Fitchburg State Runs Past UMass Dartmouth, 33-14

Spencer sets Falcons career receiving yards mark in Fitchburg State's seventh win of the season

FITCHBURG, Mass. – Junior quarterback Garrett Dellechiaie ran for 95 yards and two TD's, while also throwing for 247 yards and one touchdown as the Falcons defeated UMass Dartmouth, 33-14 in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) football action at Elliot Field this afternoon.

Fitchburg State took the lead on its opening possession, capping a four play, 58 yard drive as senior tailback Jordan Almore plunged in from four yards out for his third running touchdown on the season for the 7-0 advantage.

The Falcons upped its margin with 3:30 remaining in the first quarter when Almore polished off a 13 play, 82 yard drive, diving in from one yard out for his second TD of the contest to make the score 13-0.

In the second quarter, the Green and Gold took a 20-0 lead into the locker room, following a 70 yard interception return by senior Tevin Bienaime, setting up the Falcons at the Corsairs 20 yard line. Dellechiaie found classmate Devin Summiel in the corner of the end zone to close out the half.

Following the break, the hosts added to its lead with 10:38 left in the third stanza as Dellechiaie broke free at midfield and went 57 yards untouched into the end zone for the 26-0 advantage.

UMass Dartmouth broke up the shutout (26-7) with 12 minutes remaining in the final quarter when junior quarterback Cory Burnham connected with classmate Jakarrie Washington for a 40 yard TD reception in the back of endzone.

The Corsairs cut the deficit to 26-13 with just over nine minutes left as Burnham hit newcomer Abbi Bamgbose in stride for the 78 yard touchdown catch and run, before Dellechiaie put the game out of reach with his second TD rush of the game from two yards out , resulting in the 33-14 final.

Dellechiaie led the way for the Falcons offense, going 26-for-42 through the air for 247 yards and one TD, while rushing for 95 yards on the ground and a pair of scores. Almore ran for 63 yards and pair of TD's, while senior Ty Spencer finished with 11 catches for 142 yards to become the Falcons all-time career leader with 2,175 career receiving yards.

Defensively, junior Tre Watson finished with a team-best ten stops, including nine solo tackles and pair of sacks, while senior Pedro Camilo added four stops with three solo and one assisted tackle as well as two sacks.

For UMass Dartmouth, Burnham finished 7-for-16 for 133 yards and a pair of TD's, while Washington and Bamgbose combined for five receptions, 140 yards and two scores. On the defensive side, senior linebacker Derek Tarpey recorded a game-best 11 stops, including six solo tackles, while classmate Blake Sullivan added eight tackles and a pass defended.

Fitchburg State (7-2, 5-2 MASCAC) returns to action next Saturday as it hosts the Panthers of Plymouth State for a contest starting at 3 p.m. UMass Dartmouth (4-6, 3-5 MASCAC) concluded its 2015 season this afternoon.

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