POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Mike Mansaray showcased an impressive performance by rushing for 135 yards and scoring two touchdowns, leading Valparaiso to a narrow 17-14 victory over Marist on Saturday.
The Beacons, improving their record to 3-5 overall and 1-3 in the Pioneer Football League, nearly secured the win when their special teams effectively pinned Marist deep in their own territory. The Valparaiso defense managed to hold firm, but after Colin Graves’ 23-yard punt return, they found themselves with great field position. Unfortunately, they were unable to convert on a crucial fourth-and-1 opportunity from the Marist 12-yard line.
In a twist, the Red Foxes, who remain winless at 0-8 and 0-5 in the league, rallied for a chance to edge the game in their favor. They pushed beyond midfield, before ultimately pinning Valparaiso deep at their own 7-yard line. Marist managed to regain possession near midfield with less than two minutes remaining and successfully secured a first down. However, needing just one yard at the Valpo 28, their hopes faded as they attempted two long passes, both of which resulted in turnovers on downs with only 50 seconds left in their homecoming game.
Mansaray’s significant impact began early in the contest, as he raced for a 58-yard touchdown on the Beacons’ opening drive, giving them a 7-0 advantage. Marist responded swiftly, tying the game when Tristan Shannon capped a 75-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.
As the game progressed, Sonny Mannino connected with Will Downes for an 8-yard touchdown pass, completing a 73-yard drive that placed the Red Foxes ahead 14-7 late in the second quarter. However, following a kickoff return by Jeffery Vercher that brought Valparaiso to midfield, Mansaray scored again with a 4-yard rushing touchdown, tying the game just 18 seconds before halftime.
The decisive moment came late in the third quarter when Valparaiso orchestrated a 72-yard drive, concluding with Ryan Hawk’s successful 25-yard field goal in the closing seconds, ultimately sealing the hard-fought victory as both defenses tightened considerably in the second half.