Box Score

Union, NJ … A tremendous defensive effort by The College of New Jersey football team propelled the Lions to their third straight win as they blanked Kean University 7-0 on Friday night in Union, NJ.

Sophomore defensive back Matthew Fleck (East Rutherford, NJ/Becton) tackled quarterback Robert Meade on a keeper at the one-yard line on fourth down with 1:39 remaining to preserve the shutout for TCNJ. The Cougars drove 93 yards on 15 plays, but on fourth-and-goal from the three, the Lions came up with a huge defensive stop to force a turnover on downs.

TCNJ moves to 3-2 on the season and own a clean 2-0 mark in New Jersey Athletic Conference play. Sophomore running back Victor Scalici (Freehold, NJ/Colts Neck) accounted for the lone touchdown of the game when he raced into the end zone from 15 yards on the opening drive. Kean dropped to 1-4 on the season and 0-2 in the conference.

Entering the game ranked 21^st nationally in total yards allowed (262.5), the Lions permitted just 222 yards in the contest. During its winning streak, TCNJ has surrendered only 18 points and two touchdowns in their last 12 quarters of play.

The Lions opened the game in impressive fashion. After return specialist Matthew Chierici (Towaco, NJ/Montville) received the opening kickoff and sprinted 30 yards, the Lions marched 68 yards on 13 plays to take a 7-0 lead. Scalici capped the drive with a 15-yard touchdown run as TCNJ ate up 7:16 on the clock before the Cougars even touched the ball.

Scalici carried six times for 30 yards during that drive and also added a 13-yard reception to spark the Lions. It was the third occasion in five games that TCNJ took the game-opening drive for a rushing touchdown.

Kean struggled to move the ball in the opening half. They ran the ball for just 17 yards on 14 carries and moved the chains only three times in five possessions.

Defense dominated the second half as well with not a single point being scored. The Cougars threatened midway through the third period. On TCNJ's 20-yard line, they faced third-and-two and handed off to running back Kevin O'Connor. He was stopped by junior Ryan Lowe (Howell, NJ/Howell) for a one-yard gain and Kean was forced to settle for a 36-yard field goal attempt. On the attempt, Lions' Chierici blocked the kick to keep the Cougars off the scoreboard.

With ten minutes remaining in the contest, sophomore Evan Costello (Sparta, NJ/Sparta) launched a 57-yard punt to pin Kean on its six-yard line. They put together their best drive of the game amassing five first downs. On third-and-goal at the Lions' nine-yard line, Meade completed a pass Michael Gallant, but he was brought down by defensive back Joseph Urciuoli (Matawan, NJ/Matawan) at the three. On fourth down, Fleck stopped Meade short of the end zone and TCNJ's offense was able to run out the clock.

Lowe led the Lion defense with eight tackles. Fleck finished with six and sophomore Sean Kley (Hopewell, NJ/Hopewell Valley) accrued five takedowns.

The touchdown for Scalici was his fourth of the season and second straight game-winner. His 44-yard TD sprint against Montclair in the fourth quarter was the difference in a 22-16 victory. Sophomore quarterback Sam Paladino (East Hanover, NJ/Hanover Park) was 6-for-10 for 55 passing yards and also ran for 22.

TCNJ will return to Lions' Stadium on Saturday for its homecoming game. The Lions will line up against Morrisville State University at noon. The Mustangs enter tomorrow's game with Rowan with a 2-2 overall record and 1-0 mark in the NJAC. They are averaging a conference-best 34.8 points per game.