NORTH EASTON, Mass. — In an exciting matchup on Saturday, Brady Olson connected with Donnie Marcus for a 30-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, leading Central Connecticut State to a 21-17 victory over Stonehill. This win keeps the Blue Devils in the running for the Northeastern Conference title.

With this victory, Central Connecticut State improved their record to 5-5 overall and stands at 4-1 in the conference, placing them in a tie with Robert Morris, who suffered a loss to Duquesne with a score of 31-6. Currently, Duquesne leads the conference at a perfect 5-0. Central Connecticut is set to face Robert Morris next Saturday, followed by their regular-season finale against Duquesne the following week.

The first quarter saw Ricky Ortega score on a one-yard run, giving the Blue Devils an early lead. Stonehill responded with a 49-yard field goal from Danny Hurley, before Elijah Howard completed a 15-play, 73-yard series, advancing eight yards for a touchdown. As the half drew to a close, Stonehill mounted a crucial goal-line stand, stopping Olson at the goal line and forcing a fumble as time expired.

In the third quarter, the Skyhawks surged ahead, thanks to a pair of touchdown passes from Jack O’Connell. He successfully connected on a 15-yard pass to Jake Newsham and then hit Chase Miller with a 14-yard pass, allowing Stonehill to take a 17-14 lead heading into the final quarter.

Rushing leader for the Blue Devils, Howard, finished the game with 70 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries, while Olson recorded 110 passing yards on 10-of-16 attempts, throwing one touchdown but also surrendering one interception. For Stonehill, O’Connell completed 11-of-20 passes for 166 yards, securing two touchdowns but also facing one interception. The Skyhawks struggled to find their ground game, recording only 75 rushing yards on 28 attempts.