Box Score DARTMOUTH, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's football team scored 25 of the game's final 32 points, but the Corsairs could not overcome a 38-7 second quarter deficit, falling to Worcester State University 45-32 Friday evening on Cressy Field.
The Lancers earned their first win of the 2015 campaign to improve to 1-5, while the Corsairs dipped below the .500 mark with a record of 3-4.
UMass Dartmouth began its comeback effort on the final play of the first half, when junior quarterback Cory Burnham (Essex, Mass.) completed a 13-yard scramble as time expired to cut the deficit to 38-13.
The Corsairs tried to maintain their momentum prior to the break with an on-side kick, but Worcester State recovered the restart near midfield. However, UMass Dartmouth regained its spark, when senior Anthony LaRose (Dorchester, Mass.) stuffed the Lancers' ball carrier on a fourth and one. Sophomore Eddie Sheridan (Chelmsford, Mass.) ripped off a 30-yard run on the first play of the drive, and junior Jakarrie Washington (Everett, Mass.) capped the drive with a four-yard TD reception.
After Worcester State's ensuing drive stalled at the hosts' 34-yard line, Burnham connected with freshman Abbi Bamgbose (Fitchburg, Mass.) across the middle for a 78-yard touchdown pass, the game's longest play from scrimmage. The Corsairs then turned upfield trailing 38-25.
UMass Dartmouth had three subsequent chances to try to continue cutting into its disadvantage, but the Corsairs were unable to finish promising drives in the opponent's territory. The Lancers put the game out of reach with a nine-play, 70-yard drive that spanned four minutes, 17 seconds. Senior Dana Valentine (Roxbury, Mass.) capped the run with a one-yard plunge.
Senior Trevor Vasey (Cumberland, R.I.) piloted the Worcester State offensive attack, completing 20-of-33 attempts for 316 passing yards and a touchdown. Junior Arron Witkus (Chelmsford, Mass.) hauled in nine passes for 123 yards, including a 40-yard completion. Classmate Derek Moore (Mendon, Mass.) registered two catches for 93 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown to crack the scoring column on the visitors' third offensive play. Senior Kemani Jones (Milton, Mass.) powered the ground game, gaining 116 yards on 31 carries and three first-half touchdowns.
The Lancers defensive forced seven Corsair turnovers, leading to 17 points. Junior Carrick Driscoll (East Longmeadow, Mass.) was the catalyst, registering 10 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and two QB hurries. Junior Shane Gleim (North Grosvenordale, Conn.) posted eight stops, two fumble recoveries including a 51-yard TD return, and a forced fumble. Sophomore Dan Orlando (Westboro, Mass.) tallied a pair of interceptions.
Sheriden eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the first time in his career, gaining 133 yards on 31 carries. He also recorded a pair of catches for eight yards to rack up a game-high 141 yards of total offense.
Burnham was 15-for-42 with 273 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions. Washington caught four passes for 64 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Bamgbose finished with 93 yards. Senior Jason Ferri (Billerica, Mass.) also hauled in a TD reception.
Junior Alex Ortega (Lynn, Mass.) led the UMass Dartmouth defensive attack with nine tackles, including eight solo stops. Senior Derek Tarpey (Tewksbury, Mass.) recorded eight stops, including one tackle for a loss.
UMass Dartmouth will return to action at noon on Saturday, Oct. 24, when the Corsairs travel to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
