The Merrimack College football team was defeated by Sacred Heart University in the Yankee Conference Championship Game, 31-20 on Saturday afternoon at Duane Stadium.
The first 32 seconds of the game featured an opening 99-yard kickoff return touchdown by Merrimack’s Jermaine Corbett, only to see the Pioneers tie it up 17 seconds later on a 73-yard run by Jalen Madison.
Corbett added an 18-yard TD run and Lliam Davis connected on a 42-yard field goal giving the Warriors a 20-14 lead with 9:30 left in the third quarter.
After that it was all Sacred Heart as QB John Michalski scored on a three-yard run, Quinn Hart had a pick-six and returned it 52 yards and Matt Kling added a 26-yard field goal.
Corbett had an incredible day with 163 rushing yards as well as the 99-yard kickoff return score.
Former Central Catholic star quarterback Ayden Pereira completed 10 of 21 passes for 110 yards with two interceptions. He also rushed for 83 yards on 18 carries.
Merrimack (4-6) will travel to Fordham University next Saturday for the final game of the season.