EWING, N.J. – The College of New Jersey football team battled, but was ultimately defeated by No. 14 Wesley College on Saturday by a final score of 31-13. TCNJ slipped to 2-6 and 2-3 in the NJAC, while Wesley improved to 7-1 and 4-1 in NJAC action.

The Wolverines got on the board first with about seven minutes to play in the first quarter by way of a Marcellus Pack touchdown.

On the ensuing possession, TCNJ picked up 57 yards through the air by way of a Dave Jachera to Vinny Guckin completion. Jachera was rolling out to his right, and found an open Guckin deep on the right sideline. He broke a couple of tackles to get all the way down to the Wesley 15 yard line. The Wolverines were able to regain possession by forcing a fumble.

Early in the second quarter, Wesley had a 3^rd & 1 at the 48 yard line. Mike Rosati and Gavin Liepe blew up the rush to force a fourth down, and force a punt attempt.

TCNJ picked up a fourth down conversion on the next drive. Mark Pacini earned a tough three yards on a fourth & 1. He was met at the line of scrimmage initially, yet kept his legs churning and pushed forward to get the first. The Wesley defense held the Lions at the next series of downs to force a punt.

Right before the half ended, the Wesley offense had the ball in the red zone. TCNJ prevented a score with an interception. Wesley quarterback Jon Mullin's passed was deflected up in the air by Luke Young, then Michael Siwak came up with the pick in the end zone. Siwak brought it back to the TCNJ 20. Wesley took a 10-0 lead into the half.

The second half began much like how the first half ended. Young made another play, as he picked off a deep pass from Mullin in the end zone to get the ball back to the Lions.

That set up an impressive 14 play, 80 yard touchdown drive for TCNJ. Pacini picked up a 13 yard rush on 1^st & 10. A couple of plays later, Andrew Donoghue connected on a 17 yard completion with Deen Ninche to get the ball down to the Wesley 47 yard line. A personal foul penalty got the Lions down to the 30 yard line. On 3^rd & 7, Donoghue found Jakob Green for a seven yard completion. TCNJ punched it in by way of a five yard Donoghue to Vince Ratamess touchdown pass to pull the Lions within 10-7.

Wesley was able to answer on the next drive with a two yard touchdown run from Larry Pendleton. The Wolverines added another touchdown with a scoop and score fumble recovery to go up 24-7.

The TCNJ defensive unit forced another turnover in the fourth quarter. Xavier Santos punched out the ball from Marcellus Pack's grasp, and Tyler Ludwikowski fell on it to get the ball back to the Lions.

Donoghue tossed a 42 yard touchdown pass to Ryan McDermott with over a minute to play to make it a 31-13 game.

Donoguhe went 17-33 on the day with 137 yards and two touchdowns. Pacini led the rushing attack with 52 yards. Guckin hauled in five catches for 71 yards, while Jack Clevenger caught three for 23 yards.

Liepe led the TCNJ defense with eight tackles on the day. Siwak added five stops in addition to the interception. Cole Groschel and Daniel Sandowick each picked up five tackles.

TCNJ held Military Appreciation Day on Saturday to honor all of those who have served or are serving our country. The Lions also had honorary captain Ian Todd, the newest member of TCNJ via Team IMPACT do the honors at the coin toss. 

The Lions will return to action on Nov. 9, for the home finale against Salisbury University. That will also be TCNJ's senior day.