On Oct. 27, the Chargers faced off against the Assumption University Greyhounds at Brian Kelly Stadium in Worcester, Massachusetts. In a tightly contested game, the Greyhounds defeated the Chargers 19-14. In the first quarter of the game, New Haven won the coin toss and chose to defer. Assumption started their first drive but quickly struggled to gain yards which resulted in a punt. When New Haven took over, they faced some challenges, including penalties that pushed them back and made it difficult to advance. However, running back Christopher Ais stepped up and made several impressive runs which helped the team start to find their rhythm. Despite the setbacks, the Chargers managed to string together some successful plays. The back-and-forth action kept fans engaged, but neither team could score in the quarter, leaving the game tied at 0-0.
In the second quarter, New Haven took an early lead with a touchdown by quarterback Dealen Menard after he rushed in from the seven yard line, which put the Chargers at a 7-0 advantage. However, Assumption quickly responded with an 89-yard kickoff return by Jason Wonodi, tying the game at 7-7. New Haven attempted to regain momentum but struggled with penalties that set back their progress which forced them to punt after several unsuccessful plays. Assumption took possession but couldn’t find their rhythm, as they faced a strong New Haven defense that resulted in a sack. New Haven’s offense had another shot, but after some promising plays, they turned the ball over with an interception. As the clock wound down, Assumption managed to drive down the field, culminating in a successful field goal attempt that gave the Greyhounds a 10-7 lead as they entered halftime.
In the third quarter, the action intensified as New Haven received the kickoff but faced a tough defense that forced them to turn the ball over on downs after a series of incomplete passes and minimal gains. Assumption took advantage of this and started their drive with a big rush from Kameron Robbins that brought them to New Haven’s 19-yard line. Despite some setbacks due to penalties, they managed to score a field goal and increased their lead to 13-7. New Haven attempted to respond, but Menard’s pass was intercepted, which gave Assumption another opportunity to capitalize. The Greyhounds kicked another successful field goal and extended their lead to 16-7. New Haven continued to struggle offensively and when they attempted a crucial rush on fourth down, they failed to gain the necessary yards which resulted in another turnover on downs. Assumption maintained their momentum as they moved into New Haven’s territory and displayed their offensive abilities.
In the fourth quarter, Assumption maintained their momentum, starting strong with a 32-yard field goal from Massimo Sgambati that pushed their lead to 19-7. New Haven responded, but a penalty setback and an ineffective offensive series led to a turnover on downs after a muffed punt, allowing Assumption to regain possession deep in New Haven territory. However, they struggled to convert on their next drive, and a blocked field goal attempt by New Haven’s Chima Opara kept the game alive. With just under two minutes remaining, New Haven launched a determined drive but faced a series of incomplete passes. Their efforts ultimately fell short as they turned the ball over on downs at the Assumption 35-yard line. Assumption sealed the victory with a few kneel-downs, wrapping up the game with a final score of 19-14.
After this loss, the Chargers move to a record of 5-2, with a (NE10) record of 4-1, while Assumption moves to a record of 5-2 as well, with a 4-1 record in the (NE10). Moving forward, the Chargers will be facing Post at the Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium in West Haven. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
