BSU loses a tough battle to Fitchburg State in MASCAC Action
By Brendan Coughlin
Comment Contributor
Photo courtesy of Michael Holbrook.
Bridgewater was unsuccessful in its first home MASCAC division matchup. The Bears fell to Fitchburg State University Friday night at Swenson Field. After leading 17-7 early in the second half, the home-team would lose 21-17.
On ways to avoid further losses in close games, BSU Head Coach Charles Denune said, “We will need to limit mistakes. Penalties will beat you if you let them. We are four weeks in and youth can no longer be a crutch. It’s time for everyone to stand up and do their part.”
An unfortunate turnover came at the end of third quarter when BSU quarterback Danny Higgins threw a third down interception. FSU’s Elizear Torres took that interception to the end zone. That would give FSU its lead, which it would not let go of for the rest of the game.
FSU struck first when quarterback Garrett Dellechiaie delivered a 48 yard touchdown pass to his tight end Devin Summiel. Summiel accounted for 174 of Dellechiaie’s 409 passing yards on the night.
The Bears answered right back as Higgins capped off a 94 yard drive with a touchdown sling to his receiver Mike Viola. Higgins would break his own school record (set last week against Worcester State) for most passing yards in a game, with 326 yards.
A David Console interception would give BSU the ball back with time remaining in the first half. They drove again, and a 22-yard field goal booted by Colin Neri would make the halftime score 10-7.
The opening possession of the second half was more of the same from the Bears. They drove down the field in six plays and Higgins would scatter in for a 5-yard touchdown run. That would end the scoring for the Bears on the night.
Also in the third quarter, Fitchburg would add a touchdown as Dellechaiei connected with Phillip Sainte Juste on a 46-yard strike. The pick-six from FSU’s Torres followed and would seal the deal for the Falcons.
Despite the loss, BSU showed strength on its defensive side. They were able to stop Fitchburg on three of four red zone opportunities. Console led the defense with 12 tackles as well as his interception. Steve Jacobs had another strong performance with ten solo tackles on the night.
Next week, BSU will take a trip to Western Connecticut State University. Another division matchup is key for the Bear’s season. Coach Denune and his players should be ready for the test.
“Every week is important, that’s the great thing about a 10 game schedule,” said Coach Denune about next week’s matchup. “We want to improve every week, and we will need to against West Conn. They are a good team and we will need to play well.”
