STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The Wagner College football team dropped a 24–17 overtime decision to defending NEC champion Central Connecticut State on Saturday evening at Hameline Field as part of Wagner Homecoming Weekend.
The Seahawks (1–6, 0–2 NEC) jumped out to a 14–0 lead in the opening quarter, highlighted by an 11-yard touchdown connection between senior quarterback Jordan Barton and junior receiver Jeremiah Colclough, followed by a 92-yard fumble return for a touchdown from senior linebacker Jordan Johnson — the longest fumble return for a touchdown in Wagner history. The defensive score also marked Wagner's second fumble-return touchdown of the season.
Central Connecticut (5–3, 3–0 NEC) battled back with 10 unanswered points before halftime, cutting the deficit to 14–10. After taking the lead midway through the third quarter on a 28-yard touchdown pass, the Seahawks responded as freshman Nicholas Romero connected on a 38-yard field goal to even the score at 17–17.
Neither team found the end zone in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime – Wagner's first overtime game since 2021.
The Blue Devils capitalized on their first possession, scoring on an 11-yard quarterback run to take a 24–17 lead. Wagner's ensuing drive stalled at the CCSU 21-yard line, sealing the narrow defeat.
Wagner finished with 246 yards of total offense compared to 378 for Central Connecticut. The Blue Devils committed three turnovers to the Seahawks' one, but were flagged just three times for 21 yards, while Wagner was penalized 14 times for 90 yards.
Barton finished 20-of-35 for 198 yards and one touchdown, connecting with seven different receivers. Colclough paced the group with eight receptions for 57 yards and a score, while redshirt senior Malik Cooper added 65 yards on two catches, including a 55-yard gain that set up Wagner's third-quarter field goal. Graduate student Andre Hines Jr. led the ground attack with 40 rushing yards on 11 carries.
Defensively, junior Armani Itote tallied nine tackles, while senior Sam Martin and redshirt junior Daren Omoregie each added seven. Wagner's secondary came up big with two interceptions — one from junior Shamar Williams and another from junior Jouvenson Romulus, who returned his pick 22 yards late in the fourth quarter to set up a potential game-winning drive.
The Seahawks return to action next Saturday for their final of three straight home games to open NEC play, hosting 2024 NEC runner-up Duquesne. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on ESPN+.
