Football Upended by Bridgewater State

WORCESTER, Mass. – The Worcester State University football team fell to the Bridgewater State Bears 32-13 Saturday in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference play at a windy John F. Coughlin Field.

With the win, Bridgewater State improves their record to 6-3 (5-2 in MASCAC play). The Lancers fall to 2-7 (1-6 in the MASCAC).

The Bears got on the board first, as Jack Lavanchy (Walpole, Mass.) caught a nine-yard pass from quarterback Stefano D'Emilia (Bridgewater, Mass.) to go up 6-0 just under seven minutes into the contest. Bridgewater took only five plays to drive 80 yards down the field and score.

Bridgewater State scored again late in the opening quarter, capitalizing on a Worcester State interception. The Bears went 28 yards in five plays, finishing off the drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Lavanchy, this time from quarterback Brad Thiltgen (Cumming, Ga.).

The Lancers scored their first points early in the second quarter when tight end Jacob Maher (Marshfield, Mass.) caught a 12-yard touchdown from Mike Kadlick (Dedham, Mass.). This was the culmination of a terrific 12-play, 87-yard drive for Worcester State. Noah Hwang (Brooklyn, N.Y.) kicked the extra point, and the Bears' advantage was cut to 12-7.

The Bears scored their third touchdown of the game with a one-yard run from David Coakley (Bourne, Mass.) with 4:29 showing on the clock in the second quarter. Bridgewater State drove 42 yards in eight plays. This third score gave them a 18-7 lead that they took into halftime.

Bridgewater State racked up 18 first downs in the first half, compared to the Lancers seven. The Bears also held a 140-44 lead in rushing yards. Worcester State finished the half with 149 passing yards from Kadlick, while the Bears had 94.

After a scoreless third frame, the fourth quarter began with a two-yard touchdown run for the Lancers from Dex Andrews (Dorchester, Mass.) to bring the score to 18-13. Andrews capped off a seven play, 65-yard drive that saw the Lancers move into prime striking distance with just under 13 minutes to play.

The Bears responded with a touchdown run just a minute and a half later. After an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the Lancers gave Bridgewater State prime field position to start the drive, running back Nick Santavicca (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) found the end zone from one-yard out. Lavanchy added the extra point to make it 25-13 in favor of Bridgewater State with 11:17 remaining in regulation.

The Bears would add some insurance with a six-yard touchdown reception by Joseph Leanos (Norwood, Mass.) with 6:53 to go, bringing the Bridgewater State lead to 19 and effectively put the game out of reach for the Lancers.

D'Emilia led the Bears with 130 passing yards and two touchdowns. Santavicca finished with a game-high 173 yards rushing on 19 attempts and a touchdown. Lavanchy hauled in nine receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Mark Wilson (Foxborough, Mass.) led the defense with 12 tackles. Steven Silvia (Boston, Mass.) recorded nine tackles and an interception for the Bears.

The Lancers were led by Kadlick's 316 passing yards and a touchdown. Andrews contributed 35 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Cam Charette (Fairhaven, Mass.) had eight receptions for a game high 134 receiving yards. Maher hauled in six passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. Eddie Hassell (Milton, Mass.) and Anthony Casparriello (Westborough, Mass.) led the Lancer defense with nine tackles.

The Lancers will play their final game of the season next week on Saturday, November 10 at home against Framingham State. Kickoff will be at 12 p.m. The Bears will finish their season at home against Massachusetts Maritime Academy kicking off at 12 p.m. on October 10 as well.

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