Football Falls at home to Merrimack 20-7

September 11, 2004

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Merrimack scored two defensive touchdowns including a 69 yard fumble return by B.J. Birtz as the visiting Warriors defeated Bryant University 20-7 in Northeast-10 Conference action here Saturday. With the win, Merrimack improves to 2-0 on the season and 1-0 in conference. Bryant, led by Justin Kix’ (Shoreham, N.Y.) 86 yards receiving, drops to 0-2 on the year.

After a scoreless first half, Merrimack’s Chris Dupervil picked off Bryant’s Charles Granatell (Franklin Lakes, N.J.) at the Bryant 12 yard line and returned it for a touchdown to put the Warriors up 7-0. Bryant, after throwing three interceptions last week at AIC, threw two more today.

The Bulldogs would turn the ball over once more on their next drive. After Granatell hit Vincent Norris (Washington, D.C.) for a gain, Birtz forced Norris to fumble and Joe Payne recovered for the Warriors on the Merrimack 33 yard line.

Keyed by a 20-yard run by Andrew Jackson, the Warriors marched down to the Bulldog three yard line. One play later, quarterback Colin Temple hit Matt Winick for a three-yard touchdown pass as the Warriors led 14-0.

With just 39 yards of total offense in the first half, Bryant would finally get on the scoreboard late in the third. Starting from their own 12-yard line, the Bulldogs would put together an 88-yard drive capped by a five yard touchdown pass from Granatell to Justin Benevides (Portsmouth, R.I.) as time expired to end the third.

Trailing by only a touchdown, the Bryant defense, led by Ian Johnson (Salem, N.J.) and Delano Dryden (Riverdale, Md.) (10 tackles each), were able to contain the Warriors offensively. Following a three-and-out by the Warriors, the Bulldogs got the ball back with 7:06 left and in good field position at the Merrimack 35.

After converting on fourth and three, Chris Peaks rushed for six yard to the Merrimack 19 yard line. However, on the next play, Joe Fermano forced Granatel to fumble in the pocket and the ball was picked up by Merrimack’s Birtz who returned it 69 yards to seal the victory.

The Bulldogs finished with 188 yards of total offense including 139 yards passing. Peaks rushed for 35 yards on 11 carries. Merrimack was led by Jackson’s game-high 71 yards on 19 carries.

Bryant will host Assumption next Saturday for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend (1 p.m.). Merrimack will travel to Bentley on Friday night (7 p.m.).