West Long Branch, N.J. – The Robert Morris University football team took an early lead, but host Monmouth came storming back and pulled away late to claim a 35-9 decision in non-conference action Saturday afternoon at a warm Monmouth Stadium.
The setback for RMU ended the Colonials’ bid for their fourth consecutive win in West Long Branch.
Senior defensive lineman A.J. Holderman (Chagrin Falls, Ohio / Kenston) had one of his best days as a Colonial in the losing cause as he tallied a career-best six tackles, including a career-high three tackles for loss. He also added his first-career forced fumble on a sack.
Redshirt senior defensive lineman R.J. Cook (Beaver, Pa. / Beaver) corralled a tipped pass in the third quarter to register his first-career interception.
Redshirt senior linebacker Mike Cook (Victoria, Minn. / Eden Prairie (Winona State)) contributed a game-high nine tackles, barely falling short of posting his eighth double-digit tackles effort in the past 14 games.
The Robert Morris defense forced a three-and-out on the game’s first possession, and the special teams unit immediately went to work. Freshman linebacker Jimmy Masson (Boca Raton, Fla. / West Boca) brushed aside blocks and rushed into the backfield to block the Hawks’ punt attempt. Masson, who notched his first blocked kick, then scooped up the ball and returned it into the red zone before being brought down.
On the second play of the ensuing drive, junior Paul Jones (McKees Rocks, Pa. / Sto-Rox (Penn State))hit senior tight end D.J. Pearson (New Brighton, Pa. / New Brighton) for a 12-yard scoring strike as Pearson made a leaping grab in the back half of the end zone.
Monmouth responded right away by marching 77 yards on 10 plays to even the score.
Each team drove the ball into the opposing team’s territory on its next possession, but neither would score points.
After a RMU punt, Holderman forced a fumble that was recovered by junior defensive lineman Forrest Mason (Union Bridge, Md. / Frederick (Hargrave Military Academy)). The Colonials would miss the field goal on the ensuing drive, though, and the Hawks used the momentum to drive 74 yards for a touchdown that gave them the lead.
After three consecutive punts, Monmouth used a 41-yard pass to double its advantage.
The Hawks were set to punt out of their own end zone on their next drive, but a muffed snap combined with a strong Colonial rush forced the hosts into a safety, setting the halftime margin.
An interception and a punt by each team helped keep the third quarter scoreless.
Monmouth pulled away in the game’s final 10 minutes, expanding their lead and holding on for the victory.
Pearson caught a career-high six passes for a career-best 63 yards Saturday.
Junior linebacker Mike Stojkovic (Katy, Texas / Valley Forge Military Academy (North Texas)) tallied a season-high seven tackles while sophomore Brian Jones (Monroeville, Pa. / Gateway) reset his career best with five.
Senior wide receiver Donte Jeter (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Oliver) moved into eighth place in career receptions (72) at Robert Morris with his effort Saturday.
The game against Monmouth represented RMU’s non-conference finale as they will close the season by playing each of their Northeast Conference (NEC) foes.
RMU will enjoy its final bye of the season this coming week before resuming action by hosting a tilt against local rival Duquesne Oct. 19. The game, which is part of Robert Morris’ Homecoming weekend, will kickoff under the lights at 6:00 p.m.
