warriors win all three phases in a statement win over Colgate
Merrimack scored its most points in two years, blocked two punts, caused four turnovers
NORTH ANDOVER — Merrimack’s offense exploded in Saturday’s 51-17 win over Colgate at Duane Stadium. The Warriors totaled 535 yards of offense and scored their most points since a 54-17 win over Wagner on Oct. 15, 2022.
Ayden Pereira had a career day. The sophomore quarterback threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
Sophomore running back Brendon Wyatt ran for 73 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns.
The Raiders were committed to stopping the run in the first half, limiting Merrimack star back Jermaine Corbett to 57 yards on 20 carries. But Colgate’s commitment to the run allowed the Warriors to open up the passing game. Corbett had 58 yards on three catches and ran for a 36-yard touchdown on a screen pass in the second quarter.
Pereira went over the top of the defense to hit Jalen McDonald on a 46-yard touchdown pass. Trevor Shorter also had a 13-yard touchdown reception.
On top of Wyatt’s two rushing scores and Pereira’s rushing touchdown, Matthias Latham found the end zone on a four-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Merrimack’s defense also had a big day. Donte Williams and Jay Thompson forced fumbles. Williams and Wes Matthews had interceptions. Williams’ pick at the end of the first half prevented Colgate from putting points on the board deep in Merrimack’s territory with less than a minute to play.
The Warriors also blocked two punts, which led to points. Marc Christian Georges got a piece of one punt in the first half, and Kendal Sims blocked a punt deep in Colgate territory early in the third quarter, which set up a touchdown.
NEXT: The Warriors will travel to face Robert Morris next Saturday. Merrimack improved to 4-4 overall and 4-2 against FCS opponents this season.
Takeaways from Merrimack’s win over Colgate
— Colgate was committed to stopping the run, and there were stretches where the Raiders were successful. Coming into the game, at least on paper, Merrimack’s offense looked one-dimensional with so much heaped on Corbett. But yesterday the Warriors opened up the passing game and showcased their versatility on offense.
The play call on Pereira’s touchdown pass to Corbett was excellent. Colgate packed the box, and was bringing heavy pressure. Pereira executed the screen perfectly over the top of the pass rush, and Corbett had open space at the second level.
— The Warriors only had to punt the ball once. They dominated possession thanks in part to going 7 for 12 on third down. The Warriors were also 6 for 6 in the red zone.
— More kudos to Merrimack’s offensive line. Ayden Pereira was only sacked and hurried once.
— We can’t overlook special teams. The Warriors have been excellent in that phase for a few weeks, and that trend continued with the two blocked punts. Those plays directly led to points.
— If you’re looking for a negative — or at least something to improve on — Merrimack was penalized nine times for 85 yards, and four of those penalties led to Colgate first downs. That didn’t hurt the Warriors yesterday, but it could hurt them down the road.
