NEW LONDON, Conn. – Coast Guard football improved its record to 3-2 with a narrow 21-19 victory over MIT on Saturday afternoon. The Bears got off to a blazing start, racing to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and a half. However, the Engineers mounted a strong second-half comeback, narrowing the deficit to just two points. In a crucial moment, Coast Guard executed a 14-play drive that allowed them to run out the clock and secure the win.
With this loss, MIT's record falls to 2-2. The Engineers will next face the United States Merchant Marine Academy in a home game on Saturday, October 12th, with kickoff set for noon at Steinbrenner Stadium.
Coast Guard opened the scoring on their first drive, marching 73 yards over 12 plays, capped by a 5-yard touchdown run from sophomore running back Jam Wheeler IV. After forcing a three-and-out on MIT's first drive, the Bears struck again on their second possession. This time, they covered 76 yards in 11 plays, culminating in a 5-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Joey Armentraut to junior tight end
Chase Denton.
The Bears added another touchdown after an interception by sophomore defensive back
Jael Cuellar, who set them up at the MIT 35-yard line. In just four plays, Coast Guard scored again, with junior wide receiver
Broock Desta catching a 9-yard toss from Armentraut.
The Engineers found the end zone late in the first half with an 18-yard touchdown catch, sending the teams into the break with the Bears leading 21-7.
The second half proved challenging for Coast Guard, as they went scoreless in the third quarter. MIT managed a long touchdown on a 34-yard catch, but missed the extra point, leaving the score at 21-13 in favor of the Bears.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Engineers struck again, this time with a 1-yard touchdown run. Fortunately for Coast Guard, their defense held strong during the two-point conversion attempt, maintaining their lead at 21-19.
With just over six minutes remaining in the game, Coast Guard's offense took control. The offense orchestrated a methodical 14-play, 59-yard drive that ran down the entire clock, sealing the win for the Bears.
Coast Guard is now on their bye week but will return to action in two weeks, hosting Salve Regina on October 19th. Kickoff for that game is set for 1:30 p.m.
