The Chargers faced a familiar foe in former NE-10 rival, the Pace University Setters for the 2025 Homecoming matchup. The Setters entered the game with a record of 0-5, struggling to find consistency on both sides of the ball. The Chargers entered with a 2-3 record, and looked to bounce back after a tough road loss against Duquesne.
The first half opened with a dramatic start as Pace won the coin toss and elected to receive. The Setters struck on the very first play with a 70-yard touchdown pass from Ethan Coady to Elizjah Lewis to jump ahead 7–0. New Haven responded, as Jalen Smith’s 85-yard kickoff return set up a one-yard rushing touchdown from Zaon Laney to tie the game at 7–7. The Chargers asserted control as Laney led an effective ground attack that included a six-yard rushing touchdown late in the first quarter to give New Haven the lead.
Quarterback AJ Duffy efficiently managed the offense in the second quarter, and connected on multiple short passes to Joshua Tracey, Kevonne Wilder and Evan Chieca. The eight-yard touchdown pass to Chieca extended New Haven’s lead to 19–7. Special teams and defense also contributed, as kicker Liam Quigley added a 16-yard field goal just before halftime. The defense forced multiple punts and a turnover on downs, highlighted by key stops from Alan White and Sebastian Conwell. New Haven had seized momentum and controlled the game, and entered halftime with a 22–7 advantage.
The Chargers received kickoff to open the second half, but New Haven’s opening drive quickly stalled after losses on two plays by Laney and a short completion by Jake Tripptree, which resulted in a turnover on downs. Pace struggled on its first drive of the half, and lost yardage which led to punting back to New Haven. The Chargers responded immediately, as Laney broke off a 65-yard run and added several more strong rushes. This set up a 16-yard field goal from Quigley to extend the lead to 25–7. Pace showed some life on its next possession with gains from Anthony Robinson and Lewis, but Myles Hansford intercepted a pass to halt the drive. New Haven capitalized with a mix of power runs from Smith and Laney, along with short passes from Duffy that culminated in another Quigley field goal to make it 28–7. In the fourth quarter, Pace managed to score on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Luke Porcaro to Lewis, and cut the lead to 28–14, but the Chargers’ defense held firm on the remaining possessions. New Haven controlled the clock with short runs and passes while forcing punts and turnovers, and secured a 28–14 victory over Pace.
With the win over Pace, the Chargers move to an overall record of 3-3. The Chargers are back in action as they host the Western Connecticut State University Wolves on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium.For more information about, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
