NEW LONDON, Conn. – In a high-scoring showdown that saw 92 total points, Coast Guard couldn't keep up with SUNY Maritime's explosive offense, falling by a score of 55-37. While the first half remained close, the Privateers took control after the break to secure the victory.
The first quarter featured the most scoring of the game, with five total touchdowns. Coast Guard struck first, driving 79 yards on seven plays to take a 7-0 lead, capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run from sophomore
Harrison Hensley. However, SUNY Maritime responded with three straight touchdowns to go up 21-7. With just four seconds left in the quarter, senior quarterback
Joey Armentrout connected with sophomore tight end
Toby Wroe for a 24-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 21-14 as the teams headed into the second quarter.
After a stop on the Privateers' opening drive of the second quarter, the Bears quickly tied the game at 21 when Armentrout hit junior
Amr Baadani in stride for a 42-yard touchdown. Both teams continued to trade scores throughout the quarter, and by halftime, Maritime held a slim 35-28 lead.
The Privateers extended their advantage on the opening drive of the second half, going on a 9-play, 4-minute drive that resulted in a touchdown. However, sophomore
Jael Cuellar made a big play on the extra point, returning the conversion attempt for a defensive two-point score, narrowing the gap to 41-30.
Unfortunately for the Bears, the remainder of the game was dominated by SUNY Maritime. Despite the setback, the Bears managed to score on their final drive of the contest, with freshman
Ethan Cumming finding a seam for a 16-yard rushing touchdown. The game ended with a 55-37 defeat for the Bears, dropping their record to 4-5 on the season.
Next week, Coast Guard will travel to Kings Point, NY, to face the 5-3 Merchant Marine Academy. Kickoff is set for Noon.