TCNJ Homecoming

Ewing, NJ … The College of New Jersey football team will serve as the feature event on Homecoming Day tomorrow when they take on William Paterson University at 2 p.m. in Lions Stadium.
The Lions will look to the homecoming crowd to lift them their first win of the season, a feat that was accomplished last year when TCNJ notched a 23-20 victory over longtime rival Montclair State.

If the defensive unit showcases the same intensity and execution it display in the final three quarters against the Red Hawks last week, a victory is in the making for the Lions. The TCNJ defense allowed just 36 total yards, two first downs, and zero points following the intermission last week in a 21-7 loss.

A quick start would be helpful for the Lions. They have led only once this season and would benefit from getting out ahead on their home turf. Quarterback Trevor Olser, wide receivers Jeff Mattonelli, and Thomas Koenig, and tight end Chase Vena lead the pass attack. Juniors Chad Scott and Khani Glover are featured backs in the ground game and will be counted on to chew up yardage and move the chains.

The Pioneers (2-5, 1-5 NJAC) are coming off of a 26-17 defeat at the hands of Southern Virginia University. WPU dug an early hole and found itself trailing 19-3 late in the third quarter. A 42-yard touchdown pass from James Waldron to Anthony DiMarsico followed by a four-yard strike from Waldron to Malcolm Robinson closed the gap to two points. But a 36-yard TD run by Knight running back Ty Jones put the game away for Southern Virginia.

Unlike the last few opponents the Lions have faced, the Pioneer offense has experienced most of its success through the air. Of their 53 first downs this season, 33 have come via the pass attack. WPU has found the end zone 13 times in 2016 with 10 of those TD scores coming off pass plays. Four different Pioneer players have thrown for touchdowns, including one by wide receiver Christian Maldanado. Waldron leads the group with five TD strikes and Isaiah Diaz-Mays has thrown for three touchdowns.

Following the game on Saturday, TCNJ will head back on the road to play Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista, Va. next Saturday. On Friday, November 11, the Lions will play their season finale at home against Rowan University. They will also celebrate Senior Night prior to kickoff.

Lions on the Prowl
While football game is the lone athletic event on campus tomorrow, there are several other TCNJ programs competing around the state tomorrow. (Men's and women's swimming and diving host a meet today - Friday against Montclair State at 5 p.m.) TCNJ men's and women's cross country will compete for the NJAC title at Stockton, while the men's soccer team will play in the opening round of the NJAC playoffs at 5:30 p.m. at Stockton. The sixth-ranked field hockey squad will visit Eastern University at noon tomorrow to close out their regular season schedule.