Box Score Big Rapids, Mi. - Mercyhurst Football started their season on the road with a tough task as they faced the 2022 NCAA DII Champions, Ferris State. The Lakers came out hot in the early going and commanded the lead in the first, but in the end, fell by a final of 54-12.
How it Happened
Ferris State wasted no time getting on the board as they jumped out to a 7-0 lead with just over one minute off the clock. A quick Laker three-and-out led to a 71-yard punt return for Deion Small who took it all the way to the house. Mercyhurst responded, though, on their next drive with a score of their own with the big play being a 28-yard hookup between quarterback Adam Urena and Cameron Barmore for the score.
On the next drive, Mercyhurst's defense came up big, forcing the fumble by Ferris State, giving the Lakers great field position, just 14 yards away from the goal line. Dustin Shoaf found the pylon this time around with a tough, 16-yard run for the score and the 12-7 lead.
Ferris State managed to score twice off of rushing touchdowns to take a nine-point lead going into the second quarter. The Bulldogs looked like they were going to add on with a third straight score, but fumbled near the goal line which ended in a touchback, giving Mercyhurst some momentum and the ball midway through the second. They weren't able to capitalize, though, as the Bulldogs took 28-12 advantage into the halftime break.
The second half proved to be all Ferris State as they outscored the Lakers 33-0 in the third and fourth quarters. Mercyhurst had solid runs on offense during the second half and gave themselves some momentum, but were ultimately turned away. The Bulldogs made adjustments during their halftime break that worked well, helping them take the 42-point win in the end.
Highlights
Adam Urena had a great night in his Mercyhurst debut, leading the offense for the Lakers and completing 28 passes while throwing for 287 yards and a touchdown. His completions were the most by a Laker in a single game since Zach Emeric's 39 in 2015 against Slippery Rock. Cameron Barmore was Urena's favorite target with a team-high eight receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown. Rylan Davison was close behind with seven catches and 74 yards through the air while adding 101 on kick returns. On defense, Christian Taylor led the way with a team-high eight total tackles and six solo tackles.
Next Game
Mercyhurst comes back to Erie and plays on their own turf for the first time in 2023 on Saturday, September 9th. The Lakers host Lock Haven to open up the month of September inside Saxon Stadium with kickoff set for 6:00 p.m.
