The Montclair State Red Hawks hit the road this week to take on the 3-0 Union College Fighting Dutchmen. Montclair is coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss last week and needed to refocus and be at the top of their game to beat Union.
Union College has been a force to open up its 2023 season. The Dutchmen's defense has only allowed seven points-yes, SEVEN through three games on the year. Union’s offense has been just as dominant—scoring 162 points through the first three games.
The game started with both teams punting the ball away on their first drives. The Fighting Dutchman went to work on their second drive. Union quarterback Donovan Pacatte led a 10-play 73-yard touchdown drive to put them up 7-0.
Andrew Sanborn and the Red Hawk offense could not get much going all game. They started to piece together a drive late in the first quarter, driving down to the Union 22. Sanborn completed passes to Clarence Wilkins, Nahsir Bryant, and Zach Lewis, and running back Henry Lewis rushed for 14 yards on the drive. Greg Casimir lined up for his first field goal after making two extra points last week and had his first attempt blocked. Union wasted no time marching down the field and scoring on a Pacatte 14-yard dime to wide-out Robbie Tolbert, putting Union up 13-0 (after missing the extra point).
The ensuing kickoff landed out of bounds, giving Montclair a great starting field position at their own 35. It was now or never for the Red Hawks to make something happen. Sanborn found Anthony Roige on a 43-yard bomb to set up 1st and goal from the Union nine-yard line. The “Lewis Law Firm” finished the drive off with Henry rushing down to the three and Zach hauling in the lone touchdown reception of the game for Montclair. Union found pay dirt once more before the end of the half and took a 20-7 lead into the break.
The second half was one of those halves where you just toss the game tape away. The Fighting Dutchmen outscored Montclair 23-0 in the second half, winning the game 43-7. The Red Hawks only totaled 8 first downs compared to Union’s 29. They were also outgained 502-174 in total yards for the game.
The Red Hawks return home next Saturday to face TCNJ for their Homecoming game under the lights at Sprague Field.
