Fitchburg State Drops Season Finale at Plymouth State, 23-6

 PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Freshman defensive back Prince Gbaley had two interceptions Saturday, one for a 50-yard touchdown return, to lead Plymouth State University past Fitchburg State University, 23-6, in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference football game at Currier Field.

            Gbaley, who also had a pick-six a week ago, added had a fumble recovery, blocked kick, three pass break-ups and a tackle for loss to help hold Fitchburg State to just 111 total offensive yards.  The Panther defense only allowed 18 yards on the ground while causing eight Falcon turnovers, four fumbles and four interceptions.

Plymouth State scored on the game's opening drive when sophomore Zack Edwards  found classmate Mitch Banuskevich from 14 yards out. The Panthers would add a team safety to push the lead to 9-0, however the Falcons would get on the board just before the half when freshman quarterback Connor Fitzsimmons finished a 10-play drive, finding junior Jesse Lastra with a three-yard scoring strike. 

PSU scored early in the third quarter, after Edwards hit sophomore Brandonn Drumgole with an 11-yard pass and Gbaley added insurance with his 50-yard interception return late in the final frame for the 23-6 final.

For the Falcons, Fitzsimmons completed 19 of 42 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. Senior Taylor Ekstrom had six receptions for 24 yards, while senior Mamour Samb had 12 solo tackles, two sacks and four tackles for loss to lead the FSU defense.

            Plymouth State, which finished with a 6-4 record overall and 4-4 in the MASCAC, has its first winning season since 2010, while Fitchburg State finishes at 5-5 overall and 3-5.