MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Wagner football dropped its final non-conference road contest on Saturday afternoon, falling 49-10 to FBS Member Central Michigan (2-2, 0-0 MAC) at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
The Chippewas struck early with a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown just 40 seconds into the game, then doubled their lead later in the first quarter on a two-yard run to make it 14-0.
Wagner answered midway through the second quarter as freshman Nicholas Romero connected on a 33-yard field goal to cap an 11-play, 55-yard drive, trimming the deficit to 14-3. On the ensuing possession, however, Central Michigan responded with an 88-yard touchdown pass — the first of three CMU scores in the final nine minutes of the half — to build a 35-3 lead at the break.
The Chippewas extended their advantage in the third quarter with two more touchdowns, a 22-yard reception followed by a three-yard run, to push the margin to 49-3.
The Seahawks' lone touchdown came on defense early in the fourth quarter, when sophomore Eli Hiscock forced a fumble that freshman Austin Bailey scooped up and returned 75 yards to the end zone, cutting the deficit to 49-10. The last time the Green & White returned a fumble for a touchdown was in 2022 when Coby Calvin returned a fumble 93 yards against Sacred Heart.
Central Michigan finished with 506 yards of total offense, while Wagner was held to 113. Sophomore Matt Morad led the Seahawks with 35 rushing yards, while senior quarterback Jordan Barton accounted for 35 total yards in extended snaps. Defensively, sophomore Alim Parks Jr. paced Wagner with nine tackles, while senior Sam Martin added seven. Bailey and graduate student Akil Lampley each recovered fumbles in the second half.
The Seahawks (0-4, 0-0 NEC) return home next Saturday for their non-conference finale against Norfolk State. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Hameline Field.
