WESTFIELD, Mass. – Plymouth State running back Manny Sanchez rushed for 113 yards to lead the Panthers, as Plymouth ground out a 17-7 win over Westfield State in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference football game at rainy Alumni Field on Saturday afternoon.
Plymouth took a 10-0 lead in the first half on a 36-yard field goal from Dan Carey and then an 8-yard Sanchez run.
The Panthers led 17-0 after Ryan Coyle capped a 5-play, 32-yard drive with a 6-yard scoring rumble off the left side.
Westfield State got on the board with 8:39 left in the game. A 9-yard pass from Gabriel Fernandez to Kordell Parrish capped a 14-play, 77-yard scoring drive. Fernandez escaped pressure in the pocket, sliding to his right before finding Parrish open in the back of the end zone for the score.
The ensuing Owls onside kick attempt was smothered by the Panthers.
Westfield State's defense forced a 3-and-out on the next Plymouth series, but Brett Lavanchy's punt left the Owls operating from their own 10-yard line to start the drive. Fernandez marched the Owls to near midfield before a fourth down pass fell incomplete on a tipped pass, and the Panthers were able to run out the final 4:17 to preserve the win.
Plymouth outgained Westfield 253-183 yards on the day.
Jack Glanville added 57 yards on the ground for the Panthers. Lavanchy finished 7-12 passing for 51 yards.
Westfield State was led by 82 yards rushing from OT Thomas. Fernandez finished 7-12 passing for 51 yards as he split time with Peyton Capizzi, who completed 2 of 4 for 18 yards. Anthony Cintron led the Owls with three catches for 18 yards.
Defensively Bryce Wronski led the panthers with 12 tackles, including one for a loss. Evan Wilson added eight stops, and a pair of sacks.
Cullen MacNeil led Westfield State with 11 tackles, and forced and recovered a fumble. Travis Dozier Jr. and Christian Julian each added seven tackles
Westfield State will be back in action at Alumni Field next Saturday, Nov. 6, hosting Worcester State at noon in what will be the Owls' senior day.
Plymouth State will host Mass Maritime next Saturday with a noon start for the Panthers' senior day.