The Maritime College football team dropped its first game of the 2019 season on Friday night at Massachusetts Maritime 31-14. The Buccaneers came out of the gates hot with a 64-yard touchdown run on the opening drive and a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Although the Privateers battled back in the first half and cut the advantage to 17-14, they were never able to regain control of the lead and eventually fell 31-14.

After two touchdowns in the first five minutes of play, the Privateers gained some offensive momentum behind a nine play, 76-yard drive that was capped off by a 15 yard pass from Robert Wheeler (Staten Island, N.Y./Susan E. Wagner) to Andrew Geni (Bronx, N.Y./Archbishop Stepinac). However, Mass. Maritime was able to answer back with a quick drive of their own that resulted in a 23-yard field goal to push the lead to 17-7. 

Still trailing by 10 points in the second quarter, a 45-yard carry by Wheeler fueled a 77-yard touchdown drive for Maritime to cut the lead to three points with 3:46 left to play in the first half. Unfortunately, the Buccaneers stole the momentum back before halftime as they returned the ensuing kick 51 yards, which set up another touchdown right before halftime.

Looking to mount a second half comeback for the second consecutive week, the Privateers ended up turning the ball over in their second drive of the third quarter, which ultimately led to a touchdown for Mass. Maritime and a 17-point advantage. Consistent pressure on the quarterback from the Buccaneers hindered Maritime's ability to move the ball as the second half continued and they were unable to close the gap any further on the hosts.

Wheeler led the Privateers once again on offense as he carried the ball 30 times for 108 yards and a touchdown while tacking on 77 yards and another score. William Patsakos (Staten Island, N.Y./Susan E. Wagner) led the running backs with 45 yards on the ground, while Geni tallied 29 yards receiving and a touchdown. 

Defensively, Liam Bailey (Sayville, N.Y./Sayville), Frank Vano (Babylon, N.Y./Babylon), and Salvatore Escaldi (Farmingville, N.Y./St. John the Baptist) totaled eight tackles each to lead the defense. Justin Snuffer (Maple Shade, N.J./Maple Shade) and Joseph Behr (Sayreville, N.J./St. Joseph) each added three tackless and a pass breakup in the secondary. 

Maritime will look to get back in the win column next Saturday at 1:00 p.m. when they travel to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.