Fitchburg State Rolls Past Worcester State, 23-0

FITCHBURG, Mass. - Fitchburg State football team defeated the Lancers of Worcester State University. 23-0 as Falcons defense allowed just 69 yards of first half offense to the Lancers in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action this afternoon at Elliot Field with Sterling Cup implications.

The first possession of the game for Worcester State was cut short when sophomore defensive lineman Demar Collins made the first defensive stop of the contest, forcing a fumble on third and long to give the Falcons possession.

The Green and Gold struck quickly after the turnover, taking just two plays before junior quarterback Garrett Dellechiaie hit classmate Devin Summiel in stride for 34 yards to pay dirt, giving the Falcons an early 7-0 lead.

Following a turnover on downs, Fitchburg State upped its margin on the ensuing offensive possession as Dellechiaie and Summiel connected again, this time for a 19 yard TD reception to make the score 13-0 after a blocked extra point attempt by sophomore Gaston Pastorino.

With 12 minutes remaining in the second quarter of action, Dellechiaie overtook sole possession of the school's all-time career passing mark of 6,336, held by former Falcon Jim Miller (2008) as Dellechiaie watched Sumimel haul in a juggling 33 yard to break the record.

A few plays later, Dellechiate tossed a strike to slot-receiver Jesse Lastra before the sophomore burst into open field 54 yards into the endzone, tallying his fourth touchdown of the season as the Falcons took a 20-0 lead into the intermission.

The Falcons opened up the second half of play with a 12 play, 58 yard drive, capped by a 28 yard field goal from junior kicker Christopher Ludwig to make the score 23-0 with 10:23 remaining in the third quarter.

Senior safety Asante Easter lead the way for the Falcons defense, recovering one of two fumbles for the Falcons, while adding onto his stat-line which consisted of nine tackles and a late-interception to keep the shutout in tact for Fitchburg State.

On the offensive side of the ball, Dellechiaie threw for 294 yards through the air while going 18 for 27 with three TD's  to give him 16 on the season, while junior tailback Jevon Brown-Simpson and classmate Taylor Wrice-Brooks combined for 143 yards on 25 carries.

Senior receiver Ty Spencer led all Falcon receivers with five catches for 30 yards, while Summiel added four grabs for 98 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

For Worcester State, senior signal caller Trevor Vasey completed 29-of-52 attempts for 289 yards and one interception, while senior running-back Kemani Jones rushed for 49 yards on 15 attempts. Sophomore Isiah King was also solid for the Lancers, pulling down a game-best nine balls for 117 yards, while teammate Tyler Barrie added five grabs for 73 yards.

Worcester State linebacker Shane Gleim led all defensive players in the game with 15 total tackles, including ten solo stops and five assisted to go along with one sack and a pass defended, while junior defensive back Carrick Driscoll posted eight stops with four solo tackles and four assisted stops as well as one sack.

Fitchburg State (5-1-0, 3-1-0 MASCAC) returns to action next Saturday as its travels to Western Connecticut State for a contest starting at 6 p.m. Worcester State (0-5, 0-3 MASCAC) will visit UMass Dartmouth on Friday for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

RELEASE COURTESY OF FITCHURG STATE STUDENT JOURNALIST Kyle Prudomme