Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey football team opened the scoring for the second straight season against Salisbury University. Much like last season, the Sea Gulls rebounded to defeat the Lions 27-7 Saturday afternoon.
 
The Lions got off to the quick start as Jesse Streb (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) forced and recovered a fumble to set the Lions up with a short field. The Lions would score two plays later with Trevor Osler (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) finding Thomas Koenig (Bayville, NJ/Central Regional) on an 11-yard strike to put the Lions up 7-0. Koenig finished with a career-high 142 receiving yards on six catches
 
TCNJ forced a quick three and out on the ensuing Sea Gulls possession and appeared to be in a position to take control of the game, but Brandon Robeson blocked a Lions field goal attempt and went on a 13-play 87-yard drive that was capped by a Brady Curley two-yard touchdown run to even the score.
 
The Lions threatened again late in the first half, but a fumble inside the red zone ensured the game would remain tied going to half time.
 
TCNJ received the second half kickoff and the Sea Gulls defense stepped up. Keith Payne took advantage of a tipped pass making an interception and setting up Salisbury with great field possession. The Sea Gulls took a lead they would not give up five plays later.
 
The Lions defense played strong, but tired out down the stretch allowing 209 rushing yards on 56 attempts. Kevin Hennelly (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central) and Max Busca (Medford, NJ/Shawnee) each had nine tackles to lead the team.
 
The Lions joined forces with coaching staffs all around the country to support Coach to Cure MD this week. The coaches wore patches on their sleeves to raise awareness and invited special guest Robert Sands to be an honorary captain for the day.
 
TCNJ is off until October 7^th, when the Lions host Montclair State University at 12:00 PM in Lions Stadium.