MADISON, N.J (November 11, 2017) - Senior
Malik Pressley and junior
Jagger Green each set school records as the FDU football team topped Misericordia 41-36 on Senior Day.
Pressley matched his career-high with five touchdown catches, while also breaking Vic Moncato's previous career-best of 2,854 receiving yards. The senior established a new program best of 2,957 career receving yards. Pressley now owns the career-mark in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns.
Not to be out done, Green set the school-record for passing completions in a season, finishing with 244 on the year. He also threw 20 touchdowns this year, good for third all-time on the single season list.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Devils opened the second with back-to-back tallies. Sophomore
Steve Iannone ripped off a 71-yard run which set up a 16 yard TD reception by Pressley, but the extra point was blocked. After the Devils forced a big-stop on fourth down on the ensuing series, Pressley hauled in a 64 yarder, while Iannone converted the two-point try.
Misericordia answered back with a score, but Pressley once again had a touchdown, his third of the half. Green had hit junior
Mike Panzarino for a big 14 yard play right before the 17 yard strike to Pressley. The Devils looked to go into halftime with a 14 point edge, but Aaron Berry rushed a score with no time left on the clock, making the score 21-14 at the half.
Green was intercepted on the third play from scrimmage beginning the second half, and the Cougars capitalized with a touchdown, but missed the extra point. After
Robert Planter forced and recovered a fumble deep in the Cougar, it was the Misericordia D that stepped up, forcing a turnover on downs.
The Cougars got life, and a long 94 yard run gave the visitors their first lead of the game. The Devils once again answered the call, embarking on a seven play, 80 yard drive. Panzarino, who lined up as the signal caller, plunged in on a keeper from five yards out to put the Devils back on-top 29-26.
Misericordia scored off a drive that took nearly seven minutes off the clock, going back up 33-29 before a short punt gave the Devils the ball back at the Misericordia 48 yard line with just over eight to play. The Devils needed just three plays, as Green hit Pressley for his fourth score of the game.
FDU held Misericordia to just a field goal on the next possession, and the Devils had one chance to score down 36-35. After getting sacked, Green hit Pressley for 15 yards on 4th and 13 to keep the drive alive. Facing another 4th and 1 after Iannone just missed gaining a first down, the Cougars were whistled for a 12 man in the huddle penalty, once again prolonging the drive.
Green converted another third and short, finding Panzarino for a 25 yard gain, setting up 1st and goal from the two. Two plays later, Green hit Pressley for the final time of his career, putting the Devils up 41-36 and giving them the victory.
In his last two games against the Cougars, Pressley caught 10 touchdowns and 457 yards receiving. On the afternoon, Green went 24-of-40 for 344 yards and five TD's, while Iannone had 117 yards on 18 carries. Pressley had 15 catches for 236 yards in what was his final collegiate contest. Panzarino hauled in eight passes for 119 yards, while junior
Isaiah Turner had 20 tackles and .5 sacks.
