Bryant begins NEC play against Saint Francis
Perry happy with team’s progress
SMITHFIELD — The first five weeks of the season have been hectic for Bryant firstyear football coach James Perry.
Every week began the same way with Perry and his staff breaking down the upcoming opponent’s film before implementing the game plan in the middle of the week and playing a game on Saturday.
After a 45-17 defeat at No. 15 New Hampshire on Sept. 30, Perry returned to work last week and started scouting – the Bulldogs. Last week was Bryant’s final bye of the season as they embark on the most important six-week stretch the season, so Perry spent time figuring what the Bulldogs can improve to compete for the Northeast Conference title
“The difference between our Merrimack game and our last two games was night and day,” Perry said prior to practice Thursday afternoon. “We’ve really made some good strides in all three phases of the game. The kids have really developed a rhythm practicing every week.
“I’m really happy with how much better we are and it’s very evident the strides we’ve made. Offensively, [quarterback Price Wilson] has come so far from the first game and defensively we’ve embraced the new schematic at a whole different level.”
Bryant (2-3, 0-0 NEC) had plenty of good film to breakdown along with some ugly plays. The Bulldogs own an impressive home with over Fordham, along with a close defeat to local rival Brown. On the flip side, the Bulldogs committed eight turnovers in a 60-12 defeat to Maine in the second week of the season.
Today at 1 p.m., reigning conference champion Saint Francis of Pennsylvania invades Beirne Stadium with a top-notch defense that has allowed just 11.4 points a game in its first five games. The talented Red Flash have also allowed opposing quarterbacks to throw just two touchdown passes against seven interceptions.
“We have to have our fastest game offensively,” Perry said. “This team’s defense is very aggressive and they are very deliberate in their other phases of the game. If we can play fast, which is going to mean being efficient, we’ll have a chance. If their able to dictate the game – making you second guess yourself – then we won’t be as far along as I think we are. It will be a good test.”
Saint Francis (3-2, 1-0 NEC) is led defensively by sophomore linebacker Da'Jon Lee, linebacker Ben Bruini and Sean Orsini. The Red Flash haven’t allowed more than 26 points in a game and they’ve held three opponents in the single digits.
Wilson, who threw five interceptions to the Black Bears, has impressed Perry in his first season running the offense since transferring from Louisiana Tech. The red-shirt junior has throw 10 touchdown passes and is averaging 353.4 passing yards a contest, which ranks him third in the FCS.
Wilson has completed at least 10 passes to six different Bulldogs, with Portsmouth native Matt Sewall leading the way with four touchdown catches on 21 receptions.
“We’re so much further along now than we were six weeks ago,” Perry said. “Hopefully, over the next six week we keep getting better. If we see that type of progress, we could be a really good team.”
Offensively, the Red Flash started the season strong, scoring a combined 100 points in wins over Lock Haven and NEC foe Wagner. But, quarterback Bear Fenimore and the Red Flash have scored just 41 points in the last three games.
Bryant linebacker Thomas Costigan said the key for Bryant’s defense, which has allowed 480 yards a game, is slowing down the Saint Francis run game. Junior running back Jymere JordanToney is averaging 97 rushing yards and he’s added three touchdowns.
“They’re going to run power and they’re going to try and run it down our throats,” Costigan said. “We just have to stop that and make sure they can’t throw it up to Cameron Lewis. If we take care of those two things, we’ll be all set. All the pressure is on now because if we don’t win these games coming up and don’t get a ring, it’s a let down. We have to bring it.”
Perry, who said the off week allowed him to get home in time for dinner every night with his wife and three kids at their Smithfield home, didn’t shy from the team’s ultimate goal – winning the program’s first NEC title.
Currently, the Red Flash, Duquesne and Central Connecticut sit in first place at 1-0, while the Bulldogs and Robert Morris have yet to play a conference game. Duquesne (0-1) and Wagner (0-2) are already chasing the pack.
“Our expressed goal is to win the NEC,” Perry said. “You only play 11 games, so it’s not like we’re saying one game is more important than the other. We want to win the NEC and go undefeated at home. I think the kids understand the import of starting the conference season.”