Moon Township, Pa. – The RMU football team concluded the road portion of its 2021 fall season Saturday, dropping a 44-7 decision to Monmouth in West Long Branch, N.J., at Kessler Stadium. The Colonials dipped to 3-6 (.333) overall during the 2021 season, including 2-4 (.333) in the Big South.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
RMU won the toss and decided to defer, and the defense held firm, holding the Hawks to a three-and-out on their possession of the contest. The Colonials got their first touch of the game at their own 45-yard line and went to work, marching 55 yards on just five plays to grab an early 7-0 advantage. Quarterback
George Martin connected with wide receiver
D'Andre Hicks on second-and-12 that moved the ball to the 18-yard line of Monmouth, and on the next play Martin hit wide receiver
Demonte Martin for an 18-yard touchdown pass and the early lead.
ANSWERING
On the first play of the second possession of the game for Monmouth (7-3 / 6-0), freshman Jaden Shirden broke through the line and raced 75 yards to the end zone to tie the game just 12 seconds after RMU had grabbed the early lead. The Hawks had a balanced attack offensively Saturday, racking up 508 yards of total offense that was split down the middle, including 266 yards rushing and 242 through the air. Shirden finished the afternoon with 156 yards on 16 carries, while Owen Wright added 98 yards on 18 attempts.
LIGHTNING BOLT
In a game that was delayed an hour by lightning in the area, the Hawks grabbed the lead, 14-7, with 2:10 remaining in the first quarter when Tony Muskett hit Zach Tredway for a 19-yard touchdown pass. It was the first of four touchdown passes on the afternoon for Muskett, who completed 68 percent (17-for-25) of his passes for 232 yards. He tossed touchdowns to four different receivers as the Hawks grabbed a 38-7 advantage at the break.
THE SACK MASTER
Defensive lineman
Ricardo Watson continued to add to his impressive credentials during the 2021 season Saturday by posting a pair of sacks. It was part of an effort in which he finished with eight tackles, each of the solo variety. Watson now owns six and-a-half sacks on the year, which leads the Colonials. Defensively against the Hawks, RMU was led by linebacker
Aniello Buzzacco, who posted nine tackles, including eight solo takedowns.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Demonte Martin is the seventh different receiver to haul in a touchdown catch this season after his 18-yard score against the Hawks. It also marked the second consecutive week a member of the Colonials registered their first career touchdown reception. Last week against Kennesaw State (11/6), rookie wide receiver
Jaylon Brown and junior tight end
Jake Kupchella each notched their first respective touchdown catches.
George Martin, who finished 10-for-21 passing for 123 yards Saturday at Monmouth, has completed a pass to 20 different receivers this season. His favorite target against the Hawks was Hicks, who finished with four catches for 65 yards.
UP NEXT
The Colonials conclude the 2021 season Saturday, Nov. 20, at Noon against Campbell at Joe Walton Stadium. Fans can receive a free ticket to the game as part of
FansGiving with either a $5.00 donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (the Food Bank) or a donation of five non-perishable food items. Fans can also receive additional tickets for every $5.00 or five items donated. Fans can donate virtually either online at
RMU FansGiving 2021 or they can text "rmu21" to 50155 to make a donation.
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