Boxscore

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Junior quarterback Steve Armstrong (Nutley, N.J.) completed 28-of-44 passes for 368 yards, setting a new program record for single-game completions, but the Southern Connecticut State University football team dropped a 34-20 decision to Merrimack on Friday night in New Haven, Conn.

The former mark of 26 completions in a game was set by Len Maiocco against Springfield College back in 1987.

The Owls are now 2-3, 1-2 in Northeast-10 play. Merrimack improved to 1-3, 1-2.

SCSU struck first with a field goal midway through the opening quarter. Charles Gallagher (Hartford, Conn.) closed a 13 play, 63-yard drive with a 34-yard field goal.

Merrimack answered with an eight play, 54-yard drive that concluded with a 23 yard field goal from Sean Garvey.

The visitors then went ahead early in the second quarter. Colin Temple connected with Jeremiah Watts on a 15-yard strike to end an eight play, 56-yard drive.

Merrimack tacked on a 41-yard field goal from Garvey to pad the lead to 13-3. However, the Owls responded with a seven play, 54-yard march that ended on a 43-yard field goal by Gallagher as the first half expired.

The Warriors then took the opening kickoff of the second half and needed only three plays to extend their lead. Watts caught a 60-yard pass from Temple to make it 20-6.

The Owls seemed ready to cut back into the Merrimack lead later on in the frame. However, Gallagher's field goal attempt was blocked by Andrew Jackson, and he returned the kick 85 yards for a touchdown that made it 27-6.

SCSU bounced back to close within 27-13 on a 15-yard pass from Armstrong to Robert Felder (Jersey City, N.J.). That was the score after three quarters of play.

The Owls closed to within seven at 27-20 when Armstrong connected with Chris Bergeski (Mountainside, N.J.) on a 66-yard touchdown pass with just 2:34 remaining.

Merrimack got the ball back and sealed the win on a 29-yard pass from Temple to Chris Latham with just 58 seconds remaining.

Tailback Jarom Freeman (Peekskill, N.Y.) finished with 152 yards on 21 carries, marking the 20th straight game that the Owls have had a 100-yard rusher.

Bergeski hauled in nine passes for 178 yards and one touchdown. Johnny Lee (Norwalk, Conn.) had seven receptions for 79 yards.

SCSU returns to action on Friday, Oct. 5 for a Northeast-10 road contest at Assumption.