Ewing, NJ ….. FDU-Florham quarterback Tyler Maurer (West Milford, NJ/West Milford) threw for five touchdowns to lead the Devils to a 34-29 win over The College of New Jersey football team on Saturday at Lions Stadium to spoil the team's home opener.
 
FDU-Florham scored all of its points in the middle two quarters, while the Lions led after the opening 15 minutes and made a big run in the final period.
 
Trailing 34-23 late in the fourth period, quarterback Michael Marchesano (New Providence, NJ/New Providence) lofted a 34-yard touchdown pass to senior Nick Craig (Howell, NJ/Howell). That score came with 1:30 left in the game to close the gap to 34-29.
 
TCNJ then tried an onside kick, but after a scramble for the ball the Devils came away with possession and ran out the remaining clock.
 
There was plenty of offense in the opening half as the team combined for 37 points. TCNJ opened the scoring less than five minutes into the game when running back Victor Scalici (Freehold, NJ/Colts Neck) charged his way into the end zone from the two-yard line.
 
The Lions made it 10-0 thanks to a 32-yard field goal by sophomore Brian Nagy (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough).
 
FDU-Florham then used the tandem of Maurer and receiver Malik Pressley (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville) to take the lead. They accounted for three straight touchdown passes covering 41, 4 and 34 yards putting the Devils in front 20-10.
 
TCNJ closed the gap in the closing minutes of the half when Scalici again plunged in from the two. That drive was set up by a nice kick return by Craig. That score sent the teams into the half with the guests holding a 20-17 advantage.
 
Maurer added his final two touchdown passes in the third quarter with tosses of 36 and 60 yards. That put the hosts in front 34-17.
 
The Lions began its comeback early in the fourth when Scalici scored for the third time on a 21-yard burst. That closed the difference 34-23 setting up TCNJ's final push.
 
Maurer hit on 17-of-27 passes for 348 yards, while Pressley had a school-record 309 yards receiving on 15 receptions.
 
Scalici was the offensive catalyst for the Lions as he churned out 94 yards on 19 carries to go along with his three touchdowns.
 
Freshman linebacker Kevin Hennelly (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central) had another solid game for TCNJ with nine tackles.
 
The Lions are home again next Saturday, September 19, when they return to NJAC play hosting Kean University at noon.