NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.  –  In his collegiate debut, quarterback Cooper Panteck threw a first-quarter touchdown pass, but Robert Morris ultimately fell to Merrimack, 24-7, on Saturday afternoon at Duane Stadium. With the loss, Robert Morris falls to 1-4 on the season, while Merrimack improves to 3-3.
 
Panteck connected with Chaz Middleton for a 12-yard touchdown to give Robert Morris an early 7-0 lead. The score was set up by a 74-yard run by Owen McGraw down to the 13-yard line two plays earlier.
 
Merrimack responded with a field goal later in the first quarter and took a 10-7 lead into halftime after a touchdown in the second quarter. The Warriors then pulled away in the fourth quarter with two rushing touchdowns to seal the victory.
 
The Warriors dominated the game on the ground, out-rushing the Robert Morris offense 223 to 94. Overall, the Warriors outgained the Colonials 337 to 221 in total yards.
 
Marcus Badgett, Eldrick Robinson, and Xavier Styles each had six tackles on the day. Jerry Riggins had a pair of tackles for loss, and Asher Wilson and Nathan Carabatsakis each recorded a sack. Panteck finished the day 11-of-21 for 120 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
 
Up next, the NEC slate begins with defending champion Central Connecticut State on October 11 at Joe Walton Stadium.
 
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