Stony Brook football snapped their three-game losing streak on Saturday night, with a 21-13 win over the Bryant Bulldogs in the Seawolves’ homecoming game.
The Seawolves established their passing game early. Four of the six plays that Stony Brook ran on offense in the first drive of the game were pass plays. Senior quarterback Lyle Negron passed for 62-yards in the drive, which was capped off by an 8-yard rushing touchdown by freshman running back Tyler Fredericks.
The Bulldogs ran a 13-play drive starting at their own 9-yard line, which ended with a two-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mike Westerhaus to tight end Ryan Barrett, tying the game at 7-7.
The Seawolves responded on their next drive. Quarterback Lyle Negron led Stony Brook on a two-play drive down the field, starting with a 15-yard pass to senior wide receiver Malcolm Eugene. He connected with junior wide receiver Adrian Coxson for a 63-yard catch and run for the Seawolves’ second touchdown of the day and a 14-7 lead.
Both teams failed to put up points in the second and third quarters of the game, which made it a one-touchdown game going into the fourth quarter.
Bryant started off their first possession of the fourth quarter with a 31-yard run by running back Paul Canevari. The Bulldog’s quarterback Mike Westerhaus broke a couple tackles to run in a 13-yard touchdown.
Stony Brook had a one-point lead after the drive thanks to a missed PAT (point after touchdown) by Bryant kicker Tom Alberti.
The Seawolves responded to the Bulldog touchdown on their next drive, as they did all night. Negron and senior wide receiver Devante Wheeler linked up on a 41-yard touchdown pass to give the Seawolves a 21-13 lead.
Stony Brook’s defense held off Bryant on the next drive, highlighted by a sack by senior defensive end Leston Simpson. After getting the ball back the Seawolves held onto the ball for a 21-13 win over the Bulldogs.
“I thought we finished the game, which is important in the fourth quarter, we had two games which we didn’t finish,” said Head Coach Chuck Priore. “Good team win, excited about the W.”
Stony Brook’s home opener against Towson last week was one of the games the Seawolves didn’t finish. It was a one-touchdown game going into the final minute when quarterback Lyle Negron coughed up a fumble that was returned for a touchdown
Negron, who hasn’t practiced for two weeks due to injury, was the best player on either team on Saturday night. He was 16-22 for 260 yards and two touchdowns, including a 41-yard pass to Wheeler that solidified the win for Stony Brook.
“I try to play the same way every week,” Negron said. “I love playing in an atmosphere like this.”
The atmosphere was a huge factor in the Seawolves win. A record crowd of 11,224 people was in attendance for the homecoming game, with only standing room left inside LaValle Stadium.
The Seawolves hope to ride the momentum from Saturday night’s win when they go back on the road to face Colgate on Saturday, October 12.
