Box Score
UNION, NJ – Kicker Billy Daniels recorded a 26 yard field goal in the second overtime to give Kean University a 23-20 win over Rowan University in a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) game on Saturday.
In the first overtime, Kean went ahead 20-17 in the first series with a 37 yard field goal by Daniels (so. Ridgefield, NJ/Ridgefield Mem.). Kicker Mark Getsinger (sr. Deptford, NJ/Deptford) tied the score with a 37 yard field goal on Rowan’s series. In the second overtime, the Profs missed a 40 yard field goal attempt before Daniels kicked the game winning field goal.
The Cougars are 7-1 overall and they are undefeated in the conference with a 7-0 mark. Rowan is 6-2 overall with a 5-2 NJAC mark.
Kean quarterback Tom D’Ambrisi (so. Eatontown, NJ/Monmouth Reg.) passed for 78 yards with 10 completions in 23 attempts. He carried the ball 13 times for 44 yards and one touchdown. Running back Jared Chunn (sr. Tinton Falls, NJ/Monmouth Reg.) totaled 93 yards with 26 carries. Derric Harris (sr. Freehold, NJ/Freehold Twp.) led the receivers with three catches for 37 yards.
On defense, free safety Mike Mancini (so. Lacey, NJ/Lacey Twp.) compiled 12 tackles and one sack for a loss of nine yards. Linebacker Bekim Bujari (so. Secaucus, NJ/Secaucus) contributed with 11 tackles while strong safety Jamahl Williams (so. Passaic, NJ/Passaic) and linebacker Victor D’Arrigo (jr. Staten Island, NY/Port Richmond) added 10 apiece. Williams also recorded one interception.
For Rowan, quarterback Frank Wilczynski (sr. Pine Hill, NJ/Overbrook) made 12 of 28 attempts for 91 passing yards. He rushed for 69 yards on 18 attempts and one TD. Superback Ryan Leafey (sr. Westville, NJ/Deptford) rushed 19 times for 78 yards. Wide receiver Kay Robinson (fr. Camden, NJ/Camden Catholic) had 31 yards with four grabs. Linebacker Jerome Gordon (jr. Pemberton, NJ/Pemberton Twp.) totaled 11 tackles, including seven solo stops and one interception.
Linebacker Andrew Yezzi (sr. Franklinville, NJ/Delsea Reg.) registered nine tackles and three tackles for a loss (-8 yards). Strong safety Rocky Aliberti (jr. Sewell, NJClearview Reg.) collected six tackles and forced a fumble. Free safety Mike Barone (sr. Hammonton, NJ/Hammonton) recovered a fumble and had four tackles.
Rowan was ahead 17-7 going into the final quarter. Daniels nailed a 22 yard field goal at 9:46 and Kean trailed by seven points. With 1:49 remaining, D’Ambrisi scored with a one yard carry and Daniels kicked the extra point that tied the game. The Profs were stopped on their next drive and the Cougars started with the ball on their 13 yard line. On the first play, DiAmbrisi was picked by Gordon at the Kean 23 yard line. Rowan’s 38 yard field goal attempt with 1:04 left to win the game was wide right.
The Profs started the second half with an opening kick return of 100 yards for a touchdown by superback Tariq Gaines (fr. Glassboro, NJ/Glassboro). Getsinger put the Profs ahead 17-7 with a 24 yard field goal with 51 seconds remaining in the third period. The scoring drive was 14 plays and spanned 87 yards. Leafey contributed with 46 yards on three carries in the drive.
After a scoreless first quarter, Rowan got on the scoreboard when Wilczynski kept the ball for a four yard touchdown run at 7:35. The lead was short lived because Williams returned the Profs’ kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown 17 seconds later. The score was tied at seven after the first half.
Next week, Rowan is home on Saturday, November 7 against Montclair State University at 1 p.m.
