Box Score

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - Thanks to a stellar defensive effort in which Merrimack didn't score an offensive touchdown and had only 169 yards of total offense, along with four touchdowns from quarterback Raymond Catapano (Franklin Square, N.Y.), the Southern Connecticut State football team claimed a 35-15 win today.

TEAM RECORDS: SCSU 4-4 (4-3 Northeast-10) | Merrimack 2-6 (2-5 NE-10)

Catapano completed 12-of-19 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns and also had 63 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Michael Cerisano (Newburgh, N.Y.) posted 11 tackles to lead a defensive showing that allowed just one Merrimack first down in the air.

LEAD FROM THE FRONT: The Owls capitalized on an early Merrimack turnover and struck first on a three-yard touchdown run from Eli Parks (Bristol, Conn.). Joe Rice (Union, N.J.) added the PAT for a 7-0 lead.

Merrimack tied the game later in the quarter on a forced fumble that turned into a defensive score. However, SCSU went back in front on rushing TD from Catapano. The Warriors forced the Owls into a safety in the closing seconds of the first half to cut Southern's lead to 14-9 at halftime.

PULLING AWAY: Catapano connected with Devante Jenkins on a touchdown pass for a 20-9 advantage in the third quarter. The Warriors returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown but wouldn't score again the rest of the way.

Catapano found Ryne Griesenauer (Naugatuck, Conn.) for both a touchdown and the ensuing two-point try for a 28-15 lead. Catapano found the end zone in the closing minutes for a 35-15 final.

UP NEXT: Homecoming vs. Bentley, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m.