In this key MASCAC game, the difference was special teams.  Namely, a missed extra point by Mass Maritime after its final touchdown.  That turned out to be the difference, as Worcester State picked up a big win, 28-27.  With the victory, the Lancers kept their MASCAC title hopes alive.

Four times, the Lancers took a 7-point lead.  All four times, the Buccaneers responded with touchdowns of their own.  But that missed PAT in the fourth quarter proved costly.  The Bucs also missed a field goal at the end of the first half.

This felt like a pretty even game, and the score reflects that. The Bucs did outgain the Lancers, 393-344.  For Worcester State, MJ Bakaysa threw two touchdown passes, and Gavin Hatfield rushed for 103 yards and a TD.

Nearly all of Mass Maritime’s offense came on the ground, as you would expect.  John Dickinson rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns.

There were no turnovers in the game.  But those four points left on the field via special teams turned out to be critical.

With one week to go, Bridgewater State – who was idle today – has a one-game lead in the MASCAC.  There is a three-way tie for second between Worcester State, Framingham State and Mass Maritime.  If the Bears beat the Bucs next weekend, the Bears win the conference.  If the Bears lose – and the Lancers beat the Rams on the road – then Worcester State would take the title.  The Lancers have beaten the Bears and Bucs already this season.  If I have this wrong, someone please correct me.