The University of New Haven Football faced off against their cross town rivals, the Southern Connecticut State Owls on Friday Oct. 2. The Chargers were looking to build on their exciting 4th quarter comeback win during homecoming on Sept. 26. The Owls showed their quick strike ability however, scoring a touchdown in the games first four minutes. Regardless, New Haven answered with a touchdown of their own on their first offensive possession of the game. The drive was capped off with a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Osiecki to tight end Kameel Lashley. The Owls again struck back quickly, with a 1 play touchdown drive and regained the lead 14-7. The University of New Haven stalled on their next drive and were forced to punt the ball back to the Owl offense. Southern Connecticut was poised for another touchdown drive until Chargers safety Mike Gomes intercepted a pass ending the threat. The University of New Haven Chargers offense answered the call with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Osiecki to wide receiver Sharieff Hall. New Haven missed the extra point attempt and failed to pull even, leaving the score at 14-13 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was all Owls as they added two touchdowns to their lead, making the score 28-13 at the half.
The second half showed a glimmer of hope when Chargers linebacker Akaki Ramishavili recovered a Southern Connecticut fumble on the Owl 11 yard line. New Haven added a touchdown with a 1-yard run from running back Victor Jones. The Chargers two point conversion attempt was denied and the score was 28-19. The score mimicked other games where the Chargers were able to overcome deficits, but this game was not the case.
From there on out the Owls began to run away with the game putting up three touchdowns, a field goal, and a safety. New Haven had a scoring drive of their own in the games closing seconds, when Osiecki hooked up with wide receiver Jason Thompson from 28 yards out.
The final score was 54-26 Southern Connecticut. The Chargers will look to even their record to 3-3 on Sat. Oct. 10 when they are set to host American International College at Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium.
