STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. –– The Wagner College football team fell to NEC opponent LIU, 14-9, on Saturday evening on Hameline Field as part of Wagner Homecoming Weekend.
Wagner (1-6, 0-3 NEC) had an opportunity to strike first midway through the opening quarter when redshirt freshman quarterback Benjamin Newman connected with sophomore wide receiver Richard Perkins Jr. for a 59-yard completion, moving the Seahawks from their own six-yard line to the LIU (3-5, 3-0 NEC) 35.
The Green & White advanced to the LIU 32-yard line before a 49-yard field goal attempt sailed wide, keeping the game scoreless.
Both defenses continued to control the game throughout the second quarter, as neither team was able to find the end zone, sending the teams into halftime tied at 0-0.
Following a scoreless first half, LIU broke through with 10:23 remaining in the third quarter, capping a nine-play, 73-yard drive with a 27-yard touchdown run to give the Sharks a 7-0 advantage.
Wagner responded on its ensuing possession, putting together an 11-play, 70-yard scoring drive that took 4:16 off the clock. Newman connected with senior Teree McDonald for a 31-yard gain on third-and-10 before finding sophomore Malik Redd for a six-yard completion on third-and-four to move the chains.
The Seahawks capped the drive with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Newman to senior Christopher Harris. Freshman Johnny DiSalvatore converted the extra point to even the score at 7-7 with 6:07 remaining in the third quarter.
The Green & White defense then came up with a crucial stop, forcing LIU into a three-and-out on its next possession.
Following a 54-yard punt by Vincent Muscillo that pinned the Sharks at their own one-yard line, the Wagner defense came up with another big play. Senior captain and defensive lineman Logan Barnes and sophomore Kahmari Valentine combined to stop LIU in the end zone for a safety, giving the Seahawks their first lead of the game, 9-7, with 3:29 remaining in the third quarter. The play marked Wagner's first safety since 2018.
However, LIU regained possession deep in Wagner territory following a strip sack and fumble recovery on the Seahawks' ensuing drive.
The Sharks capitalized on the turnover with a four-yard touchdown pass from running back Sam Slade to Gianni Marino on fourth-and-two, giving LIU a 14-9 advantage with 1:08 remaining in the third quarter.
Wagner looked to respond in the fourth quarter, putting together a nine-play, 32-yard drive that reached the LIU 37-yard line. However, the Seahawks were unable to convert on third down and were forced to punt with 3:52 remaining.
LIU picked up two first downs on its final possession to run out the clock and secure the 14-9 victory.
Newman finished the evening completing 17-of-30 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown.
Perkins Jr. led the Wagner receiving corps with four catches for 87 yards, highlighted by his 59-yard reception in the first quarter. Redd added four receptions for 29 yards, while McDonald recorded a 31-yard reception.
Defensively, Shamar Williams led the Seahawks with a career-high 16 total tackles, including eight solo stops and one tackle for loss. Freshman Landon Martin added seven tackles, while Barnes finished with five tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and a share of the safety.
Senior Olanrewaju Adeyemi also recorded a sack as the Wagner defense held LIU to just 59 passing yards.
The Seahawks return to the road on Saturday, Oct. 24, to face Duquesne. Kickoff is set for noon at Rooney Field in Pittsburgh, Pa., with live coverage available on NEC Front Row.
