Box Score DARTMOUTH, Mass. – Bridgewater State University sophomore Alex McLaughlin (Littleton, Mass.) rushed for 86 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Bears to 34-13 victory over the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Friday evening in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) football game on Cressy Field.
Bridgewater State raised its overall record to 4-2 and 3-1 in the conference, while the Corsairs evened their mark at 3-3 and 2-2 against MASCAC opponents.
The Bears committed their offensive attack to the run, rushing 56 times for 263 yards. Senior Carlton Williamson (North Easton, Mass.) gained a game-high 94 yards on 20 carries, including a 35-yard TD to close out the scoring. McLaughlin carried the ball 21 times for 86 yards, including touchdown runs of 3, 1, and 2 yards, respectively.
Junior Danny Higgins (Manahawkin, N.J.) completed just six passes for 152 yards and a touchdown, averaging 25.3 yards per completion. Sophomore Travis Bassett (Littleton, Mass.) pulled in three catches for 91 yards, including a 27-yard strike in the second quarter.
UMass Dartmouth utilized a balanced offensive attack, registering 168 yards in the air and 167 on the ground. Junior Cory Burnham (Essex, Mass.) completed 50-percent of his passes (16-for-32) for 168 yards and a TD. Senior captain Jason Ferri (Billerica, Mass.) produced a career-high 103 receiving yards on four catches. Sophomore Eddie Sheridan (Chelmsford, Mass.) gained 80 yards on 10 carries, including a 35-yard run to put the Corsairs on the scoreboard in the second quarter.
Bridgewater State raced out to an early advantage, taking the opening kickoff and marching 75 yards on seven plays. McLaughlin capped the scoring drive with a three-yard plunge. The visitors turned up field with a 7-0 lead.
During the ensuing possession, UMass Dartmouth's drive was stalled by an one-hour, 52-minute lightning delay. The Corsairs resumed their drive with a 4th and 6, but the Bears deflected the passing attempt at the line of scrimmage.
Bridgewater State capitalized on a short field to set up its second scoring drive. Bassett returned an UMass Dartmouth punt eight yards to the Corsair 35-yard line. Facing a 4th and 2, Higgins stared down the hosts' rush and delivered a 27-yard strike to Bassett along the right sideline to double Bridgewater's advantage.
The Corsairs responded with a four-play, 80-yard drive, taking just 1:42 off the clock. Burnham sparked the drive with a 18-yard completion to Ferri, followed by a 24-yard tuck and run, which was extended by a Bridgewater State personal foul. On the next play, Sheridan took an inside counter and bounced it out to the right for a 35-yard TD.
UMass Dartmouth whittled its deficit to 14-13 early in the third quarter, when Burnham converted a 4th and goal from the one-yard line. Burnham ignited the drive with a 51-yard completion to Ferri, the Corsairs' longest play of the contest.
After both teams traded three-and-outs, Bridgewater State regained its momentum with a six-play, 64-yard drive. Starting from their own 36, Higgins connected with Bassett for a 61-yard completion to set the visitors up with a first and goal from the three. Bridgewater State converted its second fourth down situation, as McLaughlin powered in from the one.
The Bears put the game out of reach by scoring on two of their next three possessions to create the final margin of victory.
Senior Anthony LaRose (Dorchester, Mass.) led the Corsair defense with eight tackles, including two sacks and three stops for a loss. Junior David Collins (Mansfield, Mass.) and sophomores Brandon Miller (Holden, Mass.) and Marvey Mathurin (Woburn, Mass.) also registered eight tackles.
UMass Dartmouth will return to action at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, when the Corsairs host Worcester State University.
