NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — The Mercyhurst football team's regular season championship bid fell just short Saturday at Central Connecticut State. The Lakers final drive of the game was stalled just short, giving CCSU the 35-28 victory. Despite a strong 269 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground for the Lakers, the Blue Devils threw the last punch in the back-and-forth game.
 
Mercyhurst opened the first quarter with a strong offensive push, as Brian Trobel's 13-yard rush set the tone early. Adam Urena connected with Evan Van Dyke for a 9-yard gain, but the drive stalled, leading to a punt. Central Connecticut State quickly capitalized with a 22-yard touchdown run by Elijah Howard, taking an early lead at 7-0.
 
Mercyhurst responded with a fumble recovery by Camariyon Bridges at the Central Connecticut 5-yard line. Dylan Evans seized the opportunity, rushing for a 5-yard touchdown to tie the score at 7-7. The offensive momentum continued as the Lakers orchestrated another scoring drive, highlighted by Trobel's 2-yard touchdown run, pushing them ahead 14-7.
 
Central Connecticut State fought back late in the quarter, with Howard scoring his second rushing touchdown of the quarter. The first stanza closed with the teams locked in a 14-14 tie, each having demonstrated their offensive capabilities.
 
Trobel's 9-yard rush set the tone early, and Evan Van Dyke's 19-yard gain pushed the visitors into opponent territory. However, the drive ended with a turnover on downs at the CCSU 17-yard line, leaving the score unchanged.
 
Mercyhurst quickly regained the lead with a significant play. Trobel broke free for a 63-yard touchdown run, followed by Max Young's successful extra point, putting the Lakers ahead 21-14. CCSU responded with a sustained drive, culminating in a 15-yard touchdown pass from Brady Olson to Michael Trovarelli, leveling the score at 21-21.
 
In the final minutes, Mercyhurst's defense delivered a crucial play. Chris Thompson intercepted an Olson pass, returning it 51 yards to set up a potential scoring opportunity. However, the subsequent 41-yard field goal attempt by Max Young was blocked, and the quarter concluded with the score tied at 21-21.
 
Trobel had two touchdowns and 144 yards in the first half of action.
 
CCSU got the ball to start the second half. Their drive culminated in a 17-yard touchdown pass from Brady Olson to Donny Marcus at 11:17, extending their lead to 28-21. After a successful extra point, the home team maintained the advantage.
 
The Lakers' offense then took the field, facing a setback with a sack and a personal foul that pushed them back. However, they regrouped with Urena completing a 21-yard pass to Rylan Davison, moving deep into opponent territory. Urena then connected with Taylor Wright-Rawls for an 11-yard touchdown with 2:03 remaining, tying the game at 28-28 after a successful PAT by Young. The quarter ended with both teams level on the scoreboard.
 
Mercyhurst opened the fourth quarter with a strong defensive stand, forcing Central Connecticut State into a loss of yardage on their opening possession. Following a punt, their offense took over but quickly turned the ball over due to a fumble, which was recovered by Central Connecticut State.
 
The Blue Devils capitalized on the turnover with a short drive capped by a touchdown pass from Brady Olson to Elijah Howard, extending their lead. Despite a missed field goal attempt by Central Connecticut State later in the quarter, the Lakers mounted a late offensive drive, with Urena connecting on key passes to Rylan Davison and Taylor Wright-Rawls. However, the drive ended with a turnover on downs and CCSU taking the NEC Title with the win.
 
 
Trobel led the offensive charge with 166 rushing yards on 21 carries, scoring two touchdowns. Quarterback  Urena completed 17 of 36 passes for 188 yards and added a touchdown. Evans contributed with a five-yard rushing touchdown. Defensively, Chris Thompson made a significant impact with an interception returned for 51 yards.