Morris Leads Bison Past Gulls
Sept. 29, 2007
BEVERLY, MA - After rushing for just 22 yards in the first half, Nichols' Robert Morris (Melbourne, FL/Melbourne Central) erupted for 172 in the second half, leading the Bison past Endicott College, 28-14. The reigning NEFC Offensive Player of the Week scored all three of his touchdowns in the second half on rushes of 12, five, and 62 yards.
A scoreless tie was broken at the 4:43 mark of the second quarter as Bison quarterback Justin Nelson (Oceanside, CA/Vista) found Patrick Gregory (Webster, NY/Valley Forge Military) in the end zone for a five yard touchdown reception. Mark Capitaino (Mansfield/MA, Mansfield) added on the PAT to put the Bison ahead, 7-0.
After an Endicott three-and-out, Nichols took over on their own 18 yard line. On the first play of the drive, Nelson was intercepted by Pego Jean-Paul (Deltona, Fl/Stamford), who returned the ball 13 yards to the Nichols' 19 yard line. Two plays later, Endicott found the end zone when Vinny Orlando (Manchester, MA/Manchester-Essex) connected with Ray Lynch (West Harford, CT/Conard) for a 21 yard score. Christopher Brennan (East Longmeadow, MA/ East Longmeadow) added the extra point to even the score at seven.
The Endicott defense forced a Nichols three-and-out, and on the ensuing possession, the Gulls Colby Hawkins (Scituate, MA/Scituate) capped off a 71 yard drive with a 44-yard touchdown run, putting the Gulls ahead, 14-7, at the half.
Nichols opened the second half with an impressive 15 play, 74 yard drive, finished with Morris' first touchdown of the day, a 12 yard score. The extra point made it 14-14.
The Bison recovered the ensuing kickoff on a bizarre play. Endicott return man Aaron Santos (Cambridge, MA/Cushing) was unable to field the Mark Capitanio kickoff as the ball bounced dangerously at the Endicott 30-yard line and into the Bison's possession.
It appeared that the momentum had shifted when Endicott stopped Nichols on a fourth and short play for a turnover on downs. Endicott drove down the field 27 yards but was forced to punt after an Orlando incomplete pass.
Morris and the Nichols offense broke the tie as the junior running back leaped into the end zone on a five yard carry for his second score of the game. On the eight play, 75 yard scoring drive, Morris carried the ball five times for 48 yards.
Morris put the game out of reach after scoring his third touchdown with 2:11 left in the game. The Gulls' defense appeared to have Morris tackled, but miraculously, he emerged out of the pile to scamper for a 72 yard touchdown score and seal the win for the visitors.
With the loss, Endicott falls to 1-3 overall and even their NEFC Boyd Division record at 1-1. The victory improves Nichols to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in NEFC Boyd play. Next up for the Gulls is a trip to Plymouth, NH for a 1:30 PM showdown with the Panthers of PSU. Nichols returns home to host Salve Regina University at 1:00 PM on Saturday
Game Notes...The Gulls had three interceptions today, including two from Pego Jean-Paul... Robert Morris has compiled 574 rushing yards in four games... Kevin Oberg replaced Justin Nelson at quarterback and went 11-of-13 for 104 yards... Anthony Pillari (Lamberton, NJ/Westwood Regional) caught the ball eight times for a game high 95 yards... Ray Lynch led the Gulls with 74 yards receiving and one touchdown.