Last week, the Chargers hosted the Saginaw Valley Cardinals for their first home game of their Division I tenure and won, 35-28.
New Haven controlled nearly every aspect of the first half in their Division I home debut. After finishing the opening quarter ahead 14-0, the Chargers saw the pace accelerate in the second quarter when Mason McKenzie put the Cardinals on the board just eight seconds in with a 28-yard touchdown run. The Chargers answered immediately as quarterback AJ Duffy hit Joshua Tracey on a 64-yard throw to restore a two-score cushion, then continued to pile on with an 18-yard scoring strike to Kevonne Wilder and a bruising two-yard touchdown run from Zaon Laney, which stretched the margin to 35-7. Saginaw Valley broke through in the closing seconds, turning an interception into an 18-yard McKenzie to Terrence Brown touchdown to trim the deficit, but New Haven recovered the ensuing kickoff and ran out the clock. This capped a half filled with explosive plays, efficient drives and a commanding 35-14 lead for the Chargers heading into halftime.
After halftime, Saginaw Valley State struck first, and quickly cut the margin to 35-21 on Michael Jamerson’s 16-yard touchdown run. New Haven’s next drive stalled, and a fumble by Duffy gave Saginaw Valley a short field, but the Chargers’ defense held strong and forced a punt.
Early in the fourth quarter, McKenzie connected with Israel Bradford on a 28-yard touchdown pass, which brought the score to 35-28 and injected momentum into the Saginaw Valley offense. The visitors had another opportunity when Christian Boivin intercepted Duffy at the New Haven 43-yard line, but the Chargers’ defense once again rose to the occasion, and stopped Saginaw Valley on fourth down at the six-yard line with just over three minutes remaining. The Chargers then relied on a steady ground attack to chew up the clock and secure possession, while late in the game, Dante Kiett’s interception in the final seconds ended Saginaw Valley’s comeback hopes. Despite a quieter offensive showing in the second half, New Haven’s timely defensive plays and ball control preserved their lead, and allowed the team to claim their first Division I victory in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
The Chargers will look to carry their momentum into next week’s matchup against Duquesne University. The game will be held at Rooney Field and kickoff is set for 1 p.m. New Haven is aiming to build on their early Division I success and continue their strong start to the season. With both explosive plays and a defense that can rise to the occasion, New Haven will be eager to make another statement on the field. To stay up to date on all team news, schedules, and highlights, visit New Haven Chargers.
