THROGGS NECK, N.Y..--
With just 22 seconds remaining in the game, SUNY Maritime was just a two point conversion away from tying the score and in all likelihood sending the game to OT. That is when sophomore DT Collin Donahue(Reading, MA) put the game on ice with the biggest tackle of his career, a game clinching sack of the Privateers QB to send the Bears home as 28-26 victors. Closing in on the QB just behind Donohue was the storming Will Adair(San Antonio, TX) who put the finishing touches on the win.
The two point conversion amplified a special teams play from earlier in the quarter that wound up being huge for the Bears. Maritime was forced to go for two thanks to a Ty Tamborino(Pittsburgh, PA) blocked PAT when the Privateers were attempting to tie the score at 21-21.
The first half was as back and forth as it gets with alternating TDs in each of the first two quarters leading to 7-7 and 14-14 ties after each of them.
Those first two scores for Coast Guard were both long touchdown receptions by Broock Desta(San Diego, CA) from Elias Duncan(El Paso, TX), who shined in his first career start at QB. Desta's 60 and 55 yard TD receptions were his only two catches of the day but he made the most of his opportunities, still leading the team in yards with 115.
In the third, the Bears took their first lead that would hold to the end of the quarter when Duncan found James Wheeler IV(Oneida, NY) in the flat for a score and 21-14 lead. Wheeler's backfield mate Harrison Hensley(Riverview, FL) had another great day on the ground with 102 yards on 17 attempts while also catching two passes for 25 yards.
After the aforementioned blocked PAT, CGA cushioned the lead to eight when their two-headed monster of Desta and Matt LaBouliere(Pipersville, PA) connected with each other. Desta, who already caught two scores showed he had more tricks up his sleeve when he scored yet again, this time as the passer to LaBouliere in the end zone.
On defense, last week's hero Blake Deleven(Carlisle, PA) and Lucas White(Juneau, AK) each recorded 16 tackles. Michael Shank(Chesterfield, VA) was just behind with 12 and a sack while Noah Rohrer(Mount Joy Township, PA) had six to go along with his big interception.
SUNY Maritime falls to 2-3 with the loss. They will travel to Merchant Marine next Saturday for a 1:00 PM battle with the Mariners.
Coast Guard will get to enjoy their bye week coming off four straight wins(4-1 overall). Out of the bye, they will host NEWMAC foe MIT on Saturday October 18th at noon.
