Lakers Swamp Buffalo State, 55-0
The Mercyhurst Lakers delivered a commanding performance, shutting out the Buffalo State Bengals 55-0 at Saxon Stadium in Erie, PA. This win brings Mercyhurst to 2-4 overall, while Buffalo State falls to 2-2. The game showcased Mercyhurst's dominance on both sides of the ball, with standout performances from senior quarterback Adam Urena and receiver Cameron Barmore, who continued to add to their impressive seasons.
Mercyhurst wasted no time asserting their dominance. On the first drive, quarterback Adam Urena connected with Rylan Davison for a 7-yard touchdown, and kicker Nathan Nagucki added the extra point, giving the Lakers an early 7-0 lead. Nagucki followed up with a 20-yard field goal midway through the quarter, extending the lead to 10-0. Just before the end of the quarter, Urena found Cameron Barmore on an 18-yard strike, pushing the score to 17-0.
The second quarter was much of the same as Urena threw two more touchdown passes, one to Chaz Davis for 19 yards and another to Braydon Black for 3 yards with just 21 seconds left in the half. Nagucki added a 27-yard field goal as time expired, sending the Lakers to the locker room with a commanding 34-0 lead.
The third quarter saw Urena connect with his brother, Austin Urena, for a 41-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 41-0. Urena finished the day with six touchdown passes and 305 yards, continuing his stellar senior campaign. The Mercyhurst defense stifled any attempt from Buffalo State to mount a comeback, limiting the Bengals to just 92 rushing yards and 74 passing yards.
In the fourth quarter with the game well in hand, Barmore caught his second touchdown of the day, a 15-yard reception, and backup quarterback Alex Gevaudan joined in the action, hitting Braydon Black on a 42-yard pass to complete the scoring at 55-0.
Adam Urena was brilliant yet again, going 26-for-35 for 305 yards and 6 touchdowns, adding to his season totals of 17 touchdown passes and just 1 interception. His best target, Cameron Barmore, caught 6 passes for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns. That makes 8 touchdown catches on the year for the talented senior. It’s no surprise that the Baltimore Ravens were in Erie during the week to scout the Lakers. In particular, we believe they were looking at Urena and Barmore.
Mercyhurst's defense shut down Buffalo State completely, limiting the Bengals to just 74 yards through the air. Senior defensive back Will Thomas IV contributed with an interception, part of a solid defensive showing that held Buffalo State scoreless. Buffalo State, part of the SUNY system, is a D3 squad.
Mercyhurst's special teams also played a role, with Nathan Nagucki going 2-for-2 on field goals and converting all 7 of his extra point attempts. Punt returner Broderick Washington had a 55-yard return, adding to the Lakers' excellent field position throughout the game. At no point during the game did the Lakers punt.
The Lakers aren’t eligible for the NEC title this year, as they do not play a full league schedule. Nevertheless, their next game is a pseudo-conference game. Merychurst will travel to Central Connecticut State in New Britain, CT for their next contest. If Mercyhurst can maintain this momentum, they could give the Blue Devils a challenge.
