On Nov. 2, the New Haven Chargers faced off against the Post University Eagles at Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium in West Haven. The Chargers entered the game with a record of 5-2, looking to rebound from a narrow loss to Assumption the previous week. The Eagles aimed to improve their conference standings.
The game kicked off with New Haven winning the toss and choosing to kickoff. Post began their first drive at their own 16-yard line but struggled to gain momentum.
After a series of incomplete passes and minimal gains, they were forced to punt, giving New Haven a solid field position at the Post 41-yard line.
The Chargers capitalized quickly, quarterback Daelen Menard connected with Matt Chandler for a crucial completion, followed by a strong run from Zaon Laney that advanced the ball to the Post 21-yard line. A mix of solid rushing and precise passing led to a touchdown as Menard found Zach Rhodes in the end zone. The successful extra point by Josh Hamel put New Haven ahead 7-0 with 6:45 left in the first quarter.
Post responded fiercely. Starting at their own 25-yard line, they managed to drive down the field, culminating in a deep pass from Malakai Taylor to Joshua Tracey that covered 50 yards for a touchdown. Tying the game at 7-7 with just over five minutes remaining in the first quarter.
The Chargers didn’t falter, New Haven regained the lead with a relentless drive, featuring a mix of rushing plays and quick passes. Menard capped off the drive with a one-yard touchdown run, making the score 14-7 early in the second quarter.
As the second quarter progressed, both teams exchanged possessions with moments of defensive prowess and offensive struggles. New Haven’s defense stepped up, with notable plays including an interception by Jalen Fisher, further frustrating Post’s efforts to regain control.
New Haven kept pushing forward. They managed another impressive drive that concluded with a stunning 42-yard touchdown pass from Menard to Logan Schmidt, bringing the score to 21-7 just before halftime. Post’s Aden Caine kicked off 64 yards to the New Haven one-yard line, where Kha’lil Eason returned it 20 yards to the 21. The Chargers quickly went to work, executing a no-huddle offense that saw Justin Felder rush for a remarkable 40 yards to the Post 39-yard line.
Despite a brief incomplete pass, New Haven maintained momentum, with Menard connecting for a seven-yard completion to Evan Chieca, moving the ball to the Post 23-yard line. However, Felder fumbled on a rush, allowing Post’s Joey Poland to recover and return the ball 24 yards to the Eagles’ 49-yard line.
Post took over at their own 49-yard line, but their drive was halted by the Chargers’ defense. Isaiah Emmanuel gained just three yards before Malakai Taylor was sacked for a nine-yard loss, forcing the Eagles to punt back to New Haven.
Starting from their own 23-yard line, the Chargers relied on running back Christopher Ais, who rushed for a combined 26 yards on consecutive plays, leading to another touchdown. Felder capped off the drive with a 48-yard rush for a touchdown, increasing New Haven’s lead to 35-7 after Josh Hamel’s successful extra point.
Post attempted to respond but faced a relentless Chargers defense. They managed only a few yards on their next drive before punting again, giving New Haven excellent field position.
The Chargers continued as Menard led a drive that included a mix of rushing and passing plays, culminating in a 22-yard field goal by Hamel to extend the lead to 38-7.
As the fourth quarter began, New Haven showed no signs of slowing down. Felder rushed for another touchdown, bringing the score to 45-7. The Chargers’ offensive line dominated, allowing their backs to find openings and maintain their aggressive pace.
Post’s following possession saw them struggle once more, resulting in a turnover on downs. New Haven took over at the Eagles’ 32-yard line and quickly capitalized, scoring another touchdown with Jalen Smith rushing for six yards to make it 51-7.
In the final moments of the game, New Haven’s defense continued to stifle Chargers win against Post University, 51-7Post’s attempts to advance. The Chargers finished the game strong, ultimately sealing a decisive 51-7 victory.
With this win, New Haven improved their record to 6-2, while Post fell to 1-8. The Chargers will look to build on this momentum as they head into their next matchup. For updates and more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
