An early scoring surge by the Chargers was not enough to win Friday’s game as they fell to Bentley University under the lights, 31-14. 

The game started off well for the Chargers, who were off to a 14-point lead in the first quarter before failing to convert for the rest of the game. 

This Friday night matchup was a test for the Chargers. Because the game was held a day earlier than usual, both teams lost a key extra day of practice. This may have been detrimental for New Haven. 

Although New Haven led the game with 185 rushing yards and totaled 365 yards on the day, the Bentley Falcons connected with their receivers and led the Chargers in receiving with 236 yards. 

The Chargers’ offensive line allowed their quarterback, Nick Robins, to be sacked twice while New Haven’s defense was unable to put pressure on Falson’s quarterback, Stephen Sturm. Sturm led the Falcons with 58 rushing yards. 

Running back Chris Liggio stepped up his play, and led the Chargers rushing attack with 77-yards on the day, as well as scoring one of the Chargers’ two touchdowns. Robins was able rush for their second touchdown, but he did not connect with any receivers at the end zone. 

Chargers defense was led by transfer defensive back Zach Cofrancesco, who finished the game with six tackles. Following Cofrancesco was junior Shawn Tafe and senior Affiz Din-Gabisi, who combined for ten total tackles.

Bentley took over after the first quarter, and scored 17 points and kept the Chargers out of the end zone.

Ju’an Williams is proving himself to be a key player for the Chargers this year, totaling for 283 yards in only four games. Williams led the Chargers again this game with seven receptions and 74 receiving yards, while the Falcons leading receiver was Drew Mahoney with 11 receptions and 146 receiving yards. Sturm and Mahoney connected on a 79-yard pass for the longest reception of the game and Bentley’s only receiving touchdown. 

Over the past ten years New Haven has defeated the Falcons in eight of their twelve meetings.