Stoughton’s Green, Bridgewater State Shine in Football Home Opener

By Nick Costa, The Enterprise (Brockton)

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University football team found itself looking for a spark to ignite the offense in its opening home game against UMass-Dartmouth at Swenson Field on Saturday afternoon.

Bears wide receiver Matthew Green proved he was up to the task.

The junior from Stoughton, posted five receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns as Bridgewater State scored 21 unanswered points in the third quarter en route to a decisive 31-6 victory over the Corsairs in NE-10 play.

“The credit for my performance today goes to our offensive line,” said Green. “They gave our quarterbacks time to find the open receivers.”

“Matthew did a great job moving into the slot receiver position,” said Bridgewater State coach Chuck Denune. “The offensive line did a great job giving the QB’s time to get him the ball in space and make plays.”

After a botched punt, UMass-Dartmouth (0-2) started its opening drive at the Bridgewater State 30-yard line, but the Bears’ defense held strong thanks to junior defensive tackle Adam Toman and defensive end Stewart Lamberton, as Edgar Osols missed a 48-yard field goal for the Corsairs.

Bridgewater State senior quarterback Caleb Gelsomino led the Bears (2-0) on a 69-yard drive that culminated with a 47-yard scoring strike to Green, putting Bridgewater State ahead, 7-3.

After the Bears’ defense held again, Bridgewater State’s offense moved the ball to the Corsairs’ 21-yard line before Jarred Diorio missed a 34-yard field goal attempt.

The two teams traded turnovers on their next three possessions before the Corsairs’ Joune Fraser intercepted Gelsomino and returned the ball to the Bridgewater State 19. Osols booted a 23-yard field goal, cutting the BSU lead to 7-6.

The Bears responded by going 47 yards, leading to a Diorio 26-yard field goal to give Bridgewater State a 10-6 lead at halftime.

The Bears came out in the third quarter to take control of the game with their opening drive of the half. After a defensive penalty moved the Bears into Corsairs territory, sophomore running back and Brockton native Blaise Branch (12 rushes, 44 yards), broke a 20-yard run and took another pass to the 8-yard line.

Quarterback Mike McCarthy ran it in from there to make it a 17-6 lead.

Bridgewater State put things out of reach with a 7-yard touchdown run from Mike Gentili and a 24-6 cushion.

The Bears finished out the scoring when Green caught his second touchdown of the day for the final margin.

“The key for us today was coming out and playing better football in the second half,” said Denune. “Our offense came out sloppy but our defense really kept us in it.

“After the break, we played more inspired football. We told our guys if they wanted to win, they had to go out and take it.”

Senior defensive tackle Phil Melicharek led Bridgewater State’s stingy defense with 11 tackles and 11/2 sacks.

Although he likes his team’s progress, Denune sees room for improvement.

“I like the effort our guys are putting forth,” said Denune. “We have to clean up mistakes, like taking too many penalties. If we do that, we will have a good team.”