Mount Vernon, NY – Domination by the defense of the Monroe University football team led to a massive 34-7 victory over Lackawanna College on Homecoming night on Saturday.
The Mustangs forced five turnovers (three interceptions, two fumbles) and limited the Falcons to just three third down conversions on 13 attempts. The fourth down conversion rate was even more damaging to Lackawanna's comeback efforts as it went 1-for-6.
Redshirt sophomores
Kareem Lewis,
Ezekiel Ashiagbor and
Deamonte Ferrufino all came up with interceptions — Lewis returned his pick for a touchdown. Ashiagbor, along with four of his teammates, contributed to the sack category as well. Monroe's four total sacks on the day helped the team maintain its standing on the NJCAA Division I leaderboard.
With the defense setting up the offense in prime positioning drive-after-drive, the Mustangs moved in sync all night, avenging their prior loss to Lackawanna earlier this season. It's Monroe's first win against the Falcons since a 49-48 overtime victory in 2021.
While Lackawanna ended the opening quarter up 7-0, the Mustangs poured it on for 20 in the second. Lewis began the quarter with his two-yard pick-six before freshman
Sa'eed Cole went untouched for a 2-yard touchdown run with 4:44 remaining in the half.
Up 14-7, sophomore
Joseph Wright knocked in two field goals — from 33 and 25 — to make it a 20-7 contest at the half. Redshirt sophomore
Jayden Young had just 50 passing yards in the first half, but a solid second half from the New Jersey native put the game on ice.
Young first found sophomore
Khameen Powell with 10:38 remaining in the third on a 25-yard deep corner fade. Fast forward to the middle of the fourth quarter, Young connected with redshirt sophomore
Evan Harrington for a 7-yard touchdown. Harrington's fourth touchdown catch of the year now ties him with redshirt sophomore
Jashaun Amin for the team lead.
In fitting fashion, with the Mustangs ready to punt away the ball on its final possession, a blocked punt return by the Falcons was fumbled. Sophomore
John October recovered the loose ball, capping off the five turnover day for the Mustangs.
After a long break between games, Monroe wins in convincing fashion against its rival. It will host Snow College in its final home game of the year on Saturday, November 8, at 1:00 pm.
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University encompasses a total of 26 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as the Monroe University marching band, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has seven teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at
www.MonroeUMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (
Monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (
@MonroeMustangs) and Instagram (
@monroemustangs).
