Falcons Upended By Lancers, 42-26

Summiel sets Falcons all-time touchdown receptions mark with his 22nd career TD  

Worcester, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University football team opened its 2017 conference slate this afternoon, dropping a 42-26 decision to the Lancers of Worcester State University at John F. Coughlin Memorial Field.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 26, Worcester State 42

Records: Fitchburg State (1-3, 0-1 MASCAC) | Worcester State (2-1, 1-0 MASCAC)

How It Happened

Following a ten-yard touchdown reception by junior Dan Orlando (Westboro, Mass./Westboro) that put Worcester State up 7-0 7:23 remaining in the opening stanza, the Falcons knotted the score (7-7) on its ensuing possession as senior Devin Summiel (Tewksbury, Mass./Shawsheen Tech) pulled down an eight yard pass from sophomore Nelson Valerio (Lawrence, Mass./Lawrence).

With the score 16-7 in favor of the Lancers, Fitchburg State cut into the deficit midway through the second frame when Valerio connected with junior receiver Herbert Acosta (Los Angles, Calif./Palisades Charter) for a 26 yard strike to make the score 16-13 before the hosts took a 32-13 lead into the break after a Gaston Pastorino (Fitchburg, Mass./Fitchburg) ten yard interception return for touchdown.

Following intermission, Worcester State upped it margin to 35-13 on a Noah Hwang (Brooklyn, N.Y./Churchill School) 35-yrd field goal. Trailing 42-20, Fitchburg State capped the scoring with 1:20 remaining in the contest as junior defensive back Mory Keita (Pawtucket, R.I./William E. Tolman) returned a punt 20 yards for his first collegiate score, resulting in the 42-26 final.

Inside the Numbers

34th meeting between Fitchburg State and Worcester State on the gridiron with the Falcons 8-26 overall when taking on the Lancers.

Offensively for the Falcons, Nelson Valerio (Lawrence, Mass./Lawrence) completed 10-of-23 passes for160 yards and two touchdowns.

Fitchburg State's ground game was sparked by senior Jevon Brown-Simpson (Lynn, Mass./Lynn English), who ran for 105 yards on 19 carries and one TD.

Herbert Acosta (Los Angles, Calif./Palisades Charter) led all Falcon receivers with four catches for 125 yards and one score.

Defensively for the Green and Gold, senior linebacker Dylan Woods (Townsend, Mass./North Middlesex) registered a team-leading eight stops on six solo tackles, two assisted stops and a pair of TFL's.

Devin Summiel (Tewksbury, Mass./Shawsheen Tech) surpassed former Falcon receiver Ty Spencer for first all-time with his 22nd career touchdown reception.

Mory Keita (Pawtucket, R.I./William E. Tolman) notched his first collegiate touchdown with his 20 yard punt return for the Falcons.

Up Next

The Falcons will host the Bears of Bridgewater State University next Saturday for a contest starting at 2 p.m. Worcester State will travel to Westfield State University on the same day for a match up starting at 2 p.m.