Plymouth State Tops Owls Football

WESTFIELD, Mass. – Plymouth State took advantage of three short fields in the first half to build a big lead, as the Panthers topped Westfield State 35-7 in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference game at Panther Field in Plymouth, N.H. on Satuday.

The Panthers capitalized on drives of 41, 39, and 40 yards, capped by two 2-yard TD runs from Willie Lombard sandwiched around a 3-yard plunge from Greg Walker to build a 21-0 halftime lead.

Westfield drops to 2-5, 2-4 in the MASCAC with the loss, while Plymouth evens its record at 3-3 overall and 3-3 in the league.

The Panthers tacked on a punt return TD and recovered a scoop-and-score fumble recovery on a 70 yard TD return by Nick Marcinowksi to put the finishing touches on the win.

Westfield got a late 4-yard rushing touchdown from Matt Varteresian for the Owls lone score of the day.

Defensive linemen Cade Nelson and Anthony Messore led the Owls with five tackles each.

Plymouth got 12 tackles from Evan Wilson.

Westfield was limited to just 79 yards rushing on the day, led by 46 from Dylan Disabella. Conor Schlittler led the Owls receivers with two catches for 36 yards.    Westfield QB's combined to go 14-24 passing for 172 yards, led by Ryan Scott, who completed 10 of 17 for 125 yards.

Plymouth's offense was led by an efficient performance from Braden Lynn, who completed 13 of 17 passes for 144 yards.  Mitchell Cripps was his top target with six catches for 47 yards.   Walker finished with 27 yards on the ground.

Westfield actually outgained the Panthers, 251-197 yards on the day, and had 15 first downs to Plymouth's 10.

Westfield will have a quick turnaround for their next game, as the Owls travel to conference foe Mass Maritime for a rare Thursday night kickoff.