Ewing, NJ ….. Kean University scored the game's first 23 points as the Cougars won their conference opener by defeating The College of New Jersey football team 23-6 on Saturday in Lions Stadium.
 
The loss dropped the Lions to 0-3 on the season and 0-2 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, while Kean is 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the conference.
 
The Cougars accounted for both scoring plays in the opening half, with the first coming on their initial drive and the latter on the final play of the period. Senior Kyree Tyson-Jones (Newark, NJ/St. Mary) opened the scoring with a 10-yard touchdown run, while sophomore Steve Ferlisi (Brick, NJ/Brick) added the point after for a 7-0 lead.
 
Ferlisi then then tacked on a 24-yard field goal as time expired in the half to send Kean into the break with a 10-0 lead.
 
TCNJ did have its chances, but the Cougars forced a pair of turnovers inside the red zone.
 
The Cougars added a touchdown in both the third and fourth quarter to claim a 23-0 lead before the Lions got on the board.
 
TCNJ's touchdown came through the air when quarterback Trevor Osler (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) fired a perfect strike to senior Conor Mulholland (North Wall, NJ/Wall) down the far sideline for a 63-yard touchdown.
 
Osler had a busy game in the air for the Lions as he went 17-for-25 for 143 yards and the one touchdown. Mulholland hauled in six catches for a game-high 126 yards.
 
Senior linebacker Zack Vasilenko (Spring Lake Heights, NJ/Manasquan) had 11 tackles to lead TCNJ, while junior Erik Wehner (New Providence, NJ/New Providence) had 10. Both players had six solo stops.

Kean running back Damian Corredor (Weehawkin, NJ/Weehawkin) had a big game with 148 yards on 27 carries.
 
The Lions have a bye week and return to the field on Saturday, October 3 hosting conference opponent Salisbury University, while the Cougars are home this Friday, September 25 when they host William Paterson University.