PLYMOUTH – It was a cold, drizzly, fall day in Plymouth on Saturday, but there was nothing but sunny smiles on the faces of the Plymouth State football team as they defeated UMass-Dartmouth 27-13 in the home opener at Currier Field. The win brings the Panthers’ record to 1-2, and 1-0 in the conference standings, as this was their first official contest in the New England Football Conference (NEFC). The Corsairs fall to a record of 1-2, with a 0-1 record in the NEFC standings. It was a hard fought game by the Panthers, with the offense, defense, and even the special teams coming out and making spectacular plays.
The Corsairs took advantage early by scoring on their first drive with a two-yard touchdown run by running back J.T Harold. After UMD’s next drive failed, PSU first year defensive back Andrew Zambrano blocked a punt, which was recovered at the Corsair two-yard line. Sophomore fullback John DeMarco scored the Panthers’ first point two plays later, and tied the ballgame 7-7. PSU took advantage of a 14-play, 70-yard drive in the second quarter to take the lead 13-7, after junior running back Jeff Mack made a seven-yard touchdown run.
In the second half of the game, the spotlight focused on the defensive side of the ball for the Panthers. The Corsairs came out early in the half and scored on a touchdown run by Aaron Russo, the last points UMD scored for the rest of the game. The PSU offense answered back in the fourth quarter with another strong drive capped by DeMarco’s second touchdown run of the day. Senior linebacker Tim Butler trounced on the Corsair’s hopes, as he intercepted a pass and took it back 29 yards for a touchdown. PSU senior safety Dan Fallon sealed the game late in the fourth with an interception.
The PSU offense was lead by three players, DeMarco, Mack and Seastedt. DeMarco and Mack, who were both high school teammates in Milford, N.H., combined for 161 yards on the day. DeMarco picked up 75 yards on 22 carries to go along with his two scores, and Mack gained 86 yards on 21 carries to go with his one touchdown. Senior quarterback Tye Seastedt also helped with 63 yards on 17 carries.
The Panther defense was led by Fallon, who, with his four tackles and one interception made the NEFC weekly Honor Roll. Fallon was assisted by senior linebacker Matt Whelan, who chipped in with five tackles and two pass breakups. The PSU defense was able to hold the Corsairs to 191 yards in total offense for the day. UMD was led by Rich Braley on defense, who totaled 12 tackles on the day, and on offense by Harold, who totaled 63 yards of rushing and one touchdown.
PSU hopes to keep the ball rolling this week against a good Western New England College team. The Golden Bears, who are also in the NEFC, come in with a record of 2-1, after dropping a tough loss this past Saturday to Curry, 19-10. The game, PSU’s homecoming game, will be at Currier Field at 1 p.m.