Box Score FITCHBURG, Mass. –University of Massachusetts Dartmouth junior Cory Burnham (Essex, Mass.) threw a pair of fourth quarter touchdown passes, but the Corsairs couldn't overcome a slow start. Fitchburg State University opened the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) football contest with 26 consecutive points en route to a 33-14 victory Saturday afternoon at Elliot Field.
The Falcons improved their overall record to 7-2, including 5-2 mark inside the conference circuit. UMass Dartmouth completed its 2015 campaign with an overall mark of 4-6, including 3-5 against MASCAC opponents.
The Corsairs passed for 176 yards, but struggled to get their running game on track, recording a season-low 41 yards on the ground. The visitors were unable to convert a third (0-for-12) or fourth down (0-for-4) opportunity.
Burnham completed 7-of-16 attempts for 133 passing yards and two touchdowns. The signal-caller enjoyed a breakout junior campaign, ranking second on the program's single-season list for touchdown passes (24) and third for passing yards (2117).
Freshman Abbi Bamgbose (Fitchburg, Mass.) pulled in two receptions for 90 yards, including a 78-yard strike to cap UMass Dartmouth's scoring midway through the final stanza. Junior Jakarrie Washington (Everett, Mass.) registered 50 receiving yards and a touchdown on three catches. Senior Jason Ferri (Billerica, Mass.) hauled in a team-high four receptions for 18 yards.
Senior Derek Tarpey (Tewksbury, Mass.) completed his stellar career by matching his season-high in tackles with 11. Classmate Blake Sullivan (Beverly, Mass.) and sophomore Brandon Miller (Holden, Mass.) each recorded eight stops.
Fitchburg State scored on its opening drive, marching 58 yards on just four plays. The Falcons cracked the scoring column on a four-yard run by Jordan Almore.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the final minutes of the first quarter. Almore capped 13-play, 82-yard drive with a one-yard plunge to give Fitchburg State a 13-0 lead after 15 minutes of regulation.
The Corsairs looked like they would be staring a 13-point deficit entering the halftime intermission, but Falcon quarterback Garrett Dellechiaie connected with Devin Summiel for a 20-yard touchdown reception on the final play of the half.
The Falcons seized control of the contest on their opening drive of the second half as Dellechiaie broke a 57-yard run to extend the hosts' lead to 26-0.
Dellechiaie piloted Fitchburg State's offensive attack, throwing for 247 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 95 yards and two scores. Ty Spencer was Dellechiaie's favorite target, recording 142 yards on 11 receptions.
