Maine-Maritime Runs Past Fitchburg State, 35-15

De La Rosa adds to Falcons single season record with tenth TD of the year

FITCHBURG, Mass. (November 7, 2009) - The Fitchburg State football team totaled a game-high 350 yards of total offense but could complete a season-ending victory, falling to the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Bogan Division champions, Maine-Maritime Academy, 35-15 this afternoon.

Fitchburg State concludes its season with an overall record of 4-6 and a 2-5 mark in the NEFC, while Maine-Maritime (8-1, 6-1 NEFC) will travel to Curry College next weekend to compete for the NEFC Championship.

Maine Maritime used a 28 point first half led by the ground attack of senior Tyler Angell (Leeds, Maine/Leavitt) to coast to its sixth conference victory. Angell notched 94 yards in the game's first two quarters, including a four yard touchdown run to put the Mariners up 14-0 at the 7:05 mark of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Fitchburg State inched closer as senior Devon Jennings (Brockton, Mass./Brockton) hurled in his fifth touchdown of the season on a five yard pass from junior Jordan Cannava (Medford, Mass./Melrose). The two converted at the 7:54 mark of the second period, capping a 10-play, 45-yard drive.

The Mariners answered quickly as Angell busted a 43 yard TD run  just 20 seconds later following the ensuing kickoff return. Later in the quarter, Maine-Maritime grabbed a 28-6 lead on a 14-yard TD reception by Alex Coulombe (Kennebunk, Maine/Cheverus) at the 2:18 mark before senior Evan Georgopoulos (Melrose, Mass./Melrose) brought the Falcons within 19 with a 34 yard field goal to close the half.

After the break, Fitchburg State continue to move the ball through the air, notching 164 yards passing, but the Falcons could not convert on two crucial fourth downs early in the third, limiting their scoring chances. The Falcons held off the Maine pursuit after Jon Hussey's (South Berwick, Maine/Marshwood) 21 yard TD run and added a score late on Carlos De La Rosa () program best, tenth TD catch of the season, but Fitchburg State's comeback ended with time expiring just one minute later.

Angell led all rushers with a game-high 110 yards rushing and two TDs for Maine-Maritime, while senior Steve Austin (Tequesta, Fla./Stony Brook) posted 64 yards for Fitchburg State. Cannava led all passers with a game-best 223 yards and two touchdowns, while Jennings snagged five catches for a season-high 108 yards and one TD.

Junior Anthony Bizzotto (Leominster, Mass./Leominster) turned in yet another solid performance for Fitchburg State, closing a career-season with 14 total stops (6 solo, 8 assists), while senior Dale Whittredge (Haverhill, Mass./Haverhill) added eight tackles (7 solo, 1 assist). Junior Wade Mondoux (Berwick, Maine/Noble) led the Mariners defensively, totaling seven tackles with two interceptions.

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Maine-Maritime 35, Fitchburg State 15

First Quarter: MEM: Todd Murphy (13yd run), 10:18; MEM: Tyler Angell (4yd run), 7:08;
Second Quarter: FIT: Devon Jennings (5yd pass), 7:54; MEM: Angell (43 yd run), 7:34; MEM: Alex Coulombe (14yd pass), 2:18; FIT: Evan Georgopoulos (34yd FG), 0:00;
Third Quarter: MEM: Jon Hussey (21yd run), 8:10;
 Fourth Quarter: FIT: Carlos De La Rosa (11yd pass), 1:00;