WATERBURY, Conn. – The Southern Connecticut State University football team showcased a potent rushing attack in its season opener on Saturday, but ultimately couldn't overcome a pair of devastating kickoff returns and late-game surges by Post, dropping a hard-fought contest 39-30 at Municipal Stadium. The Owls (0-1) racked up 440 total yards of offense, including 227 on the ground, in a game that saw multiple lead changes.

Despite the loss, SCSU's ground game was a bright spot, with junior running back Kieran Falzon and sophomore John Amaning both eclipsing the century mark. Falzon led the way with 112 yards on 13 carries, including a 33-yard touchdown scamper, while Amaning added 110 yards on just eight attempts, punctuated by a 15-yard score. The last time Southern featured a pair of 100-yard rushers in the same game was Oct. 28, 2017 against Bentley when  Vochan Fowler rushed for 152 yards while Eli Parks totaled 149 yards on the ground. Quarterback John Giller contributed across the board, completing 14 of 22 passes for 213 yards and one touchdown, while adding a three-yard rushing score of his own.

The game started with Post striking first on a 13-play, 73-yard drive capped by a one-yard plunge from Tyler Phommachanh, putting the Eagles up 7-0 midway through the first quarter. SCSU responded methodically, driving to the Post 13-yard line before settling for a 29-yard field goal from Daniel Benzi to cut the deficit to 7-3.

The Owls' defense, led by linebacker Shane Kanterman's game-high 13 tackles (three solo), forced a fumble late in the first quarter to set up good field position. Though the ensuing drive stalled, SCSU carried momentum into the second quarter. After a Post punt, the Owls marched 85 yards in six plays, with Amaning's 15-yard touchdown run giving SCSU its first lead at 10-7 with 3:36 left in the half. The defense held firm, forcing Post to turn it over on downs at the SCSU one-yard line as time expired in the second quarter, preserving the slim advantage heading into the break.

SCSU exploded out of the gates in the third quarter, needing just five plays to cover 85 yards. Giller connected with wide receiver Seth Westover on a 37-yard touchdown strike to extend the lead to 16-7, though the extra point was missed. Post answered immediately with an 80-yard kickoff return touchdown by Israel Hiraldo, narrowing it to 16-14.

Undeterred, the Owls struck again on their next possession. Falzon broke free for his 33-yard score, pushing the lead to 23-14. But Hiraldo struck once more, returning the ensuing kickoff 84 yards for another touchdown, making it 23-20 after a missed PAT.

The fourth quarter turned into a shootout. Post took its first lead since the opening period on a seven-yard Phommachanh run, going up 27-23. SCSU wasted no time responding, as Giller orchestrated a seven-play, 75-yard drive finished by his own three-yard keeper to reclaim the lead at 30-27 with 8:30 remaining.

Unfortunately for the Owls, Post's rushing attack—led by Adonis White's 146 yards and a 67-yard touchdown scamper—proved too much. The Eagles scored on a 39-yard Phommachanh run to go up 33-30 (after a blocked PAT) and added White's long score to seal the 39-30 final after another missed extra point.

Defensively, SCSU forced two fumbles and held Post to zero passing touchdowns, with Jordan Berrios adding 10 tackles and a pair of tackles for loss. The Owls also dominated time of possession in the third quarter (10:13 to Post's 4:47) and converted 3-of-8 third downs overall.

Seth Westover paced the receiving corps with four catches for 108 yards and the touchdown, while Jaylon Tucker contributed 32 receiving yards and 112 kickoff return yards. The team committed just six penalties for 33 yards but was hindered by two interceptions in the final minutes.

SCSU returns to action next week for its home opener when it hosts American International on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. at Jess Dow Field.