Co-written by Assistant Editor Erin Ennis
Congratulations to the New Haven Chargers football team on their first win as a newly-formed organization! The 33-10 win over Lincoln University marked the first game and win for the team since football was disbanded in 2003.
On Sept. 5, the Chargers met with the Lincoln Lions and delivered points very early in the game. A field goal by Michael Herrera brought the New Haven crowd to their feet and a sense of anticipation to the stadium. The Chargers continued to deliver, as Demitrius Washington-Ellison completed a nine yard touchdown, Andrew Nass ran in a touchdown from the 3, and Victor Jones ran for 39 yards to score. With the score set at 23-0, the game moved to halftime and New Haven students (both at the game and listening from home) wondered: could we really win our first game?
While the Lions answered in the second half with a field goal and an incredibly impressive 81 yard touchdown drive, nothing seemed to be able to stop the debuting Chargers. Although they did not manage to take a lot of time off the clock, Nass delivered another touchdown to bring the score to 30-10. At the 13 minute mark, a final Chargers field goal left the game at 33-10, marking a historic win for the University of New Haven and fueling the hearts of Chargers football fans across campus.
New Haven had an outstanding performance over the weekend, totaling 385 yards (almost twice as many as Lincoln made) on the field. They also totaled over 20 first down, 138 rushing yards and 247 passing yards. The New Haven Chargers had control of the clock throughout the game, with nearly 35-minutes of possession.
Osiecki went 22-for-33 for 247 yards and one touchdown. He was sacked twice and threw long ball of 31-yards. Sharieff Hall led all receivers with eight catches and 119 yards. Washington-Ellison grabbed four catches for 37-yards and one touchdown.
Together, Nass and Jones combined for 148 yards; Jones enjoyed a 8.2 yard average on nine carries.
Mike Gomes led defense with with 2.5 tackles-for-loss and three pass-breakups, while Angelo Cupo, Josh Turner and Cody Wallace each also totaled seven tackles. Hill added 1.5 tackles-for-loss and three total tackles to his interception, and Ahmet Basci grabbed New Haven’s only sack and six tackles.
The Chargers defense held the Lions to 11 first downs, 71-yards rushing and 122-yards passing.
The Chargers play their next game, away, at Assumption College on Sept. 11. This game, as well as all others, will be broadcast live on 88.7FM WNHU. Sept. 19, at 1:00pm, will be the first home game at the new Ralph F. DellaCamera stadium.
