Rowan Falls to Montclair State
Published in The Sentinel of Gloucester County Newspaper Print Edition Week of 11/8/2018
By Jacob Keppen
The Rowan Profs fell to a 5-4 record with a 28-14 conference loss to Montclair State. The Red Hawks moved to a 7-2 record with the win. Montclair State pulled ahead early in the 1st quarter with a 1 yard Kyle Phillips touchdown. The Red Hawks would increase their lead to 14-0 when quarterback Ja’Quill Birch connected with receiver Kason Campbell for a 30 yard touchdown.
In the 2nd quarter Birch would throw two more touchdown passes to Mike Manzi-Lewis and Campbell to make it 28-0 at the half. Despite a 73 yard touchdown by Elijah Rehm and a 42 yard Nate Lanier interception return touchdown to bring it back to a 28-14 deficit, Rowan could not bring the score back even.
Red Hawks Quarterback Ja’Quill Birch had quite the game, throwing 4 touchdown passes. Running back Willie Barr had a solid game in his own right, gaining 89 yards. Montclair State pounced early on the Profs and did not let the Brown and Gold back up. Rowan struggled to move the ball through the air or on the ground, despite the defense earning two turnovers. The Profs defense did well enough to stop the bleeding in the 2nd half, but it was for naught.
Rowan will try to finish 2018 with a winning record when they host Kean in their final game of the season. Kean have struggled this season, coming into Fridays game with a 1-8 record. Rowan must not overlook Kean, as anything can happen.