Lancers Hold Off Buccaneers for 17-10 Victory

Worcester, MA- In the final travel game of the 2025 season, the Worcester State Football team (2-6, 2-5) makes the trek to a former stopping ground of head coach Lazaro Mitjans Jr., travelling to Mass. Maritime to take on the Buccaneers.

Final

Worcester State: 17

MMA: 10

How it Happened:

The first quarter proved to be a dicey one for the Lancers, as their opening two drives ended in three-and-outs. Sophomore Louie Freitas (Dartmouth, MA) was called upon to punt twice, both going for 34 yards.

The Blue and Gold found their offensive rhythm near the end of the quarter, answering the Buccaneers' touchdown drive with one of their own. Junior Jermaine Norfleet (Agawam, MA) punched it in from two yards out to even the score at 7–7 heading into the second quarter.

The second quarter turned into a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find offensive consistency. Mass Maritime gained excellent field position following Worcester's touchdown, but senior Harley Philippe (Lowell, MA) came up with a huge fourth-down stop to stall the Buccaneers' drive. On the ensuing possession, junior quarterback MJ Bakaysa (Plainville, CT) connected with junior wideout Lance Williams (Westerly, RI) for a 26-yard strike, moving the chains to the Bucs' 17-yard line. However, the drive would stall on downs after a fourth-down incompletion. Worcester's defense held strong for the rest of the half, forcing two missed field goals to keep the score tied 7–7 at the break.

The third quarter opened with Mass Maritime in possession, but the Blue and Gold quickly turned the momentum. Senior Damian Mitchell (Lancaster, PA) intercepted a pass and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown, giving the Lancers the lead and a major energy boost to start the second half. After the Buccaneers answered with a field goal, Worcester State responded in kind, as Freitas drilled a 32-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17–10.

The fourth quarter saw the Lancers continue to struggle offensively, but the defense once again rose to the occasion. Junior Griffin Metcalf (Leicester, MA) delivered a crucial fourth-down tackle to halt the Buccaneers' rushing attack, allowing Worcester to run out the clock and secure a hard-fought 17–10 victory.

Bakaysa had a strong day under center, completing 12 of 16 passes for 151 yards. Williams led the receiving corps with six catches for 86 yards, while Norfleet provided the lone offensive touchdown for the Blue and Gold. On defense, Mitchell recorded a tackle and the game-changing pick-six that fueled the Lancers' win.

What's Next:

Worcester State (3-6,3-5) will close out their season next weekend as they host Framingham State at 12pm for their Senior Day meeting.