GLASSBORO, N.J. – The College of New Jersey football team was edged by Rowan University in the season finale by a final score of 24-20. Rowan closes out the season with a 4-6 record including 4-3 in the NJAC, while the Lions finish 2019 at 2-8 and 2-5 in the conference.

The Profs got on the scoreboard first with a field goal in the first quarter. TCNJ responded with a seven play, 81 yard touchdown drive. Andrew Donoghue threw a 34 yard pass to Vinny Guckin on a third & two to get down to the Rowan 27 yard line. On the very next play, Mark Pacini ran for a 27 yard touchdown to make it a 6-3 ballgame. Bobby Wortman's extra point made the score 7-3.

The Lion defense stopped Rowan on fourth down the next possession to get the football back. On a fourth & seven, Erik Graham and Mike Rosati teamed up to take down the ball carrier. That setup a touchdown drive for the TCNJ offense.

On a third and one from the 49 yard line, Donoghue found Vince Ratamess for a big 34 yard completion to get down to the Rowan 17. Two plays later, Pacini picked up a 12 yard rush to get down to the five yard line. He punched it in from five yards out for his second rushing touchdown of the day. Wortman's point after put TCNJ up 14-3.

At the start of the second quarter, TCNJ's defense forced a fumble. Luke Young stripped the ball from Elijah Rehm, and Graham fell on it to get the ball back to the Lions.

Right before the half ended, the Lions blocked a field goal try to keep the Profs at three points. Shane Richey blocked the field goal attempt.

The Lions put together a 10 play, 72 yard touchdown drive at the start of the second half. Pacini continued to rush the football effectively, as he picked up a pair of nine and five yard gains. Donoghue connected with Jack Clevenger for a big 48 yard completion to get all the way down to the three yard line. Donoghue tossed a 13 yard touchdown to Guckin make it 20-3 Lions.

Rowan battled back, and took a 24-20 lead with 1:47 to play in the game. The Lions were unable to find the go ahead score, and the Profs held onto the win.

Pacini ran for a career-high 162 yards and two touchdowns. Clevenger caught five passes for 72 yards, and Guckin hauled in four balls for 68 yards. Gavin Liepe led the defensive efforts with 14 total tackles. Bryant Sanchez posted 11 tackles, while Cole Groschel made 10.