Box Score
GLASSBORO, NJ – Quarterback Frank Wilczynski tossed three touchdowns and ran for another in Rowan University’s 49-18 victory over New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) opponent Western Connecticut State University on Saturday.
Rowan improves to 4-1 overall and 3-1 in the conference. Western Connecticut has a 2-3 record with a 2-2 mark in the NJAC.
Wilczynski (jr. Pine Hill, NJ/Overbrook) completed 14 of 18 passes for 228 yards. He also carried the ball seven times for 61 yards. Superbacks Ryan Leafey (jr. Westville, NJ/Deptford) and Stephen Hevalow (so. Galloway, NJ/Absegami) contributed with 61 and 59 yards rushing respectively. Leafey added a six yard touchdown run. Wide receiver Marcus Lee (jr. Vineland, NJ/Vineland) totaled 40 yards and one touchdown on three catches. Wideout Mark Lisa (so. Highland Lakes, NJ/Vernon Twp.) had 65 yards and one TD on two receptions. Wide receiver Anthony Barone (fr. Hammonton, NJ/Hammonton) recorded a 31 yard touchdown grab.
The Profs’ defense was led by linebacker Kevin Taylor (jr. Westwood, NJ/Westwood Reg.) with seven tackles. Defensive end Matt Hoffman (so. Burlington, NJ/Burlington Twp.) and nose guard Justin Hinds (sr. Port Reading, NJ/Woodbridge) each had six stops. Safeties Jimmy DiPaolo (sr. N. Plainfield, NJ/N. Plainfield) and Rocky Aliberti (so. Sewell, NJ/Clearview Reg.) both had one interception. Linebacker Lafayette Crawford (so. Blackwood, NJ/Highland Reg.) recovered a fumble.
Colonials’ quarterback James Williams (jr. Wolcott, CT/Wolcott) threw for 132 yards and one touchdown, completing 10 of 21 attempts. Tailback Lionel Assie (jr. Bridgeport, CT/Bassick) carried the ball eight times for 63 yards and one touchdown. Tailback Wayne Neal (so. Poughkeepsie, NY/Poughkeepsie) rushed for 24 yards and one touchdown on 10 touches. He also had a five yard touchdown reception. Wide receiver Allan Bowen (sr. Hamden, CT/Hamden/Virginia Union) had two catches for 68 yards.
Linebacker Chad Milling (sr. Hartford, CT/Conard/SCSU) posted a game-high nine tackles. He compiled one sack (-21 yards), forced a fumble and blocked a kick. Linebacker Ryan Delage (sr. Cheshire, CT/Cheshire) and defensive back Cliff Rone (jr. New Haven, CT/Wilbur Cross) made seven stops apiece. Cornerback Tre Johnson (fr. Burlington, NJ/Burlington) contributed with six tackles.
Wilczynski’s 25 yard touchdown run at the 12 minute mark in the first quarter gave the Profs a 7-0 lead. Leafey had a 25 yard rush and Wilczynski completed a 10 yard pass in the drive. Neal’s five yard touchdown catch at 5:50 made the score 7-6 followed a missed extra point. Williams’ 57 yard pass to Bowen set up the touchdown. Wilczynski connected with Lee for a 20 yard touchdown at 4:30. Safety Steve Wall’s (jr. Morris Plains, NJ/Parsippany Hills) 60 yard kickoff return gave Rowan the ball on the Western Connecticut 23 yard line. The Profs closed out the quarter with a 39 yard touchdown reception by Lisa with 1:40 remaining. Wilczynski was three for three in the drive for 61 yards. Leafey had a six yard touchdown scamper at 8:06 in the second period to put Rowan ahead 28-6 at halftime. Superback Jon Downes (jr. Gibbstown, NJ/Valley Forge Military (PA)) ran for 19 yards and Wilczynski found Lisa with a 26 yard pass to make way for the touchdown.
At 6:29 in the third, Downes ran the ball into the end zone from two yards out, increasing the lead to 29 points (35-6). DiPaolo’s interception gave Rowan the ball on its own 20 yard line. Wide receiver Davon Edwards (sr. Whitesboro, NJ/Middle Twp.) had two carries for 24 yards in the drive. Wilczynski threw a 31 yard touchdown pass to Barone at 14:53 in the fourth period. Crawford recovered a fumble on the Colonials’ 31 yard line prior to give the Profs possession. Neal’s four yard touchdown carry at 9:51 cut the deficit to 42-12 following a missed PAT. Assie rushed for 30 yards on five touches. Wall returned the ensuing kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown to put the Profs ahead, 49-12 at 9:37. Western Connecticut’s final score came with 6:40 left to play on a two yard touchdown run by Assie. In the drive, Assie ran for 16 yards and caught a 45 yard pass.
Rowan hosts conference opponent Morrisville State College in its annual homecoming game on Saturday, October 18 at 2 p.m. Western Connecticut is at home against SUNY Cortland on Saturday at noon.
