Lancers Down Bulldogs in MASCAC Battle

Worcester, MA- The Lancer Football team (1-5, 1-4) returns home today to match up with new conference addition, the Dean College Bulldogs. Worcester is looking to get back to their winning ways in the midday meeting.

Final:

Worcester State: 52

Dean: 27

How it Happened:

Worcester State started the game with the ball but went three-and-out on their opening drive. Dean responded by marching down the field for the first score of the day, but the Lancer offense was ready for the challenge. Junior quarterback MJ Bakaysa (Plainville, CT) connected with junior Lance Williams (Westerly, RI) on a 20-yard touchdown pass to even the score.

The Worcester defense came up big on the next possession as junior Griffin Metcalf (Leicester, MA) intercepted a pass, setting up the offense for a one-yard touchdown run by junior Jermaine Norfleet Jr. (Agawam, MA). The Lancers continued to fire on all cylinders, with special teams forcing a fumble to give the offense great field position. Bakaysa found Williams again on a seven-yard jet sweep pass for his second touchdown of the day, extending the lead to 21–7.

The offense went quiet to start the second quarter, but after a Dean touchdown, Bakaysa fired his third touchdown pass of the game, a 25-yard strike down the sideline to sophomore Jack Poirier (Wellesley, MA) pushing the lead back to 28–14. The defense forced another fumble shortly after, and Bakaysa needed just one play to capitalize, hitting Williams on a 20-yard touchdown for his third score of the game. The Lancers went into halftime leading 35–21.

The Blue and Gold opened the second half strong, forcing a punt and then driving down the field. Bakaysa delivered again, throwing his fifth touchdown of the game on a 33-yard go route to junior Joey Christian (Vernon, CT) for a commanding 42–21 lead. On the next possession, Worcester's drive stalled on third down, but sophomore Louie Freitas (Dartmouth, MA) drilled a 30-yard field goal to extend the advantage to 45–21.

Bakaysa's stellar day continued as he threw his sixth touchdown pass, this time to junior Aidan Breen (Peabody, MA),  for the final Worcester State score of the afternoon. The Lancer defense held firm the rest of the way, allowing just one late touchdown as Worcester sealed the 52–27 victory.

Bakaysa finished the day with 287 passing yards and six touchdown passes. Williams led the receiving corps with eight catches for 89 yards and three touchdowns, while Metcalf added four tackles and an interception to lead the defensive effort.

What's Next:

The Blue and Gold (2-5, 2-4) remain home next week when they keep the new MASCAC member battle going as they take on Anna Maria at 1:30pm.