Madison, N.J. – Lycoming ran into a juggernaut on Saturday as FDU-Florham trounced the Warriors 49-14 at Robert T. Shields Field in Madison, N.J.  The loss drops Lycoming to 1-3 overall, 1-3 in the MAC while FDU improves 1-3 overall, 1-2 in the conference.

The loss also marks the first time since 2002 that the Devils had gotten the best of Lycoming.  The Warriors lead the all-time series 15-5.

The Warriors managed only 204 yards of total offense compared to 453 from the Devils.  Lycoming surrendered eight quarterback sacks on the afternoon for 53 yards lost further hampering the squad’s offensive production.  But the big blow came with four seconds remaining in the half when FDU defensive back Billy D. Williams returned an interception 80 yards to put Lycoming down 21-0 going into the intermission.

The score seemed much like a baseball game during the first quarter plus of play with FDU going up 5-0 after a field goal and safety of quarterback Sean Hanna (Lock Haven, Pa./Central Mountain).  The Devils tacked on the first big play of the game just 1:14 following the second quarter safety on a 56-yard pass play from quarterback Dan Huff to receiver Mike Smeja.

Huff had a huge day for the Devils as he threw for 231 and three scores while running for 147 yards and two touchdowns.

FDU tacked on a field goal to make the score 14-0 before Williams intercepted quarterback Glenn Smith (Watsontown, Pa./Warrior Run) at the Florham 20-yard line and scampered 80 yards across field for a 21-0 half-time advantage.

FDU increased its lead to 28-0 on the second play following the intermission when Huff found receiver David Nemeth wide open in the end zone for a 19-yard score.

Lycoming got itself on board on the ensuing drive as the Warriors showed some life and put together an impressive six-play, 42-yard drive that culminated in a Smith 1-yard goal line push up the middle.

Huff responded immediately for FDU with the first of his touchdown runs, this one coming from 15 yards out.

Lycoming suffered a tough break on its next drive when punter Tim Eskridge (Havertown, Pa./Haverford) fumbled the snap from center and picked up the ball with one knee down on the turf at the Warrior 22-yard line causing them to surrender possession deep inside their own territory.  FDU made good use of the mistake as Huff connected with Smeja for the second time with this strike coming from 24 yards.

Lycoming responded with its lone big play of the game as Smith hit receiver Jeremy Ebert (Hawley, Pa./Honesdale) on a perfectly timed post-pattern for a 59-yard score just 10 seconds into the final quarter.  It was the second big play in as many games for Ebert combined with his 87-yard jaunt in last week’s match against Delaware Valley College.

FDU iced any chances of a Warrior comeback when Huff scurried 16 yards for his second touchdown run increasing the Devils’ margin to 49-14.

Field position may have had much to do with Lycoming’s lack of offensive consistency and rhythm in the early going.  The Warriors started from inside their own 20-yard line three times in the first half allowing the Devil defense to be more aggressive in passing situations and set the tone for the remainder of the contest.

Lycoming is next in action on Saturday, October 8, as the Warriors welcome Wilkes University to David Person Field for the annual Homecoming game.  Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in Williamsport.