Football beat Bucknell 35-13 behind a rushing attack that ran for 289 rushing yards on Saturday evening.
“We have a couple of good backs who run hard and we decided to feed them,” said Head Coach Kevin Callahan. “We have depth and experience in our offensive line and it’s a unit that we rely on quite a bit.”
In the second quarter, senior safety Mike Basile set the Monmouth career tackles record, surpassing former Hawk Aaron Edward’s record of 353. For the game, Basile finished with seven tackles.
“It’s a great feeling to break any record,” Basile said. “Coming into the season I wasn’t really worried about it because I knew if I played my game the record would come.” Callahan added “[Basile] is a special player for us and I am really happy that he achieved that goal.”
The Hawks didn’t waste any time, scoring 2:44 into the game that ended with a sophomore running back Pete Guerriero six yard touchdown run. The score was set up by a sophomore quarterback Kenji Bahar pass to junior tight end Jake Powell that went for 46 yards.
After back-to-back punts by Bucknell and Monmouth, Bucknell was driving late in the first quarter, after Bucknell completed a 76-yard pass to get into the redzone. The Hawks’ defense then force Bucknell to a fourth down and a field goal attempt, senior defensive back Teddie Martinez record his eight career interception after a botched snap and desperation pass by the Bucknell kicker.
On the first play of the second quarter, Bahar completed a three yard pass to junior wide receiver Reggie White Jr. for a touchdown to make it a two score game. White is now tied for fifth all-time in touchdown receptions with 14.
Bucknell would answer with their own three yard touchdown pass, but on the point after Basile would block the kick to make it 14-6 MU.
On the ensuing drive, the Hawks would drive 73 yards in only 1:45. Freshman running back Eric Zokouri would started with four straight rushes for a combined 34 yards. After a timeout, senior wide receiver would score his first career touchdown on a 39-yard rush to make it 21-6.
In the third quarter, MU’s first possession of the half ended with another rushing touchdown, this time by junior running back Devell Jones. The score would be the team-leading seventh touchdown on the season for the junior.
After the defense forced a three and out, Bahar would get a rushing touchdown of his own from one yard out to make it 35-6 MU.
With the four score lead, Bucknell would add a rushing touchdown from three yards out to make it 35-13.
After a blue and white punt, Bucknell would bring it all the way to Monmouth’s 11 until senior defensive lineman Manny Maragoto recorded a fourth down sack and forced fumble, which was retrieved by Martinez to seal the victory for MU.
For the game, Zokouri lead the Hawks with 134 rushing yards. Powell added 85 yards on four receptions. Bahar had 174 passing yards on 14 completions.
The Hawks (4-1), will look to make it three in-a-row when they face Holy Cross on the last game of their road stretch. Kickoff will be on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 1:05 p.m.
PHOTO COURTESY of Jon Lambert
